Yay for a Photo Blog!

So in two weeks I will be back on U.S. soil. This trip is coming to a close and I finally was able to get some pictures on my flash drive to show you all. Enjoy!!!

These are my homestay sisters in Accra. Akosua is on the left and Carmen is on the right. Akosua is 17 years and Carmen is 20 years. They are so fun and they made my stay so fun! I stayed with them the first 2 weeks I was in Ghana :)

While I was staying in Accra, I had my hair braided. They put extensions in and everything. It was the best! It's my favorite way I've had my hair ever! The ladies in the picture with me were my hair braiding team, who are now my friends. My auntie Janet is the woman on my right and she is the owner of the shop. Mary, Vivian, and Akosua are the others who helped. It took 5 hours to do! It was worth it though. I can't wait to have it done again before I come back!

These are some memebers of my homestay family in Kumasi. I stayed with them the second 2 weeks I was in Ghana. I also lived with them for another 2 1/2 weeks in November. This picture was taken at the dance performance that myself and the other American students did for our homestay families. The lady in yellow is my Auntie Rita. On her lap is Kwadwo (1 1/2 yrs). He was scared of me for a long time. Next to my auntie is Elizabeth (11yrs) and Kobby (5yrs). To my right is my sister Obiya (20yrs) and on her lap is Sharon (7 yrs). I love them so much. They treated just like a biological family memeber. I will never forget them!

After staying in Kumasi for 2 weeks, we went and lived in a village. It was the most life changing experience I've had in Ghana. While I was there, I met five little girls who captured my heart and changed my life. They are the sweetest little things with the saddest story. Their mother is a drunk who spends all the family money on booze. Even worse, she is the bread winner because her husband is disabled. She is very neglectful of her beautiful girls, who are mostly cared for by Comfort (the girl standing behind me). Comfort is not related to them, but she has taken it upon herself to help care for this woman's four daughters. Two of them are pictured here. As I said, Comfort (10 yrs) is behind me. On my lap are Sarah (4 yrs) on the right and Rose (2 yrs) on the left. They are so cute and I will continue to love them and support them from the US.

Ok, so throughout this whole journey, I have made lots of friends. But Natalie and I have kinda done almost everything together and supported each other. She hails from Portland, Oregon, but schools at Macalester in Minnesota. She's the best and I am grateful for her. As our friend Kokroko says, "she is my favorite friend". Here we are in Cape Coast for our friend Lisa's birthday. (Yes I had my hair done again, but it didn't last as long. It was kind of a lion mane - I loved it!)

One of the things Natalie and I liked to do while we were in Cape Coast was to get up at 5AM, walk to the beach, head for these big, beautiful rocks, and watch the sun come up. It was unreal! Especially because we were doing it at the end of October and early November. Here is a picture of me from one of those mornings, soaking up the gorgeous sunrise.

Also while we were hanging around Cape Coast, our group made a trip to Krakum National Park. They are famous for their 240ft canopy walk. The walk is on rope bridges suspended in between tall trees. Here I am doing the walk, just hanging out in the canopy.

Ok those should hold you all over for a while ;) Just kidding. Anyway, enjoy the pictures and I will post again soon!

November: The Season of ISPs

I am sooo bad at blogging sometimes. I wish I had a video blog. I think I would be better at that. Plus I am a ham...

Anyway, so for the month of November I have been living in Kumasi, Ghana doing a research project on the Akan Adinkra Symbols and their use in the arts. I've loved researching this topic because the resources are readily available, yet the common knowledge about the symbols is less than presence. Most people see these symbols everyday, yet they have no idea what they mean. It's been fun to discover how art has had a large hand in preserving the symbols, but also how it could progress and change in ways that could better educate the general population about their meaning.

But enough of that boring academic stuff. Here are some highlights from my stay with the Andoh family. Just so you know, there are tons of kids, lots of noise and laughs, plus the power goes out at least once a day:

*One day, I brought home a dvd with 30 michael jackson videos on it. Upon putting it in, myself and 8 of my siblings broke into a Michael Jackson dance party that lasted 1 hour.

*There is a drink here in Ghana, distributed by Guiness, called Alvaro. It's a soda that comes in pinapple and pear flavors. PEAR IS TO DIE FOR! I love it and I have maybe one everyday. My siblings find this funny and love to tell me that "Alvaro will kill you." They also convinced Kwadwo, my 1 year old brother, that my name is Alvaro. Needless to say, that is what he calls me.

