"Akwaaba" means "welcome" in Twi (pronounced Tchwee) and that is precisely how I felt touching down in Accra. I know my last post wasn't the most pleasant, but it should be noted that I did get sick again on the second flight. However, it was while people were still boarding. After that I was golden. Slept the whole way (about a six hour flight)! I arrived at 8pm local time, stood in line for an hour to go through customs (they even took our fingerprints, which I don't recall happening in Argentina), and then another half hour to get my bag and find my SIT people. Kokroko, Papa Attah, Ama, and Kwame greeted me and my fellow program mates, of which there are 18 total (only two boys!). We ALL piled into ONE large van and took off on the streets of Accra for our hotel. Now that's what I call mobbin' deep. Upon arrival, we set our things down, two to a room, and rejoined for a late dinner. Chips (french fries), rice, chicken, fish (tilapia I think?), and a darn tasty tomato salsa with vegetables. I didn't want to throw any wrenches into my system right out of the gates, so I avoided the fish and chicken. We were all jet lagged, lost in time and space, so we hit the hay soon after.
This morning started at 7:15am, b-fast at 8 (plantains, eggs with tomato and onion, roll with buddah and imported jam, and tea), then a bit of orienting. We met our academic director, Yemi, for the first time and he explained all this semester would hold for us. He introduced the rest of the program staff and said our semester is lucky to have them all around. I guess in the past, they all haven't been able to be here. Anyway, their words were reassuring. "Enjoy your life in Ghana."
In about ten minutes we have a lecture on the cultural do's and don'ts and then it's off to the market! Papa Attah says this will be our baptism into the community. I CANNOT WAIT! I'll be buying a phone and some school items. So, if a strange number is trying to reach you...answer, it's me!
More to come!
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