Second

Mema wo aha, nyanko! (trans: good afternoon, friend(s)!)
Fante is quite an interesting language. We started lessons yesterday and I'm doing my best to "pick it up". Yesterday afternoon my host father asked me if I was ready to stop speaking English at home. I started to chuckle, thinking he would join me in a second, but he just stared at me in the direct way that I am starting to realize is used here in abundance. I responded wryly, "I mean, it would be pretty quiet around here," and that time he did join me in laughing. But, from that conversation, I know it is only a matter of time before I will be forced to abandon my native tongue, at least at my residence, in deference to this stumbling mash-up of syllables of which I only have the basest of knowledge.

Today is my third day living with my homestay. I live with four people- Daddy Kum, Mommy Kum, and two of their grandchildren, Magdeline and Anita, who are about my age. They're incredibly kind and keep insisting that I should make sure to feel at home. Easier said than done. It's very interesting because they have the TV on, in almost every home I've been to, all the time. Even when no one is watching they have it running, like someone may just stroll by, glance at the screen, and decide to devote their afternoon to the Ghanaian version of American Idol, Mentor. Oddly enough the thing that has made me feel most at home is sitting in the evening in the living room, working on my Fante homework with my sisters, and watching re-runs of American Idol Season 6 (I don't know if they're aware, but Jordin Sparks eventually wins, soo... I'll look forward to Blake's beat boxing, Sanjaya's wild hair styles and the crying girl episode with anticipation). I also take walks with Daddy Kum most afternoons. They were kind enough to lend me a cell phone while I'm here, so if you're lucky (and I have enough time and phone credits) I may just drop you a line some day (if you would really like a call please e-mail me your phone number so I can have it at hand- this means you, Sam).

In other news, I've been pretty healthy thus far, but I did throw up once. Not to go into nasty details, but I'm 90 percent sure that it was the gruel-like porridge made from maize that I ate for breakfast. It tasted ok, but I made a point to let them know I was not a fan. Speaking of health, it is important here (as I was repeatedly and lovingly warned by my mother) to avoid getting malaria. No duh, right? Well, this involved the purchase of a mosquito net prior to my departure, and I, stupidly, did not try it out before I shoved it into my oversized duffle bag. The first night I pulled it out and assembled it, I discovered, much to my surprise, that it was about the size of a New York hotel room (see below). The Bug Hut is a recurring joke among me and my friends. I am mercilessly reamed about it, but I am probably the best protected SIT student on the trip, soo... rest easy, Mom.


The other night our group had a meeting with the Queen Mother of the Efutu region. She is the cheif's mom, and she spent an hour and a half explaining her duties. Traditional government works really interestingly with the national government here. The Akan, the most populous tribe in Ghana, are matrilineal. This, along with their extensive family system, has lead to some really interesting aspects of their society. Men, however, are still considered the 'breadwinner' and both husband and wife are held to the responsibilities designated for their sex- and held to those obligations by family pressure and a strong sense of tradition. Homosexuality is illegal here, and it is making more sense the longer I am here. I do not agree on any level, but they value family and children so much here that if one does not get married (men or women) they are not viewed as a responsible person. Homosexuality is seen as selfish and goes against almost every aspect of their culture (valuing fertility, Christian marriage, etc.). It has certainly challenged some of my perceptions, though.

(sorry, sam, but I had to use an example for the sizing... :) )

The other morning we had something called the Urban Drop-off. I will write more about that in my next blog, but the concept was this: give pairs a list of items to buy or find, drive them to the middle of the city, drop them on the "sidewalk", and tell them to be home by noon. Needless to say I did not mention this plan in my loving e-mail to parents... it went, well, though and I will fill you in the details in a few days, along with my perceptions of the slave castle visit (happening tomorrow), Ghanaian church (Saturday), and what happened on our trip to the beach, as well as a full description of my fellow students and program staff. Bye for now!