getting going

Sorry its been a while since the last post. I am new to the blogging world, so I’m not to sure what the normal protocols are for how often one should write. But I have been getting e-mails from people asking me when the next entry is coming, so I am beginning to feel the pressure.

I spent last weekend in the eastern region of Ghana in a small town called Ho. The eastern region is very beautiful, with lush green mountains and a waterfall that is considered the largest in West Africa. I explored these tourist destinations last time I was here, and my time in Ho this past weekend was pretty relaxing. My friend Andrea works and lives in Ho, so we spent the weekend at her place relaxing, watching movies, reading and drinking a lot of wine! The water and electricity were intermittent throughout the weekend, so we decided not to venture into the heat all that much…in case there was neither necessities upon our return. It was great to hang with Andrea and escape the busy life of Accra for a few days.

I returned on Monday, and the next day I met with the professor/director of CEGENSA to discuss my experience and role with the organization. She explained to me the 3 research projects that are currently being worked on as well as other initiatives that I may be interested in getting involved in. A short-term project that I have decided to join is called the popular culture event. This event is co-producced by CEGENSA and the department of performing arts at the University. The idea is to present the winning 3 songs from an earlier contest, with the mandated in mind to change the traditional roles women play in music. This event will take place at the end of November, with the performance of the 3 winning songs, plus a music video awarded to the first place song (sponsored by CEGENSA and the dept. of perf. Arts), and some dances performed by students.

I expressed interest in getting involved with this initiative, so I later attended a board meeting to go over the winning 3 songs (previously chosen) and to discuss other details. The meeting was great and I am really looking forward to begin.

Other than that, not too much is new. The lock on my room door is broken, so if I close the door, I cannot get back in. So the past few days I have left it open, as the only other solution is for the “small boy” (the boy who helps out around the house) to go into another tenants room, climb over his bathroom, push out a wooden plank which is connected to my bathroom and then let me in (I guess thats where 'small boy' comes in handy??). Not the most convenient of options! I think today the carpenter is coming to replace the lock…I hope!