For A Better Future.

My class's last assignment was to think about their future. They each told me what they wanted to "be" in the future. These kids are hardworking and dedicated students. I hope all of their dreams come true!

Appetite Intact.

Everyone keeps asking me about the food! The food was, well, interesting. Yes, when we ate with our hands we were only to use our right hand. And yes, I had a bit of culture shock at first. But our amazing cook Naomi made some amazing dishes. Jollof rice was my favorite - Katie, get on that recipe!

My first cultural meal was "FuFu". It is a process to get the dough ready. It involves a large wooden stick and intricate hand work.

The final product:

Proof that we ate it:

"Kenkey" was my next treat. It is made from ground corn (maize) and wrapped in corn husks. This is also served without silverware. We received an additional treat; fish with eyes.

My favorite snack -- Plantain Chips! You could buy them in town but Naomi's homemade were my favorite.

With Wildlife.

Another adventurous weekend in Ghana; we traveled to Shai Hills Animal Reserve yesterday!

Clinging to Katie, okay so I was a little bit scared...

Hung out with the baboons!

And relaxed by the crocodile pond!

The hike reminded us of The Lion King!

Class Picture Day.

I will miss these kids! Not once have they complained. Each morning they were eager to learn any lesson I had planned. Not only can they add fractions, they also mastered Heads-Up-7-Up!

In A Developing Country.

You know you are in  Ghana when:

1. Your perfume is Deet insect repellent.
2. A shower consists of cold water in a bucket.
3. Shoes are optional.
4. The following image is in a third grade text book under water pollution:

5. You receive multiple wedding proposals each day.
6. It is okay to fall asleep at work...or just about anywhere.
7. You drink water out of a bag and dream of ice cubes.
8. Personal hygiene is also listed as a science lesson. This image was my favorite:

9. The ground doubles as town trash cans.
10. You are constantly followed by a large group of children.

A Perfect Day.

On Sunday, we hiked through the tropical rainforests of Ghana!  I didn't even notice the length; it had to be at least 10 miles. Katie was right, the Rainforest Cafe did a great job capturing the sounds. That is exactly what it sounds like!

We met local villagers...

Stopped at a waterfall...

And had lunch on top of Umbrella Rock!

 

To The Beaches Of Accra.

Accra, the capital of Ghana, was the perfect spot for a weekend getaway!

The beach was beautiful!

The Art Center market was filled with masks and artifacts!

Memorial to Kwame Nkrumah, the former president of Ghana who ruled when the nation gained independence

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By Hand.

Katie and I spent our morning washing clothes like the locals, by hand. Now I understand why everyone has muscles in Ghana! Preparing dinner or washing clothes is an intense cardio workout.