Day of Rest

Friday, June 4th, 2010 6:34 AM
Tamale, Ghana- UFS Volunteer Guest House

Yesterday was tour the town/rest up a bit day. Most all the volunteers either slept or snoozed until around 8:30 AM and didn’t really get start doing things until about 10:30. We started the day by sorting out our glasses and sunglasses by putting ones with similar powers in one pile. All but one of us had glasses that had already been presorted by 25 pairs, so it took very little time to put them all in their respective locations. Claire’s, however, were just singles. So we had a bit of bonding time going through each pair and trying out some and self-proclaiming new styles. The highlight was finding two pairs of Rayban sunglasses. Christian thought of buying sunglasses by the bulk from the company that we purchased them from just so he could sell the ones that came from legitimate companies, but quickly repealed his idea since he wasn’t a bad man.

We continued the day by doing a little bit of touring. We started by visiting the Mariam Hotel, the only place with legitimate air conditioning and wireless internet with purchase of a meal and/or drink. It is very tempting to spend some or a lot of time there. Next was the eye clinic that we would be working at sometimes. There, we again met with Dr. Seth Wanye and also the rest of his ophthalmologic staff. As they were all very busy, a quick “you’re welcome” was proclaimed and we moved on to going to the bank for me and Claire to exchange some money. I had no problem exchanging USD to Cedis, but Claire was denied access to taking out money from her ATM card, so it made for a very frustrating and tear-filled scene. But we went to another bank to try her card there and it worked so everything was all right.

We then had lunch at a gas station restaurant. There, I learned how to somewhat eat a fish head from A-lee, as well as understand that Ghanaians also enjoy eating their food to the last grain of rice. When I explained how many Americans eat their food halfway or not at all at some restaurants, he burned with anger. Finally, a man that understands me.

After a stop at an internet café for 80 pesuas an hour, we returned home just in time for our friends Oswan and ?? to walk down to visit us. Apparently, there are a few Ghanaians, not affiliated with Unite for Sight that like to visit us and play some fútbol or cards or just talk. Last night, we taught them poker. Since they also play a card game that requires a lot of knowledge and wit, they were quick to learn the basics of the game. We ended the night with a meeting with Dr. Wanye, where we planned out a little bit about what was to come for tomorrow and Monday. If the weather permits and A-lee gets it arranged, we might actually start doing eye checks for a nearby village tomorrow.

I also learned a little bit about Ghanaian mannerisms. As (guy that wants to be Jamacian) said to me, Claire, and Katie, the variation of inviting someone out to eat, aka “are you hungry?” can be extremely insulting to the receiver of the question/invitation. I guess I can understand why that might be, since a full belly may be attributed to how much wealth you have in this country, the question of are you hungry? could be related to “are you poor?” type of mentality.

It rained hard last night… but now the weather’s cool. Very… nice.

Terms I’ve learned so far:
Ka-ooo-lah? – How are you?
Des-Pah – Good morning
An-te-ray – Good Afternoon
Ah-no-la – Good evening
Naaaaaaaaa – response to a “good …” greeting