Arrived in Ghana!

Hey everyone! I am finally connected with Internet which I'll have securely for about two weeks. Our flight here was smooth, and I was lucky to sit behind two Ghanaians who referred to themselves as Americanized and hear their views on the American vs African ways of life. Already, before even arriving in Ghana, I got a glimpse of how life was in Ghana, and just how different it was from life in the US. Upon arriving, I was immediately introduced to Ghana's wide range of wealth, and that, even in the capital city, you see all types of income inequality. In the city, there are the very rich, the very poor, and everyone in between.

The apartment that my family and I am staying in is a very large one and for that we are extremely lucky. This is only a temporary arrangement, two weeks, but for that time, we'll be able to enjoy the not so simple comforts of 2 tvs (to watch the Super Bowl and any and every Ghanaian sport with), air conditioning, Wifi, a daily cleaning service, and very large lounging rooms. Many of the middle to upper class homes are surrounded by barbed wire around its walls, and where we are now, the compound is surrounded by an electric fence, an indication of just how luxurious our living conditions are.

I haven't been out much, the only interactions with the city I've gotten are from the modest airport and the drive home. Everywhere you look while driving on the streets are people. People selling things from stands, walking up to your cars balancing goods on their heads, or simply walking and talking to others. In Ghana the people are very friendly, and always looking to help, even when it isn't particularly needed. They greet Americans warmly, with a genuine akwaaba, meaning welcome. Another observation of the people is their love for sports. The major sports here are cricket and soccer which are ALWAYS on the television. Always. The Ghanaians are particularly proud of their international tea am, the Black Stars, who have made it to the World Cup this year. Luckily, my family will be here for the World Cup and I can't wait to experience the excitement with the people!!

Food. Ghanaian food is very different from American cuisine which I learned early on. They eat a lot of fish, as Ghana is on the coast, and goat is another favorite of the people. My dad traveled here two weeks earlier than the rest of my family, and stocked the fridge with a few familiar foods like spaghetti and pancake mix. Every meal here in Ghana is accompanied by a starch of some sort, in the form of a packed ball sort of looking thing.

Here in Ghana, time is 5 hours ahead which may cause some problems with communication to those back home, but I'm sure it'll be worked out. Today will be my first full day in Ghana and I can't wait to get out and explore the city! I'll do my best to take pictures and upload them here, now that I have internet access!

-Layla