*For the past few days I have been greeted in the morning my my brothers Kobby and Kwadwo wearing shirts, socks, shoes - yet no pants. (they are 5 and 1year)

*Kobby turned 5 a few days ago. Natalie, my American friend, and I bought him a small drum. He loved it. I beat it senselessly. The head broke in 5 minutes.

*My sisters and I sat out on the porch one night and made little purses out of scrap fabric and small zippers that I bought for 10 peswas each (that's less than 1 cent). It was a lot of fun :)

*I got my sister Christy 2 dvds of American hip hop. Needless to say, there was a second dance party - but this time it was in the shop she runs and replace the Michael Jackson with Beyonce's "Single Ladies"

Basically, I have loved my time here in Kumasi. I am sad to be going to Cape Coast tomorrow because it means leaving my family. But it's ok. I miss the US too. I will be back in 2 weeks so watch out! Peace!

It's been a while...sorry

Ok sorry for taking forever to blog next.

This one is going to be short because I only have 15 minutes left on my internet here at the internet cafe (welcome to Ghana).

Here is a fun highlight for ya:

So on October 16th, the Ghana Black Stars under 20 (years old) soccer team became the first African team to win the World Cup in the division. Now, Ghana people love soccer, or football as they call it. But they don't love it like we do in America.

They live it.
They breathe it.
They eat it for dinner.

Ok, so myself and some friends were at a bar, watching the game. They entire 90 minutes went without a score, as did the 30 minute over time. So it came down the the shootout.

Ghana = goal
Brazil= goal
Ghana=goal

...and so on and so on. It came down to Ghana making one final goal it win

and they did.

AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY ERUPTED.

People were dancing, screaming, chanting, yelling, smiling, pounding on tables. The streets flooded with people - literally the whole city of Tamale decended on the main road. My friends and I left the bar to take to the streets and check it out. As we turned to our lefts, we probably looked like Tom Cruise in War of the Worlds because coming toward us was a sea of zealous Ghanians all lead by two men carrying a giant Ghanian flag.

So of course we joined the celebration! and oh boy did we celebrate :) I wove my Ghanian flag proudly as we danced and chanted and screamed like mad people!

3 miles
1 hour
and buckets of sweat later, we returned to our hotel exhausted.

Drifting off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile :)


Next Post: details on the Naama village trip and what else I did in Tamale

Also, for those of you keeping track, we are headed to Cape Coast on Thursday :)

We're off to live in the Village...

..the wonderful village of Ghana!

We are about to complete phase 2 of our tour around Ghana in Kumasi and head to the rural-no-toilets-to-be-found-awesome-adventure-time Village.

Kumasi has been so great! I love being here and I REALLY love my family. I will miss them so much when we go, but I know I will come back to see them during my month of research.

Tomorrow, we are throwing a big party for them! There will be a big meal and we are performing 2 dances. I am soooo excited! We've been practicing all week and I think it will be well received.

For those of you who are dying to know what I wrote in Twi, here is your translation:

Hello. How are you? What is your name? Where are you from? I like Ghana? (suppose to be Do you like Ghana but I messed up sorry!) Ok, see you later!

Ok, so here in Ghana, before you even get your name when you are born, you have a "day-born" name. There is a male and female name for each day. Mine is Ama because I was born on Saturday. I posted them below, so check them out, figure out yours, and leave it as a comment (the female name is listed first.)

Monday: Adwoa, Kojo

Tuesday: Abenaa, Kwabenaa

Wednesday: Akua, Kwaka

Thursday: Yaa, Yau

Friday: Afia, Kofi

Saturday: Ama, Kwame

Sunday: Akosua, Kwasi

Anyway, I won't be able to post while I am in the village, but well - there is no internet there. But expect a post full of funny stories, great friends, and lots of adventures when I get back.

Now, I would like to take this time to do an American shout out:

CONGRADS TO MY BEST FRIEND ALANE AND HER SOON-TO-BE HUSBAND CALEB!! GOD BLESS YOU GUYS AND I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Talk to everyone one the flip side of the village :)

Me pe Ghana

(I love Ghana - Twi language)

Twi is a great language for many reasons, but my favorite is that there is absolutely NO VERB CONJUGATION! (take that 6 years of spanish).

Anyway, I will soon be posting your first Twi lesson, but for now and the sake of time just work this into your daily life:

Ma kye o. E te sen? Ye fre wo sen? Wo firi hen? Me pe Ghana? Yo.....Ye Be Hyia!

translation to come :)

From Accra to Kumasi

We left Accra yesterday for Kumasi, which is also known as the Ashanti region.

