Finally in Ghana: First few days

After over about 18 hours of flying, I’m finally in Ghana!! It’s so far just been orientations and getting acclimated, but I’m really happy to be here and to finally be experiencing everything! My first impressions, was HOT. It’s really really hot and humid here and I expect to be sweating every day. After successfully arriving in the Ghanaian airport, making it through the long line of immigration and finding my bags, I arrived at the hotel where our orientation is being held and after waiting for about 3 or 4 hours for some simple food, I finally got to sleep in a bed! Moral of the story, things in Ghana take a lot longer in the US so patience is key.

The next day, we had orientation and then took taxis to the mall. Interestingly, the mall is really similar to malls in the US. Driving in Ghana is insane and there seem to be no rules for the road. But, we survived. You also have to be prepared to bargain with the driver on the price, because it’s very common  for them to overcharge, especially to foreigners. But, I got a prepaid phone at the mall, and the service is relatively cheap! I also exchanged some money and used the atm. After a nap and some dinner, a group of us stayed out by the pool and drank some local Ghanaian beer (Star beer) and listened to a band. It was great!

Today, we experienced our first public transportation called the trotro. Picture an old passenger van that will drive you anywhere in Ghana and it is usually packed with people. We also toured the campus, which is HUGE! After more orientation, we had a dance workshop which was amazing, and we learned traditional Ghanaian dances. The professor was so cool and really encouraged us to give back to society!

Tomorrow, we move into the dorms and have orientation at the school. So far, everyone on my program is super nice and friendly. Ghanaians are also the most friendly and hospitable people! The food is really good too, lots of rice and fried plantains, which taste a little like sweet potatoes. That’s all for now, because internet is kinda off and on! Miss you all!!

Love, Audrey