Sore Back From Food Poision

My round trip to Ghana (Part 1) - Hohoe

This tour, which ran through the whole country, was actually planned for the end of December. Because the elections are permanent appointments come between them and so I went with Ben (another volunteer) until the end of January. What we have seen in the two weeks of our trip, I would like to tell you here:

Accra to Hohoe

The day before we left I was still testing for malaria, there a few signs pointing to it. The result should I learn the next day by 10 clock. Since I am the next morning but got better, I have provide the phone number can be to learn the result by telephone. We left early as shortly after 7 clock to Accra. Until we arrived at the center of Accra, the morning traffic jam had already laid down and we are relatively quickly arrived at the bus station, from which you can get a bus to our next destination, Hohoe. Hohoe is in the east of Ghana in the Volta Region. Sadly, the bus from the first clock to 16, so we had to wait another 5 hours. Fortunately, malaria had my suspicions were not confirmed and we strolled into the waiting time on the nearby Makolamarkt.
The bus was equipped quite well, had air conditioning and front a TV. Unfortunately, no Western Movies playing, but the terrible Nigerian movies with the constant screaming. I had an MP3 player and a book with which I could distract myself well. Because at the time of the trip dry season there was, you could see the left and right on the trails often burning fire. Sometimes whole areas consisted only of black earth. Now and then there was fire directly at the roadside when driving past it was on the bus for a moment, very warm. Every few miles, it seemed to me that there was a police check. Since the Volta Region on the neighboring country borders Togo, the controls are tighter here. After several intermediate stops in the evening we arrived at last in Hohoe. The hotel, which we had picked out the guidebook, was fully booked and so we had to look for a another.

The next day we are further from Hohoe in a small place called Wli, where there is the biggest waterfall and the highest mountain in Ghana found. Other volunteers have recommended a particular hotel, because the owners were there, very nice. That was no exaggeration, because the hotel (Wli Water Heights) had the nicest meals I've seen so far in Ghana and it was not to expensive. On the same day we hiked to the falls. At the beginning of the trail we had the first of the great booths with works in wood tear. Since we were just beginning our journey, could / would we buy anything. The more we are the waterfall approached, the air was always clear and dust free. In the dry season, namely from the north, Ghana is plagued with a dusty desert wind (harmattan) from the Sahara. The route took us several times over a small stream and we had to cross a total of five small bridges. Arriving at the waterfall we were surprised that so many tourists were there while we were on the way there, no one has encountered. The waterfall was high, I had presented him to me but bigger. Amazingly were rather the countless bats that were flying around the cliffs alongside the waterfall. There were hundreds determined. After a while we had cooled down the waterfall, we have again has begun the return journey on which we have one U.S. Americans. He had a wife and children, was used alone to Ghana and is unhergereist for two weeks. Such people you meet in Ghana more often. In the evening we have something put on the terrace in front of our hotel room and watched a nearby forest fire threatening. The forest had burned since the beginning of the day and until late at night.

The next morning we wanted to go by bike to the nearby mountain Afajato. Unfortunately, we had 10 minutes before going on wanted an employee of the hotel, one of the two existing bicycles is prohibited. The owner was so nice and made us went there by car. Arriving at the foot of the mountain, advised us in the company climb, so we took a tour guide. The trail was quite steep, so we have covered in a short time, a lot of altitude. In an hour we were already at the level of the summit. There was a recently arrived migrant group of Ghanaians. They were in very good spirits and they have carried so their jokes with us. Of the surrounding landscape is unfortunately seen little since the air from the harmattan (desert wind) was so dusty.
the way back down, we have logically quickly put behind us, but he was no less stressful, because it is common almost slipped. For the way back to the hotel we had to go to the next village to us to take a Trotro. On the path there, we passed a cemetery. This was the first Ghanaian cemetery, which I have seen. I think it was a special one, since the graves were decorated even with large angel statues. The next day we had
the beautiful hotel, unfortunately, leave, because our next destination, the Volta Lake, was waiting for us. On dusty roads that were made of red sand, then went on to Akosombo.

