Orientation has continued for better or worse. I'm getting so antsy doing all this prescribed NYU stuff. I'm sure it's all very valuable, but the academic center doesn't have a single space large enough to handle all of us so we're stuck sitting outside (under shade thank god) for hoursssss. Not fun at all. I really just want to go out and explore Accra.
Yesterday, we were able to get a little taste of life outside Labone (the suburb where NYU in Ghana is). We went to a nearby area called Osu which was soooooo much activity compared to what we had seen. There were all sorts of street vendors selling everything from power strips and trash cans to goofy touristy souveneirs and amaaaaaaaazing fabrics. We had lunch at a place called Frankie's which was pretty much just American food (the place was also full of white people). After lunch a few others and I separated from the group to explore the area. We made our way to a Barclay's ATM where I was able to withdraw money without a fee, got told we were rude for not buying goods when we were harassed, and went to a supermarket that carries a lot of imported goods (they had Skippy peanut butter!). Afterward we all headed back to the academic center for a Twi lesson. Then after some free time we had dinner at Sunshine Salads, the other restuarant on our meal plan. The place has curries and salads and sandwiches...quite different from the Ghanaian food at Tante Marie.
Today's orientation was really focused on academics. We toured Ashesi University which is about two minutes from the academic center. I think I'm going to take a class on African music and dance there. After we had a lecture on cultural dos and don'ts (Note: Thumbs up good, Thumbs down good, Thumb in up/down motion vulgar) and one on the history of Ghana. We then headed to the University of Ghana Legon to see about taking classes there. I was really interested in taking a Human Rights in Africa class there, but it conflicts with an NYU class I want to take, so I'll be sticking with the one at Ashesi. The campus was HUUUUUUGE. It was pretty overwhelming, but awesome to see all the Ghanaian students (as well as other study abroad students). After returning to Labone, a few of us visited a local wine shop (Chateau Simon) and got four bottles of wine for about 20 Cedis and then headed back home to rest before dinner at Tante Marie. ONE WORD: PLANTAINS. I'm in love with them. Low key night after dinner. It was definitely a rough day with a lot of sun.
TWI LESSON!
Wo ho te sen? - How are you?
Me din de - My name is
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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The cedi (currency sign: ₵; currency code: GHS) is the unit of currency of Ghana. One cedi is divided into one hundred pesewas. The present cedi was introduced on July 3, 2007.
The word "cedi" is derived from the Akan word for cowry shell. Cowry shells were once used in Ghana as a form of currency.
The rate is about 78 cents to the Ghana cedi, so 4 bottles of wine cost $16 and the phone about $36.
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