Everybody loves Saturday Night. At least that is what the band said.

:D Fun times in Ghana. After two failed attempts, we got into a lounge. @Elise's flip flops

After a couple tropical drinks, the music transformed from random American throwbacks to more a pro pos tunes. Definitely enjoyed hearing (and dancing to) some local hits. Thanks Margaret for giving us the hook up with Nii Ako. :D

Day 2...

Yeah, it's long past Day 2 and I still won't have time to catch you up through today, but little by little I'll document this trip.

So we are staying in the Holiday Inn Accra Airport while in Accra with the profs. Sweet accommodations. Much nicer that my usual international dwellings. Breakfast is included and it may be the best part of staying here. The buffet is extensive. There is the usual, bacon and potatoes (they have a different style each day!) and omelette station. But then they also have the English breakfast option (beans and mushrooms) and Ghanaian style (kelewele, that's spicy plantains, jollof rice, and a stew of sorts that also changes daily). Then there is an assortment of breads and pastries and fruit. So you know with my love of breakfast, I'm in heaven every morning here.

OK. Started writing this 2 days ago. lol. Well, let me try to at least finish Day 2 quickly...

After breakfast on the second day, that was Saturday, we ventured out to do a bit of site seeing. First stop, Independence Square. We actually were able to go into the square and even to the beach behind it. Next we visited the arts market....for the first time. There were all sorts of dresses and carvings and paintings and jewelry, lots of jewelry. I managed to come out with just a couple of pairs of earrings and a painting. Next stop was the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah. Great opportunity to learn some Ghanaian history. Also learned (thanks Jacob) that Nkrumah was frat. Blue Phi. For lunch we headed back to Oxford Street to eat at what was supposed to be the best seafood restaurant around, Monsoon. As we walked in I had the feeling that either someone had lied to us or the place wasn't open yet. Turns out it was the latter. No food until 6. So we ended up going to the food court nearby. The sign assured us that we would "Luv dat chicken." It was actually pretty good (chicken kebabs and rice). And it gave us a chance to chat with the TAs from KNUST (oh yeah, I guess I didn't mention that we had tour guides from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology). After lunch, we, or at least the ladies, spent quite a while deciding between fabrics in Woodin (fabric and clothing store) so that we could have dresses made. And when we had finally secured some pretty prints we went to Makola Market. IDK that I can describe it to you. It's a HUGE local open air market area where you can buy anything you need from deodorant to smoked fish, and it is teeming with people and vendors. More than any other market I have been too. And what was awesome was that after the arts market where we were hounded to purchase wares, we were able to just walk around sans assault. We didn't stay too long though because a storm was rolling in. And just as we got back to the hotel, it started pouring and the accompanying wind was no joke either. But it eventually ended and the resulting cool made an outdoor dinner desirable. So we (the students & Dr. Meyer, or as the market vendors called him "Papa") ate poolside. Shrimp fried rice. And it wouldn't be the last time. Dessert was on Papa, chocolate tart. And...then I think we all just went to bed.

Sorry if that was a bit rushed but I am very far behind but I still don't have time to catch up. It took me three days to get this written. And now I am off to experience a bit of Accra night life. Oh and pictures are to come too.

To hold you over

So we are back in Accra. I know it has been a minute but between full days, writing my planning law papers at night and not having reliable internet in Kumasi, I have gotten behind in my posts. But rather than quickly blow through the last few days, I will give you some musings to tide you over until I can actually write the posts I owe you.

I haven't heard "Look at me now" in a week. :D

I was putting on sunblock this morning and felt a new awareness and pride in my brown skin.

Our bus/van driver is such a G (stories to come)

Malaria pills lead to some crazy dreams. Definitely makes waking up a little easier.

"Sankofa" is everywhere. I welcome the reminder.

The Holiday Accra Airport is beasty.

I love Ghana. :D

*fault*

That is what our thermostat is blinking... I think our A/C is busted because our hotel room should not be humid.

Once I get through some of my law paper I will tell you tales of the last two days...

Day 1...

*unrelated* Apparently Charlie Sheen was at GT today! #tigerblood or #winning or #somethinglikethatifwearestillusingthosehashtags *unrelated* and now...

Welcome (vicariously) to the Motherland!

I can't believe it. I'm in Africa! :D I had spent the last two weeks stressing about finishing assignments and the 24 hours prior to take off studying and packing and running around like a headless chicken. But when I was walking down the aisle of the plane, it hit me. Listening to everyone's accents and watching them stuff over-sized carry-ons into the overhead compartments (you called it Margaret), I realized I was finally making a trip I had dreamed of since I was a kid.

After an 11 hour flight, we touched down in Accra, Ghana. I actually like long flights. 1) They tend to mean I am going somewhere far away, which is pretty synonymous with "awesome trip ahead" 2) They give me a chance to watch movies I missed in theaters. And last night, showing on the very small screen...Tangled and How Do You Know? *guilty pleasure* Is it just me or was Flynn aka Eugene hot?? *guilty pleasure* The flight was also brightened by a French-speaking flight attendant and "happy hour" in the back of the plane with Elise and a dear friend washing back his Ambient with Corona.

And now, that we're checked in and I no longer smell like travel, it is time to get in a late lunch before we head out to Oxford Street!

*also unrelated* Putting it out there, if anyone wants to sign me up for the scoutmobs of the next week, that would be awesome :) *also unrelated*

What you Ghana do? (credit: Phillip Cherry)

Long time no post. Atlanta has been great to me. So great that I am heading off on another international adventure...AFRICA, Ghana to be specific.

True to form I am severely behind schedule. So much to do and not nearly enough time. But I wanted to take the time to warn you that I will be back on my blog for the next couple of weeks.

Stay tuned....