It is soooo much more calm then Accra. Holy smokes! I love it. We have resumed Twi classes and I love that. I feel like I am getting a hang of the language, but I still have a long way to go.

I'm living with a new family now and they are great. There are tons of people in the house and it's crazy and fun, even though the 18month old still doesn't know what to do with me.

I'm at the neighbors using the internet and I don't want to be long. Kumasi is off to a great start. I can't wait to keep learning and start dance classes :)

Ye da onyame ase (we thank God- Twi language)

Peace out slices!

**P.S. SHOUT OUT TO MY CAPITAL UNIVERSITY PEEPS! Miss you and hope all is well :)

Don't you love life's quirks?

And when you live in Ghana there are many. Those quirks turn into stories which turn into memories, which carve their own place in your soul and shape you. Here are so of my favorite memories from my time here in Accra, as I prepare to go to Kumasi:

*Chro-Chros. Those pesky janky euro vans that escourt one anywhere they could possibly need to go. They are packed. They are hot. They are manned by drivers who take the law into their own hands. But I love them.

*Batik. The other day I learned to batik from a man named King David. We did it outside and it was wonderful. It was a dream come true and really fun. My final product is just one of many to come.

*The Ghanian police. When I was late and lost in Accra, the Ghanian police officer, who I asked for help, stopped traffic to find me a Chro-Chro. Props to them!

*The beach. So since Accra is on the coast, beaches are accessable to all. And if you like being heckled and asked to buy things every waking second - including being stalked down the beach- then Lambardie beach in Accra is for you. It wasn't a bad experience though. I got some sun, bonded with my peers, and ate a really great vegetable sandwich.

*Our Twi language skit. Basically making fun of Chro-Chros and children who stare at you all the time. Good times.

*My Auntie Macy's place. She has a small "restaurant" in a small corner of campus. I love it! I go there everyday, greet here and her mother, and enjoy the peace and quite of her little hide away.

*Getting my hair braided. I made great great friends, laughed a lot, watched the black stars dominate sudan, and laughed a lot (did I already say that). 5 hours well well spent.

*Getting beads around my waist. Women in Ghana wear them for beauty purposes. I am now a Ghanian according to my host sister. I love them. They are way better than ANYTHING victoria secret could ever put out.

*My host family. Basically, I love them. They are the best you could ask for, even though my 6 year old sister is crazy. Pray for them. Love them because I do, they are worth it.

*Alvaro pear. Trust me, it will ROCK your world.

*My peers. Everyone on this trip is so funny and beautiful. I couldn't ask for better company. God has blessed me with them, fo so!

*Bucket Showers. Nothing sexier then pouring semi-hot water on yourself

*DANCE. because it's DANCE!!! and not just dance, it's AFRICAN DANCE!

*Classes. I've learned so much and am so grateful for that knowledge. Our lecturers have been amazing. I am so grateful for them!

*Papa Attah, Yemi, Kokroko, Krachokye, and Ester. Our staff. Our family. Our source of humor and comfort. They are blessings.

There is so much more. I could go on forever. But that is a taste of Accra so far. See ya in Kumasi!

Nyame Nyira Wo (God Bless You - Twi language)

The adventures of Rachel and the Chro-Chro!

Chro-Chros are the Ghanaian equivalent of a city bus. The concept is the same, but chro-chros take more liberty with traffic laws, cost less, and provide a thrilling adventure while traveling through Accra. Also, Chro-Chros are basically glorified 15 passanger euro-vans that are brightly colored, slightly run down, and boast loud music. There is a driver, or course, and a mate. The mate calls out where the Chro-Chro is headed and takes the money from you once you get off.

This morning, at 6:30AM, I embarked on my Chro-Chro adventure. Fortunately, the people in Ghana are so friendly that I was able to get serious help while searching for the Medina/Legon chro-chro.

Once on the Chro-Chro, I met a woman named Na who was very nice and quite friendly. She also saved my life because I did not realize I needed to get off when I did and nearly missed my stop. She called out to the mate and we abruptly swung off the paved road onto the dusty, sandy shoulder and I promptly hopped out, not forgetting to thank Na of course.

Then I crossed 4 lanes of traffic with my bright yellow backpack facing the front, sweating, smiling, and enjoying my first day at the Institute of African Studies :)

p.s. BEACH TOMORROW! Can't wait!

Greetings from Ghana

I made it! I officially made it to Accra!

