Greetings from lovely Ghana!!
I've made back to the internet cafe, although today's keyboard is not quite right, some keys are in odd places or don't work at all, so bear with me. The drive over here via taxi is always an adventure, well taxis here are definitely an adventure. The cars are old and rattly, then often filled with goods and people, no chickens yet, but it won't be long. The roads are rough and clogged with, yes you guessed it--chickens, goats and people carrying loads on their heads. More on that later. Regardless, the half hour ride here is past beautiful subsistence farms--maize, beans, cocoa, plantains (they look like palm trees), cashew trees, cassava bushes, etc. It is all green.
Training is still moving along. Y'day I got a rabies shot and a first of several hepatitus shots. Finally, late in the day we received our site assignments. I'll be spending the next two years at Kakum National Park. I couldn't be more excited. From both what I've heard and read, the park is a nat'l treasure and a birdwatcher's dream.\ Next month I'll visit the site, plus get to see my house, which according to the description is "pink." Hmmm, it wasn't my first choice.\\ When they inspected the house a month ago the toilet wasn't installed. I'm hopeful that in another month that might be done.\
My host family continues to treat me very well. I left this a.m. for language class and they were all busy cleaning. Laundry is all done by hand here and yes, they do sweep dirt yards clean (more on that later). Did I mention that they have bananas and oranges growing in the yard?? It's currently the "little rainy season" here and that essentially means that they have a second crop of anything. Given the daily rain, everything is growing.
With my site confirmed, I'm now learning another language. Fanti is the language of the Ashanti people, widely spoken in the southern parts of Ghana. It sounds harmonic to me. I hope to supercede my present comedic status, although it is somehow comforting to have everyone laughing at me....
Thanks to all the correspondents out there, it means more than you know to hear from home.
love ya...d
I've made back to the internet cafe, although today's keyboard is not quite right, some keys are in odd places or don't work at all, so bear with me. The drive over here via taxi is always an adventure, well taxis here are definitely an adventure. The cars are old and rattly, then often filled with goods and people, no chickens yet, but it won't be long. The roads are rough and clogged with, yes you guessed it--chickens, goats and people carrying loads on their heads. More on that later. Regardless, the half hour ride here is past beautiful subsistence farms--maize, beans, cocoa, plantains (they look like palm trees), cashew trees, cassava bushes, etc. It is all green.
Training is still moving along. Y'day I got a rabies shot and a first of several hepatitus shots. Finally, late in the day we received our site assignments. I'll be spending the next two years at Kakum National Park. I couldn't be more excited. From both what I've heard and read, the park is a nat'l treasure and a birdwatcher's dream.\ Next month I'll visit the site, plus get to see my house, which according to the description is "pink." Hmmm, it wasn't my first choice.\\ When they inspected the house a month ago the toilet wasn't installed. I'm hopeful that in another month that might be done.\
My host family continues to treat me very well. I left this a.m. for language class and they were all busy cleaning. Laundry is all done by hand here and yes, they do sweep dirt yards clean (more on that later). Did I mention that they have bananas and oranges growing in the yard?? It's currently the "little rainy season" here and that essentially means that they have a second crop of anything. Given the daily rain, everything is growing.
With my site confirmed, I'm now learning another language. Fanti is the language of the Ashanti people, widely spoken in the southern parts of Ghana. It sounds harmonic to me. I hope to supercede my present comedic status, although it is somehow comforting to have everyone laughing at me....
Thanks to all the correspondents out there, it means more than you know to hear from home.
love ya...d
posted by Dixie | 11:40 AM
13 Comments:
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Hey Dixie!
So happy for your update, and thrilled that your assignment appears like it will suit you well-aside from, perhaps, the pink house... you did write house and not hut, though, so that's a relief! Hang in there with the language classes.
miss you!
-jen
Greetings Dixie!!
