First impressions. So-fa so good!

Today I woke up in Africa! Although we went to bed late because we (Lene, my roomie, and I) were so excited we got up around 8. We woke up to the sound of african drums and gospel music and some chickens.

We're staying in an hotel on a heigth, which has an amazing view! We can see the ocean and the chaotic life below us. The rooms are ok, but primitive compared to what we're used to. I don't mind. It would feel wrong to live like kings in a world where no one else can afford it.

We spent a night in Istanbul, but we didn't get to see the city. It was cool to sit on the 15th floor of our hotel and look out on the lights and listen the imams call in for prayer, though. We could also see alot of Africa when we flew over it the next day. There was just miles and miles of sand dunes, and we didn't see a green spot for hours. Very special. I didn't realize how huge those areas are until then..

When we arrived in Ghana we were greeted by our coordinator and some swedish girls, and drove 3 hours to Cape Coast. Accra, the capitol, was busy, and there were people on the streets selling things everywhere. So different that I can't even describe it!

This morning a group of us went out to find some breakfast. We didn't find any cafes (possibly because it's sunday), but we bought some food from sellers on the street. New favourite snack: plantain chips.

There were animals out in the streets and alot of people. We got alot of attention, but mostly people were just curious. All the kids waved and said hello. Some wanted to touch us and know our names.

After breakfast we went down to a beach, where a bunch of kids were playing. The water was pretty cold, so it will be nice to cool off there! The kids were so excited and we took pictures of them and showed it to them afterwards. They loved it. There was also a huge pig walking around eating trash. Yup, that's Africa!

We had some info meeting in the afternoon, and went to a different part of the city where there was a big market, with second hand clothes and alot of nice fabric. I'll definitely have a dress made while I'm here, in african patterns and style!

I threw in a picture of the most amazing woman I saw today. She had stacked peanuts, perfectly, on a tray and walked around with them on her head without losing one single nut. I was astonished!