We ate at this place called Freddie’s, whose menu was very familiar (finally!). They serve all sorts of American food, and I ordered a chicken and cheese sandwhch. Mmmm it was good to give my mouth a break from all the spiciness. During lunch the power would go out for a few minutes and no one reacts or seems to notice at all. Christa, our associate director, says that in this part of the continent there are power fluctuations and power goes on and off all the time. It makes me laugh when I think about how we would (and do) react in America if the lights went out for even a few seconds. We have to turn the lights off and the AC off every time we’re not using them, because electricity is very expensive here and there’s not enough of it to use wastefully. Often Gillian and I use our computers in the dark just because we realize how unnecessary most additional lighting is.
Momma, these are some of the many fabrics! :)Anyway, switching gears, today we also spent a lot of time at the Academic Center, which is NYU’s facility where we have our NYU classes. As I think I’ve mentioned, we can also take classes at University of Ghana, Legon (the public university) and Ashesi University (the small, private university of about 300 students). Did you know the government fully pays for all public university education? In return, upon graduation students spend a year doing “Federal Service,” which basically is a way to thank and repay your country for your education. It’s not the military or anything, but basically a year of full-time volunteer work. You receive a small stipend but no salary. In fact, our CRAs (Community Residential Advisors) are all doing their Federal Service now, and were assigned to the NYU Ghana campus. Anyway, at our Academic Center we had a few lectures on the history of Ghana, health safety (we know, it’s dangerous here, take your pills, wear sunscreen), and then took a Twi class taught by our Director, Auntie Anyidoh. I’ll practice my Twi below. There are over 40 languages spoken in Ghana, but Akan is spoken by about 40% of the population. Twi is a dialect of Akan, and is what most people in Accra speak, in addition to English and most likely several other dialects.
Maakye (pronounced mah-chey) is Good Morning
Wo de sen? (pronounced Woah-day-sin) is What is your name?
Me de Elizabeth (meh-day) is My name’s Elizabeth.
Thank you is “Medaase” (pronounced meh-dah-say)- we use this word a lot!
Yes is “Aane” (ah-nay) No is “Daabi” (Dehhh-bee)
The numbers to 5 are: Baako, Mmienu, Mmiensa, Enan, Enum
That’s all I’ll practice for now. Time for dinner at Sunshine Salads, the other place we have a meal plan to. It’s supposed to serve more American type foods. I’ll update later!
love love love
3 comments:
Ooooh those fabrics are beautiful! I'd end up with a suitcase full of "goods" if I were there! Thank you for bringing this day second full day to life - another collection of colors, sounds, sights and memories. Sleep well and know that I love you, Momma
Maakye Elizabeth Jane,
Your second day was so interesting. I am now compelled to go online and learn more about Ghana! It all must seem quite surreal to you. How awesome that you will get to experience this historical inauguration in such a unique and memorable way. I really enjoy reading about how university education is funded. Sounds a little like the concept of Anericorp. Glad to read you found some American cuisine to give your taste buds a little respite. Most happy to read you have an Auntie there to watch out for you! :) Stay safe and have a great day three sweetpea. Live, Ish
Now I can honestly say that EJS is the most beautiful girl in the world! She's been all over and still so darn pretty :) I hope that you are safe. I'm sure you are because God is with you. I am so very proud of you. Uncle Joe and I miss you terribly. Be safe and know that you are in our prayers. WE LOVE YOU ELIZABETH! Love, Aunt Jeri and Uncle Joe oxoxoxoxoxoxox
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