"obrunis" in africa

I looked out balcony door of my dorm room this morning and there was no question that I've arrived in Africa. Our flight arrived yesterday night and we made our way to University of Ghana International Student HOstel around 10:30. All safe and only one lost bag (not mine). Our flights went well but I'm very relieved to be here. Traveling becomes emotionally draining very quickly.

I could go on and on telling you about my dorm, the campus, the food, the bathrooms, etc. but, in an effort to keep things short, I think I might adopt this new format for these posts, limiting myself to five interesting, semi-interesting, or not really very intersting things about my life here in Ghana. Here goes:

1. Community bathrooms--many of the bathroom stalls don't have locks on the doors, and oftentimes the toilets don't flush well, which makes a bathroom experience for someone like me, who positively hates any toilet other than my own, the greatest challenge thus far. And there's no hot water AT ALL.

2. Lots of white people--I didn't realize how many other American students there would be here besides our group. Obruni is the Twi word for white person. So far I've only been called that by other white people. It's allegedly not an insult.... :)

3. Lizards--everywhere. Big ones.

4. ISH 2--that's the name of our hostel, and (let me tell you) it's a happenin' place. Last night people were up having a party until 11:30 p.m.! The U of G is not like Calvin at all. Students are everywhere!! Especially at night.

5. NOISE!--Some students have class at 6 a.m. so everyone is up pretty early. I was woken up this morning at 7:00 by the bustle of people and trucks on the street right outside my window.

Alright, that's all for now.

Peace.
Erica