Getting Settled

We have had a great couple of days here even though Miss Ama’s clock is still on Canadian time. We finally got our baggage on round 3 at the airport, and have settled in nicely at our apartment. It’s starting to feel semi home-like, and Ama now cries out “Ama house” when we arrive.






We had a very successful outing yesterday to change money and go shopping. George the driver was extremely friendly and helpful, although he did take us to the very expensive Koala market where we probably won’t shop much. I checked out the prices of such luxury items as diapers and cereal, 2 items we won’t be buying (small box of cheerio’s runs at 15 cedis=about 10 dollars).

Ama was a trooper yesterday and even made friends with two hilarious little Ghanaian-Dutch girls. She tuckered out while shopping and became quite the spectacle for fellow shoppers. We probably should not have let her nap, since she refused to sleep most of the night. She slept half the day away today, and will hopefully be on almost Ghanaian time by tonight.

Today was pretty relaxing. We ventured out for a walk around the neighbourhood, which is a different side of Accra than I had seen before. The streets were quiet, and are lined with huge luxury gated homes and the occasional embassy. We did see some international schools and a Montessori school that we may check out as possible child care options, and we have also gotten a few leads from the people here for childcare.

We went for lunch at Home Touch, which was a nice restaurant serving African food. We shared some Jollof rice and Kelewele (delicious fried plantains). Ama ate at least a third of the rice, which is an enormous portion of food! The price of the food was refreshingly low, and Ama was able to run around and play with the beaded curtains that surround the restaurant.






On the way home we bought a beautiful had made basket to store Ama’s toys, and Mom tried (unsuccessfully) to carry it on her head like a local woman. The ladies at the guest house at a very good laugh about this! The woman at the basket stand told us to watch out for men on motorcycles who occasionally rob people, which was well intended yet frightening advise that we will take note of.

Overall we are getting much more comfortable with being here. I am finally able to relax and enjoy our lovely deck and garden. I think Mom is even beginning to relax a bit, although it takes her longer! Our shower is still not fixed, which means that we have to have bucket showers. They said that it would be fixed tomorrow yesterday, but I suspect we will here tomorrow for several days or weeks. We still need to figure out basic things like laundry, cleaning, and what the giant blue bucket by the kitchen table with water in the bottom is for, but overall we are beginning to settle into our Ghana shoes quite nicely.









The above pictures are of our apartment and yard.