Just Some Thoughts.

I have been talking so much about what I have been doing, but I feel as though there is so much more that doesn't come across when I do that. I think it's easiest to talk about the things I have done because I cannot even begin to put into words the things that I have seen. I find it's the same when I journal -- I don't know how to express everything I am living and experiencing. I have decided to just write down some random tidbits that you may or may not be interested in.

• Crossing the street is such an adventure. It is a calculated risk that we take many times a day. Pedestrians do not have right of way, which I understand because traffic would never move if they did.
• Everyone here in Tamale rides motorcycles... but no body wears helmets. unless you're white -- you'll be fined if you are white and not wearing one. I have seen entire families on bikes without helmets. Papa, Mama and up to three kids. It's bizarre!!! I've seen many mothers with their babes tied to their backs cruising down the street. And they don't drive slowly either - they are flying in and out of traffic. I cringe every time. 
• The toilet paper here is stretchy. It just stretches rather than tears when you try to break it apart. I laugh every time. 
• I have started to enjoy warm water. Ok, it may be a bit of a stretch to say enjoy, but I appreciate it and feel refreshed. The water is sometimes even hot. It makes the few cold beverages I have so delightful!!! 
• It was 35 degrees in my room last night as I was going to sleep. That was with the fan on. It's quite warm here... and only getting warmer.
• The men here hold hands all the time. As do the women. But I have yet to see a man and a woman holding hands. Homosexuality is illegal here so it is just a sign of friendship unless it it between a man and a woman -- then it is a sexual act. 
• The dirt here is red. 
• I stepped on a thorn thingy that went through my sandal and punctured my foot. It's a little bit swollen. I'm keeping an eye on it, but I'm not too worried about it.
• I had diarrhea for twice. It was not accompanied by cramping or urgency so I don't think it's bacterial. It's probably just a reaction to the heat and/or food and/or massive amounts of water I consume (typically 4-5 litres a day). 
• We went to Kintampo Waterfalls yesterday. It was so refreshing! We were the only ones there for about an hour so we slid down the rock slides and climbed through the falls and sat behind them. It was lovely.
• I love sleeping under a mosquito net. 
• I have been proposed to on multiple occasions. Each time I politely say no thanks. 
• There are no lanes in Ghana -- vehicles are constantly squeezing between each other. And honking is just a friendly form of communication.