Adapting

My study abroad program director, Dr. Cheryl Dozier, had led many pre-departure meetings about the country. We were advised on what to bring, potential problems (such as power outages), and the environment. Even though the reality was nicer than described, I still had my trials. As a native of Athens, GA, this was also the first time I would be away from home for this long. Additionally, I did not want to get sick and may have been overly vigilent at times. I am thankful for my trip because looking back the ups greatly outnumbered the downs. For example...

May 17, 2008

Today the end was better than the beginning or the middle. For the most part we were on the bus. Then we went to where they make kente cloth in Kumasi, where they stamp fabric, and a wood carving district. I feel as though the two items I did bring to trade (UGA cups) are completely useless. The people want gum, lotion, clothes, etc., not UGA cups. I am sure someone will want them, but I wish I had brought more practical things to trade. Not to mention, I traded my flashlight for a kente cloth purse and 5 Ghana Cedis, which was probably too much because my flashlight was a really good one. I am praying that the power won't go out anywhere and I won't need it.

The aggressiveness and crowding of the men and boys of the places we went who were selling things were distracting and frustrating. At the woodcarving market I did not get off the bus. At that point I was getting hungry and thinking about everything but having a good time in Ghana. I was in a bad mood. I felt like an ugly tourist with money and not a person.

A couple of my group mates are really cool. They like to make me feel better. One girl says the most random things and it makes me laugh. I don't think anyone realizes that I have never done anything like this before and its becoming a little overwhelming.

Dinner was the usual. I had cookies from my room (after dinner) and then finally got open the jug of water I had bought that had a plastic plug in it. I hung out in two of group mates' room a little while and plaited hair. I then hung out in the Jazz Hut. The Jazz Hut is a nice little jazz and blues club next to the hotel. Everybody was relaxing. I wrote my postcards, yay! I finally have messages to send home, not through e-mail.

Fast Foward
I did grow in confidence trading and negotiating with the local people. It is their way so I had to adapt. I learned how to say 'no' sometimes, and walk away. I was able to return with nice gifts for my family and a new look at how other people in the world do business.