The flights were good, no major mishaps except the little girl that dumped her orange juice on the floor and having to go through London security twice due to my own bad sense of direction. Regardless, they were great and I am happy to be here.

I really like my peers. They are from all over, most at from either the west or east coast of the US. Right now we are staying at a hotel for orientation, but thursday we will move to our homestay homes and meet our families. I'm excited for that.

Today, we were introduced to the program as a whole and given an over view of where will be traveling and what we will be doing. We are really going to get to see Ghana, which is wonderful. We will begin here in Accra, but in 2 weeks we will head for Asante country and be there for another 2 weeks. Then its to northern Ghana, then back south to visit cape coast and the central area. Finally, before we start our final month of research, we will go to the Volta region, then back to Accra. It's going to be quite a trip!

Some of the things that we will be studying and participating in include:

Batik
Weaving
Beading
Ceramics
Dance
Drumming
Basket Weaving

...just to name a few.

Speaking of names, here are those of my peers:

Mara, Lydia, Amanda, Trina, Laura, Megan, Megan, Natalie, Claire, Grace, Paco *yes the only guy, Jessie, Izabel, and myself :)

Well, got to go, my internet is about to run out. Keep a look out for more posts!

Snail Mail!

So if ya wanna snail mail me while in Ghana, this post is for you!

My address is:

Rachel Bodnar
c/o SIT Study Abroad
Ghana Institute of African Studies (Affiliate)
University of Ghana
P.O. Box 73
Legon, Ghana

Send it!

Drum Roll Please...

I have pills...lots and lots of Malaria pills

Shout out to Rick, the new RN at the East A2 clinic. He was so solid. He talked to me for nearly 35 minutes today sorting out my malaria meds mahem (spelling on that one?)

Also, my mosquito net comes tomorrow in the mail. You can bet that I will coax my bro and cousin to set it up and try it out. Prepare for a post on that.

So yes ladies and gentleman, I am actually fully prepared to go to Ghana.

Except I might get a hiking backpack type thing.

OH! And I got the sweetest hiking boots! For you Seinfeld fans, they are Gortex. For those of you who don't know what Gortex is, it's a super material that is waterproof and keeps you warm. I really like them. I feel like a badass hiker in them. They make me look like I would know what to do with a mountain. I mean, I did climb down one in converse once, in Honduras, with one waterbottle, in the hot sun. But now with my boots (p.s. Thanks Grandma), I can conquer any mountain!!!

Peace out loves! 4 days!

Malaria: The seventh layer of hell

Can I get a "holla" from everyone who has ever, EVER had to get malaria pills!?

There are like a billion different kinds and a lot of phone calls that need to be made. Also, insurance doesn't cover it! How much does that suck!

Now, did I kinda put if off a little - yes.

However, I have been calling back and forth between the doctor/RN trying to get a perscription. I'm not still sure what the heck is going on, but it's a frustrating situation.

And to make it all worse, I didn't have a doctor in Columbus, so I couldn't get some stuff done. So I had to wait till I was back in Michigan.

Ugh! Jesus, help me!

I really hope I can just get all these shots and pills and stuff so I can actually be fully excited about my trip!

p.s. still don't have hiking boots and mosquito net :(

And so it begins...

For the record, I haven't left the U.S. yet.

I wanted to start this blog before I left that way I have it at my disposal as I prepare to travel to Ghana.

I have to say, I'm quite excited to leave. Aside from the assumed reasons, here are some more specific ones:

* An oversees layover. It's in London and I am hoping to sneak out of the airport and do a little exploring ;)

*Dance class! On the packing sheet, they ask us to bring a 'work out/dance class outfit'. Therefore, I am expecting to get funky and certainly break it down

*Meeting my peers. I just got the list yesterday. Yes, I've facebook creeped and tried to friend as many as possible. However, for those of you who know me, you know I have NO trouble making friends.

*Kente cloth - basically, one of my desires since I was 15 years old was to own an authentic piece of kente cloth. I plan to wear it at graduation and wherever else I feel it appropriate (ya know, yoga, grocery store, class, etc.)

*Wearing skirts...all the time. Seriously. I'm kinda looking forward to it.

*Meeting my homestay family. I bet they are going to be amazing!

So that's a start, I'm sure there are a billion different things to be excited for, but yeah, it's a start.

Ok, so I still need some things.

Like a mosquito net
and a one piece bathing suit
and non t-shirts
and hiking boots.

Yeah, I need to get on that.

That's where I am so far. Stay tuned for more!