A pink house, oh boy! I certainly hope the toilet gets installed for your benefit. Glad to here your assignment is in the National Park. I am sure this pleases you greatly. Here the fall colors are under way and of course I feel the span for good weather is winding down fast so we are trying to work at mach speed to close up the exteriors of all the homes. I love fall!! Need more time to enjoy it!!! Keep up the work on the language classes, it does sound comforting to here laughter. I will be extremely busy over the next two weeks; however will try to drop notes as I can. Have fun and enjoy.
Hi Dixie,
Great news about your assignment.
Good luck on indoor plumbing!!!
Pkg from Becky.Larry,Gordon & me
is on its way.
We look forward to your postings.
Bet you "ACE" all your courses.
Bob
Hi Dixie,
Glad to see all the blog entries. It sounds like you are having a grand time. I look forward to hearing more about your bird watching when you get to the national parks. Say hi to all the cheifs for us :) Take care and we miss you. Kathy, Chad and Christie.
I watched a movie called "Constant Gardner" and thought of you. It was set in Africa. Sounds like you're taking it all in. I know women who would kill for a pink house, so enjoy that. And isn't it amazing that people actually sweep their dirt floors?? Who knew?
I just finished my 3rd marathon this sunday and signed up for my 4th later on in Nov. Trying to reach my goal of qualifying for the Boston M. Still no offers on the house but I have much hope.
Sounds like you're doing well. Looking forward to your first bush taxi ride w/ a chicken...
Hi, Dixie!
We miss you and are thinking about you on your great life adventure.
Love, Shawna
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Dix -- I promise, I WILL send snail mail soon. I am in Indy this weekend (10/22) visiting our pal Jen who is in St. V's. She wants me to let you know that she is OK, although she spent 3 days in ICU. I'm guessing she'll be in hosp. through at least part of next week. She will be in touch. We are all keeping an eye on her, but she could use your good thoughts too, so keep her close. On a happier note, we were thrilled to read that you would be nesting in a National Park for the next two years. Sigh. I know it will be a challenge in many ways, but what a great environment to be challenged in! We love you and miss you. The house painting is finished!!!! WooHooo!!!! Looks great.
xo
J
Dixie,
I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to track you down before you left. I've been read up on Kakum National Park and it sounds perfect for you. Have you tried the canopy walkway yet?
We're doing the typical winterizing out here on the farm and preparing for an especially cold winter. G sends her love as does out mutual friend, Sharon A.
Please mention what items you'd like to receive. A comfort package will be sent out but we'd like to include any special requests.
Hope all is going wonderfully for you!
Yo Dixie,
So glad to hear you are getting the color of your choice. I'm sure if the toilet isn't installed, you'll find a way to create your own system. After all, you would be the only one I would want to be with if I was stuck on a deserted island. Perhaps you should also teach some porcheegeeeze while you are out there??? Do they laugh at you when you snort?
Well, I miss my fuzzy cowardly lion ..growls and all. the cats just don't do it on my end.
Will send fun stuff soon! xoxo's -d
Hi! My name is Dixie. I was born in Indianapolis IN in 1952. My parents were en rte from upstate NY to the border of TX/Mexico. My father was a cartographer for the US Geological Survey. We lived all over the USA as he mapped parks, rivers, coastlines etc. I lived in Kenya in the 1970s. Found your blog by typing in my name & up this came! You sound fascinating! Thank you for this blog... Dixie of Colorado USA
Dixie Dear: This Christmas Eve Day I am thinking of you and the news that your Grandma Brackman has made her transition. Your connection to her will never be broken. I can imagine she is enjoying each day of your current journey/adventure. That's who you always said she was - your mentor, your sage, your example. To paraphrase my very Christian daily guide book: "Your loved one is very safe in my keeping. Learning and loving and working, theirs is a life of happiness and progress. They serve me and those they love- ceaselessly they serve. How often mortals rush to earthly friends who can serve them in so limited a way, when the friends who are freed from the limitations of humanity can serve them so much better understand better, protect better, plan better, and even plead better their cause with Me. You do well to remember your friends (and family) in the Unseen." She is with you now, we all, are with you today and every day. Merry Christmas. Love, Susan
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