Recap of What I Did on My Birthday

Tuesday: My birthday
My roomie woke me up to answer a phone call. I was knocked out and it was 6 ish in the morning. But at the same time, we've been advancing our clocks for some time now so I really lost the concept of time. The phone call (to my surprise) was from my older sister in Chicago. Very random but a lovely surprise. I talked about this already in my post... so I'ma skip on to the details of the day/night.

So me, Stephanie and Stephen met up for breakfast. We talked and figured out the best place to go would be to Accra instead of Axim beach. Stephanie had went and said it was beautiful...but it was a beach and we could get that anywhere (kinda true). Plus, Accra had a beach. Not to mention, my sister had suggested I go....along with the interport student, Shirley and some of the other SAS people who either went or were planning to go. Didn't have to do much convincing. I was willing to go. The complicated part was figuring out the logistics. When was the right day to go since we had different FDP schedules and that was the biggest conflict. I saw Yohanna who also said they (her, Ally and Erica) were trying to go as well so we decided to merge the groups. Agreed to meet at Tymitz square at 9:15 and leave. Stephanie had to go wake up Mike and let him know. I was trying to find both Anna's and Jamie's rooms to wake 'em up and let them know (and find out if they didn't mind hahaha). Anna was knocked out when I found her hahaha. She agreed to meet us because as we now noticed, we weren't going to be leaving anytime soon. Then Stephanie left Mike a note on his door after she finally found his room. I called Obai to wake and ask him if he was interested but he was not very functional hahaha. I found Jamie's room number and called her and she was in on the new plans. Fast forward, we meet and find that Ally was coming but she was supposed to be meeting her father in Accra on thursday. Her challenge was trying to get in contact with him to notify him since we cannot access our shipboard email while off the ship. We finally got on the move. We took the shuttle to the end of the gangway and got swarmed with folks the minute the doors open. Chaos erupted. We were standing right next to each other but there were so many men in our faces, trying to get us into their taxi's so they could get our service...others were trying to sell us things...asking us for our names so that they could inscribe it on products and make us buy it that way (they got a lot of folks that way...you tell them your name, you turn around and suddenly there's a bracelet with your name on it and you feel bad because they did it hahahaha)...but you get the idea. There was madness happening and it was bad enough we didn't have a plan going into it, but this created a feeling of panice because now we had to spring into action. We had to keep regroup because several aggressive taxi drivers had started leading some folks in the direction of his cab... we finally got it together and split into two. Myself, Jamie and Ally did not have cedis (or limited) so we needed to Accra to find more banks and get exchanges for USD. We got ripped off (which we realize when we get off at the Accra bus station). Each cab driver charged us 10 cedis per cab. It was only supposed to be 3-5 cedis per cab to the bus station. Lovely. That was a great start hahaha. Much of the same things happened once we got out. The Ghananian student at the Field Activities desk back on the ship had told us the bus was the best way to go since it was safer and it should only be 8-12 cedis depending on the bus we took. There was also a “ford” type of bus that they said was the best one because it was air conditioned for 9 cedis... but when we asked questions about it, men were leading us away from the bus and trying to get us into one of those van taxis. We asked him how much it would cost and he said 8 cedis. We declined...it wasn't much of a great save and for a 4 hour or more trip, it would not be a comfortable ride. Needless to say, a gracious woman (who I guess felt sorry for us since we were being tugged and walked back and forth), came over and told us to take the bus because it was the better option. We thanked her and that returned a sense of relief. We had to wait for the next one since the current one was full. We took this time to talk about the funds for it... people waiting for the bus simply stared at us. It was pretty unnerving. There was a bit of spotting for the bus going on and after we secured our tickets...we were good to go. We had to keep asking the dude if there were 8 tickets. He kept nodding but he wouldn't give/show us the tickets...we didn't want to be separated and we weren't going to hand over the money without seeing all of the tickets so that was interesting. Next