[continued]

PICTURES OF ACCRA TO HOHO (<---Klick mich)
PICTURES OF WATERFALL
PICTURES OF MOUNTAIN AFAJATO

Diagram Showing Body Parts Of Bearded Dragon

friendships in Ghana

Generally, it is difficult to make friends with Ghanaians to close. You could have hundreds of friends if you pursued only the shouts in the street. Most people, of which it is approached in the street, but are not really "friends" interested. Of course they had a love of friends. This, however, to come along to Germany. If we are taking in on a conversation that is usually already after the first two sets clear.
often hear that it is very difficult to get a visa for Germany. Apparently this is possible if you sent as a German, an official invitation to a Ghanaian. Then they hope well.
course, you will not be addressed solely as white. Young children often ask for "coins" (coins), but are also fascinated when you talk only with them. Sometimes you learn in this way even to know very nice people. Are you then so restrained as it really wants, that is, they DO NOT ask for the phone number, email address, money, or whether they can dannach to Germany. One example was a manager of a gas station that I was invited me to dinner. We have not eaten in a restaurant, of course, but in a chop bar (fast food stand). It happened that I've ordered a small portion Bankou for 20 pesewas. The manager said that I like but not enough and there will not even fish it was. He then ordered me a large portion of fish for 1.5 Cedi (150 pesewas) and paid for me. We have talked a little without that in hindsight he wanted something from me.
It is interesting to consider what the Ghanaians think well of us whites. Most probably have a picture of a rich living in luxury in mind, as they may be familiar from Western movies. Some Ghanaians also adjust extra vote or speak in gangster slang, probably to impress us. We young Germans who are making a voluntary service, are now sometimes but not wealthy tourists. Since we currently have many volunteers in Swedru, this image will change with time hopefully. make
A problem with known sheep, is for us also know that we can not recognize her from the outside really well, which is a type of person is a Ghanaian. In Germany, you do your people often remember how they dress. Since most Ghanaians who have second hand clothes from Europe, they often have any shirt on, which does not say much about them. From time to time you think badly of people with certain types of clothing and rates them unjustly incorrectly. Reverse can happen the same. Richer Ghanaians see, however, that they have more money. The features are the same as in Germany (shirt, tie and briefcase, for women, fine clothes and jewelry). The
Ghanaians have a few with whom I am friends, all I know is not on the road. One I met a fellow volunteer, a few others when traveling around. rather it is
friendships among the volunteer members here in Swedru. There were now many group outings and other meetings in our firm Weltwärts group. With some you've already made plans for a reciprocal visit to Germany. There are also many volunteers who come every two or three months after Ghana. Where it is so that they meet a few times to know in more detail and learn it then is time again to go for it. This is a pity, especially if you are very has understood well.
Even with volunteers and Ghana travelers from other countries I have contact. John from the Unite States, I got to know at Mole National Park, Lee, from London, in the New Year's Eve party on the beach and a few Scandinavians at a Trotrofahrt. It would be nice and I hope that the contacts remain there.

South Side Chicago Il Auto Auction

February!

Catania

wiedermal Since we have spent a weekend on the east side of the island, we went by train from Acireale on to Catania. This 10-minute train travel but then save a parking space and the Saturday market in the city.
Our goal was to find the evangelical community center in the city and visit Christiane, who is performing his volunteer service. A quick purchase a map we walked over to market stalls and told us a sign on the wall of an otherwise unremarkable dilapidated building that here the "della Chiesa Evangelica Luterana Communità in Italia" is situated-not only was Christian home.

We were on our way to visit one in the map recorded in park, as it has already dawned, we wanted to kill a little time to before the drive home or the Happy Hour at the Mexican exploit :-) On a park bench during a brief photo shoot was Clemens then Woman with blue jacket, which quickly exceeded by a few meters distance from us, our "Chris!" Calls were effective, and the accident has brought us together but still this evening. With it, we went back again and with champagne and pretzels, we received the center point, with a German library and space for events really impressive spacious!

together with Mexicans we had much fun until we forgot the time and we were forced at once to the train to run. Five foreign-looking young people rushing through the streets of Catania to the station, now with the last cent (and 20 cents a passing woman) and tickets are panting and happy in the train to Acireale.


