VICTORY! Yes, I've learned the proper retort to the "obruni" catcalls and that, as the title suggests is "o-be-be-nii" aka black man. However, the crafty children of Ghana sometimes step it up a notch, firmly and repeatedly declaring "obruni kaw kaw" which means "really white man." As of yet, I have yet to memorize an appropriately notched up response, but fear not, faithful readers, I will redouble my efforts in this socially accepted game of racial bigotry. Let's just hope I leave it here! More on that later.
Now for some news: it appears that my idle hands have finally gotten the best of me and I've decided it time to leave the life of occasional chores and get to work! That's right, I'm ready to be a farmer...I think. Since it is now exam and holiday season, my assistance at the school can be only minimal at best and since it is the dry season in most of Ghana the list of 13 functional farms has dwindled to 4 for the next month or two. Of those four, one already has two german volunteers and one is in the middle of nowhere without any redeeming tourist attractions nearby and is run by an invalid who wants $30/wk. As such, for phase one of my farming experience my choices are limited to the following:
a) a farm 50 miles north of Cape Coast, near the rainforest reserve of Kakum National Park. The village is a 3mi walk from "town," where the tro-tro staion is. The farm is a 4mi walk from the village. And water is procured from the river, also a heafty walk. It seems that this is where I will finally learn the art of carrying stuff on my head. I am excited. In addition to no cars, electricity (which also means no refridgeration), running water, or obrunis, I will be treated to the occasion cobra or viper meandering around (but they usually avoid people in favor of mice and the like).
b) Kumasi Institue of Technology and Agriculture--or something like that. KITA is located in the capital of the famed Ashanti Region, also the 2nd biggest city in Ghana. There I will stay with the headmaster and assist them in preparing sample plots for the students and growing produce that will be consumed by the college. In a nation where agriculture provides employment for 60% of the working population, these kinds of schools are taken seriously--unlike some programs back home.
I will not know which place I am going to until I speak with Ken later today. Therefore, I will not be able to post where I am headed until once I am already there...which will hardly be feasible at option a. So, if you don't hear from me for a while, I'm roughin it in farm country. If you do, then I'm chillin with King Tutu II in Ashanti territory. Both options limit volunteers to a 2 month stay, but I will leave my trip duration open-ended so that I can leave early or stay longer depending on how much I like where I am.
So until you hear from me next, keep your nose clean and be sure to get your flu shots. Because, as you all know, those winters can be killer. HA!
Byeeeeee
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