bus arrives and thank gosh it was legit. It was air conditioned, and there were TV's. All of the seats had plastic wrap over it and was a normal two-seater coach bus. We paired off and got comfortable. We sat in the lot for a good 30 minutes. Then the bus pulled out and we were on the move. Jamie pointed out this sticker that said “Jesus warned of hell” next thing you know, this guy who I presumed was the driver (but apparently not) stands in the middle of the bus and proceeds to give a sermon. He started off with a prayer which wasn't uncommon (our bus driver on the African drumming & dancing trip prayed before we left)... but this time it served as a prelude. I didn't want to be rude but I was tired and fell asleep. When I woke up, he was speaking in another language...not sure if it was Twi. But after a couple of emphasized points, he handed out bottles of something that a few women took sips from. It's funny being in the same quarters with people and not quite understanding the same information that is being delivered...he went on preaching and the only parts we understood was when he asked for an “Amen.” Finally he completed his hour or so and then movies were played. There was a 3 part series of a film called “Evil Soul.” It was pretty bad and an amateur film (terrible audio). The comical aspect was any inclusions of songs were all in English and happened to be Alicia Keys... they didn't correspond with the story line at all. Anyway, the bus makes some stops which people get off... there are not indications of where we are so I ask the girls across from Jamie and I. They said something like Malawi?? We stay and after some ways the bus comes to a stop. It is Kaneshwa? Something like that. But it is a location within Accra. Actually, when we got off the bus and looked at the map, we finally realized that Kaneshwa was way on the left side of the map and there wasn't much around. We would have to travel distances to get where the touristy areas of attraction were. We also had a few friends who had mentioned plans but we weren't sure if they'd followed through with them. Accra was huge, communication was limited and we had launched into things without thinking. We walked around a bit trying to find a currency place and after a lot of walking back and forth we went to some Forex place. Afterwards, Stephen decided to leave. We couldn't understand why since we had just arrived and it was such a long trip for (evidently) nothing at that point but he was adamant...saying he had things to do the following morning etc. The real reason was he was overwhelmed, but what could we do. We walked him right back to where we got off the bus and he brought his ticket and got on the bus to Takoradi. We discussed taxis to just take us to Frankiesville/franks some area we located on the map. It was supposedly a more lively area than the others. We hadn't thought too much into other than getting there and figuring it out. But that quickly changed when we got bombarded with cabs who were trying to get fast money. We had a moment of confusion, this one yelling at another... and even among us we were getting irritated and a few snappy conversations were exchanged. We couldn't be separated we kept reiterating because we didn't know how far into the city or had any idea what we were going to do. Different cabs = different routes which equals lost people since we had no landmark or address to send the cabs to. Finally they produce this mini-van looking thing. We get in after we find that it will be $15 cedis per person. The drive was extensive. At some point we pass through what looks like a shopping boulevard. The car slows down (pedestrians everywhere) and I recognize a few people. Jamie, Kayla, Geoffrey, Esehnem, Dan, Sarah and some others. I yell their names and they turn and then theres this ecstatic period of waving and screaming. Meanwhile, inside the car the rest of girls are telling the driver to let us out here. We pay him and run across the street. Everyone is hugging and exchanging stories about what mornings we had...What were the chances of running into SAS people on crowded streets in Ghana.. and especially given our lack of planning. Nuts. We decided to eat since my crew and I hadn't ate so much as breakfast that morning... we were tired, sweaty but happy. We pile into this place that has a joint pizza, chicken, grill and ice cream unit. Then we notice Aisha, Tahira, Courtney and Brittney across the street and we call them over. Again, there is a massive hug fest and a whole 'lotta “I'm sooo glad we ran into you! Omg thank Gosh for SAS.” I gotta say...We were being very “American.” That attracted some dudes selling things. This one boy looked about 15 and he wouldn't stop pestering me. He placed some stuff in my hand and told me a price. I said no thanks and continued