Being Away

I'm at the point of my trip where so much time has gone by in a foreign country, but a sizeable amount of time still remains both for adventures and for missing some things at home. My internal debate has been on overdrive for a few days now about the pros and cons of life abroad and life at "home" be it Iowa or Colorado. Pros for Ghana- The atmosphere of musical and lively people surrounded by an air of relaxation and peace despite many hardships and the struggles of being poor. The Star beer is quite excellent which apparently is because it is brewed in Kumase (according to my Twi professor) It is very nice just to sit at Jerry's Spot in Accra with a few guys at 11 at night and talk about whatever days events or politics or future adventures we want to have. Finally, the spirit of adventure and the sense of a personal challenge to overcome fears and reservations about trying new things and just going head first willing to fail. The Pros of home(s)- Faster Internet. ok well maybe that's a luxury but sometimes it's just nice to have internet just work rather than hope it works at some point this weekend. Hamburgers and fries. When you've been to Ghana and eaten rice and bread and yams everyday in some form three times a day, a burger is like heaven on a plate delivered by Adam Sandler and Jon Stewart. Being around people who understand why you do things and love you for the crazy things you do. Cons of Ghana- The fact that there is this big thing known as the Atlantic Ocean between you and things familiar is at times daunting, but usually just so unimaginable because the brain (or at least mine) has difficulty comprehending how vast the distance is. Sidenote: this is definitely a great observation however, on how very little humans are different no matter where you live and what language you speak. while I may feel not at home here, I don't feel like i'm in another world. Everyone is just another person trying to live a successful life and be happy. The infrastructure of a city has nothing to do with the people and how they interact with their families and each other. Back to Cons. When one is abroad, the general situation is that they have to do it alone. This is great for inspiring one to be independent and be able to made decisions based almost solely on self, but the biggest flaw is when the times come that you do not want to be independent on an adventure. you want someone who knows you extremely well to experience the same thing you have and then discuss and break down the situation to gain a more full sense of the event.  Cons of home(s)- It's expensive. I can eat quite well and drink plenty of water for about 3.50 a day. My friend Mike and I went this evening to Chicken Inn across the road from the University and "splurged" on 9 cedi antibiotics for throat infections and then "splashed the cash" for amazing 5 cedi 50 pesewas double cheeseburgers. We then commented how much money we spent and how this has to be kept to a minimum in order to save money. Then we realized that at home we'd be getting an amazing deal with what we just considered to be a "very luxurious" evening meal. Many people at home are very distant and uninviting to random people on the street. The average Ghanaian is a very touchy and friendly lot with very few personal boundaries and a need to include everyone rather than automatically look out for number one. Being somewhere that prides itself on hospitality and openness is great.

I guess somewhere in this jumble of thoughts is the realization that all adventures come with risks of failure and disappointment, but this adventure for me has been nothing short of an incredible view into my own heart but also into those who grew up in a completely different system than I. Every day has been fun and interesting, but always tinged with an ok realization that I will be glad to be home soon. Missing certain people and places are huge reasons but just feeling that little bit of loneliness is hard, especially for someone who has never felt the slightest bit of homesick before. Hoping to get pictures up of some really amazing places up soon. Just want to wish everyone a good day and hope their upcoming week goes well.