I reached some more landmarks today. The first, I received my orientation for work today. The Ark Foundation does so much for this country - for example, theirs is the only women and children's center in Ghana. There are a few children's shelters, but only theirs for women, too. I'm very excited to help them in any way I can.
Second, I've officially been called obruni. On the way home from the office - with the help of Sydney (a neighbour of the family I'm staying with temporarily) and two trotros and one shared taxi - I was crossing one of the many streets in Circle, and I walked smack into the back of Sydney. All the people around laughed and said, "Ah! Obruni, eh?" Syd was none too pleased, either.
Third, I've had my first marriage proposal. I went for a walk to the corner and back looking for bread, and on the way back was called over to a young man by a shop. He asked me if I was married and I said "yes, well, engaged" and he asked where my husband was ("Canada"). He then informed me that he would be my second husband, because I needed a white one and a black one. I said I didn't think I could handle two, and politely ended the conversation. Phew!
Also, I'm in the process of changing my return date, as I have decided to complete an 8-week internship rather than a 12-week one. I think I'll still be able to learn a lot in 8 weeks, and hopefully provide some usefulness, too, so I'm happy with the change. In retrospect, I think Accra was just a little far for my first independent traveling experience.
Much love,
Emily
Okay, I have some questions: What is a trotro, and what does obruni mean?
ReplyDeleteAs to having two husbands, whatever their colour, I, and most other wives I suspect, would suggest you try it with one first :-)
A trotro is a dinged-up mini-bus that fits about 20-25 people. It's like a van taxi. Except way cheaper.
ReplyDeleteAs for the husbands, I could not agree more. I think one is just fine, thank you very much (you can't exactly improve on perfection, right Cody?)