Schifoan!

the weekend, we moved on again in the region around Mount Etna, we have set ourselves the goal to go along with my cousin and his girlfriend on the Etna Ski! expected after a long uphill but through all the villages as possible, we finally reach the top, we borrow from ski equipment (20 €) and headed to the snow-capped Mount Etna. As my relatives had garkeine experience on skis I stayed with them at a less steep slope, and went with them in the plow and auchmal a row in a snake down. The photos should speak for themselves-it was a very nice day :-)

... which was then finished with a typical fish meal in Zafferana, the city took place where the Ottobrata. Of the many courses at different types of fish, there are unfortunately no pictures, but it was really everything from clams to swordfish here and of course everything had to be tried! The police have intercepted just outside the front door late at night we went to bed at last!


Festa del Fiore in Mandorlo

After two weekends in Acireale, it was once again make uncertain the time Riesi and surrounding areas. As it happened very well that the Almond Festival "La sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore in Agrigento decency! Since it was not to take my cousin and came together his friends all the way from Acireale to Agrigento to join us then to watch the parade and competition of the international groups at the temples. However, it was difficult to meet him, the whole town was full with people standing along the Festzugsstraße and followed the spectacle. We found through various side streets, underground passages and alleys to the station, where the others were waiting. Adru and John then brought us Mary Angela, who had recently worked with us in the Servizio Cristiano in kindergarten.

The highlight of the day trip we had before on a few plastic barriers Riesi. As the director mentioned before, is the ability to drive the pulmino not work properly. He had at that time meant the bus would just go straight down as if to draw in a curve, and exactly what we were then also happens on wet ground, we skidded almost 30 km / h in those plastic barricades. A broken headlight cover and a few dents, the follow-up to the time he is probably in the repair.


The Palermofreiwilligen surprised us with their visit last weekend by the sudden snowfall on the highway they were a little tardy, but just in time to listen to us at the Rock Cafe a live band. On Saturday, they finally burst on to Agrigento.


work

After the weather for us Time is looking up a little, we were able to seal the roof of the dwellings, remove mold in the rooms and seal again the school roof, which was still permeable to water. Otherwise, the daily schedule currently consists of:

-at least 3 buckets of cement by hand touch shopping
stuff at a DIY store in Riesi repaint (of individual bolts and washers to wood poles, paint and cement)
room, Zoran's new home set
rumschleppen cabinets, move, remove, Mount
repair work in school, kindergarten and office set up
-bee honey production houses around the house to allow renovation work
any kind anywhere in the Servizio Cristiano

All in all, it is almost never a dull moment in the "manutenzione" - maintenance. If you like the only downside is really the only that Clemens and I have regular working hours and a solid manager, Pepe, who may be with 50 years known as a workhorse through and through. Here comes one then even sometimes in front of silly if you daily from 8 to 17 clock works and make the volunteers in other areas earlier statements, because the boss is not there, or because before no one makes sure whether to be loud schedule just because or not. This may be because we here do not complain about lack of volunteers can- on the contrary. With 11 people in addition to the permanent staff of the Servizio Cristiano is not always busy each.

course this can work here too much space, for example, we take breaks for food was too short or a little chat with others .. Even if the director has us finally caught and turned on stupid, the pause would be the first in two hours:-P, the statement loses its effectiveness as soon as you see him play outside with the kids or playing guitar or piano for themselves and for joy children auchmal during the school break. Thus we can say it's nice after four years of work in Germany, it is to go a little bit more relaxed, especially because I work here, no way of up to two hours as it did in Germany was the case (on assembly). There


negative

A few things still are, the tune a thoughtful
as the John who had half a year voluntarily and gratuitously (already retired) worked here and now early returns home to Germany for the last two weeks his stay, in which he has to work under the contract no longer need now is to pay per day. We see it simply as a cheek for the still monotonous lunch menu € 5 to demand a day (he still lives in his old room).

The scheme with the visit is not very hospitable, we weaken it, however, a can. For friends and relatives who come to visit us is the opportunity to stay in our rooms, the heist is a room shared with two mattresses and a bathroom for the visit was the opinion of the Director to pay 10 € per day. Outraged by the increase of the price (last year it was 5 €), we could lower the price again to 5 Palermofreiwillige can still stay here for nothing, even in the guest rooms.

The thing with the room deposit (75 €) is still not forgotten, but it seems more and more ridiculous, the rooms are part of the mold taken strong and the only 3-hour heating at more than poor Isolation as well have played its part.

takes the austerity of the kitchen from time to time, almost wicked proportions:
At the table there are some cheese / ham plates, which are intended only for the guests. The fact that we heist live in the "monte degli Ulivi the olive hill not get the olive we can count on two hands how many times a small bowl of olives for 15 people standing there .. Not exactly what I knew at the Italian food culture.
No matter what time you look in the kitchen, the cooks the food, even things they buy regularly, but were never seen at the table.

One can imagine what lies beneath the white cloth on the arm of the cook, strolling casually by 14 clock to his car. The longer route via Servizio he has the Director and to thank us, before that it was easier for them to park the car in front of the kitchen and directly invite-food normally destined for our volunteers! In the beginning it hies, we get what we see from lunch high-up on the lenses and noodle soup (Mon / Wed), however, we do not like much. Depending on the whim of the kitchen gives you something, or nothing at all. In some cases not even enough food at lunch.

As we knit opponents of "pasta in bianco" are (simply boiled noodles) we had last times sauce made above in our Freiwililgenküche-to the annoyance of the chefs who have threatened the next time not to make pasta for us when we make up sauce. So we have just been eaten by 12 clock and after about 20 12 then down only fruit, it would not really work yet to do just a sauce for lunch, the chefs are standing but more so to be employed outside and smoke, eat or supplies for home to put aside. Whether they now respect the vegetarians more than at the beginning (with meat dishes were and denied what is in it) I can not say it can not think of anything but. It reminds us very strongly to simply calculated Mensa-Essen, and not loving Italian cuisine.

have to purchase a volunteer in other places quite common to the ordinary budget to food (Palermo: 150 € per month for 5 people, Torre Pellice 12.50 € / day / person) to bring us the 100 € a month for 11 Voluntary very little. Just as today (Sunday) there's nothing to cook, just pasta, tomato sauce and frozen broccoli. Adrian and I had been playing with the idea to buy our olives (2 Euro) or pickled mushrooms (4Euro/Glàschen) from the production itself-free for the volunteers gabs something so before. One would therefore expect his own pocket money to invest in good food to butchers and vegetable dealers in a lack of non-Riesi varied meats and vegetables in our house there is.

As a caretaker you get much around in the Servizio and can gain an insight into other areas-for example, we noticed when working in the school that the teachers believe it is important to talk to meet with each other while the children play in the classrooms and the mad .. not only for 10 minutes


With the removal of leave, the Directorate also very fast .. we could not simply a Sunday drive home from Acireale, since it is not the storm lazuli, in the morning it was still not better and we had to wait- of course everyone said modest in his area, that we can not. In the meeting with the director, we were then announced that we will lose one vacation day, Frank was worth even a little applause. Pepe said it would not have continued bad we do not davar, because of the storm could not work out anyway. The nursery is very good even without zurrecht volunteers a day, especially if they only had to supervise other workers in the house. Most recently, we have

ban on access to the office during the week, as some have probably exaggerated, and have run about everything to the director. The man wants his peace at work, and the work secretary at the constant onslaught can not, is also on hand. Thus, now Saturday is the official day at the office cell for us, and Tuesday should also as far as possible any problems with his weekly meeting with the director imposed.


NEWS: We just had our weekly meeting again with the director, in which there were some interesting topics, among others, it is now possible Armin the place to go and to go to Palermo. Our Internet consumption in the opinion of the Director beeinschraenkt our social behavior, and thus he shows us the next day a personal account with daily time limit of 2 hours .. see whether the time is what ;-)



This Matters and occasional inconsistencies in the residential community are unfortunate, but inevitable. But regret I / we come to it Do not be here to-find other problems but also at home.


bright spots in this sometimes quite stressful living and working in the same place so offer visits to Acireale, I am now really glad to not be dependent on the Pullmino, especially since we can make it do not always have when we want him. We learn to know there another Sicily, where there are more jobs and more young people in the streets, where the food is imaginative, easy and very tasty.


See you on the next blog entry!