walking. He is persistent and tells me he'll give it to me for “free” but hopes out of the kindness of my heart I would give him something. Again, I say no thanks. He takes another approach and ask me my name and why I won't buy from him since I'm “black like him.” Oh man...Needless to say, he decided that I should have it and said if I wanted to pay or if I got money from the ship (everyone knows when we come in... the image the ship has when we come into these ports is quite ridiculous but understandable...locals really assume that we are loaded with money). Jamie comes out and grabs my hand to lead me away from him and he's thrusting a necklace in my hand. I'm giving it back to him telling him I'm not paying. He's like no, take it. I'm telling him, if he's freely giving it away that's one thing, but expecting something is to make a purchase and I'm not purchasing anything right now hahah. Jamie's getting annoyed and saying things and I'm like okay whatever. He solidifies the deal by saying, no really, you can have it. Maybe you'll be my girlfriend and i'll wait for you and some other stuff on those lines...and I'm like ohhh nooo buddy... but it was too late, he had already turned and Jamie had darn near dragged me in the shop. They were watching from inside so naturally they wanted to know the details. Everyone's laughing by the end and I feel kinda bad but hey, what could I do. Ironically, I found that the symbol of this necklace meanings “Finding/searching for your roots.” Isn't that wild? I've wore it ever since. Someone remembers its my birthday and then everyone's going off about why didn't I say it all this time... and I'm laughing like why would I announce it. Besides we had had quite a morning...the last thought on my mind was the fact that it was my birthday... Anna gets up and heads to the ice cream counter, calls me over and wants to treat me to an ice cream cone. I'm slightly embarrassed but hug and thank her... happy of course =) After Ian, Jamie and Kayla get back we head to the hotel they were all staying at... we'd discussed everyone crashing at the same hotel...for safety, comfort and financial reasons.Plus we wouldn't have any other way to get in contact since there were few people with functional cell phones. I was totally happy of course. We get settled at the hotel and debated between staying at the beach. Dan was tired but was leaving that night to head back to Takoradi. The rest of us milled around, some ordered food and ate outside, or smoked hookah. I went to the cyber cafe across the street from us. It was 1 cedi for an hour... I definitely paid like 3 or 4 in total... The minute I logged onto Facebook I wanted to cry. It was over 200 notifications, 17 messages and 8 or so friend requests. As I was reading through the birthday comments and messages, more kept coming in. It was overwhelming and I suddenly realized all those I left behind. I spent the remaining hours poring through folks pages and pictures trying to familiarize myself again. It's funny how much can change in month. Crazy how little crosses my mind other than my current situation. But that is a mechanism for adaptation. Outta sight, outta mind has some purpose. But it was refreshing and wonderful to catch up with folks. I did feel that sense of urgency creeping back up when I was leaving the lab. Even in my status or the replies I left. Email me I keep saying. Read or comment on my blog, I reiterated. Throughout the voyage, I found myself getting irritated when I checked my ship email account and didn't hear from my friends/fam. That was multiplied when I would cave in, buy minutes to log on Facebook and then see a ton of messages/comments...when I've only repeated myself a mil times and how to contact me... Then I realize where I am...and I'm over it. So much happens in a day that I wouldn't be honest if I said I thought much about anyone or anything outside of shipboard life. It takes a little more time to construct an email than it is to find my page on Facebook and send a note. I think people cannot fathom how limited internet I have here. But whatever!

We left the lab to see where we were heading that night. Walked to a spot but it wasn't opened and had closed at 9ish pm. Anna and I were singing Beyonce and a few other songs. That was a riot. We all ended up going to this Lebanese restaurant to eat and wait for Geoffrey's local friend to shower and meet us to take us out to a club/bar. It was cool eating dinner with everyone... however random the Lebanese part was... haha. They played a lot of T.I. Which was interesting. A bunch of folks order falafa?? I and others ordered the hot wings...they were interesting... Ian didn't like them and compared it to a spicy tomato sauce... The thing was they were prepared without the sauce baked or cooked on it... instead it was a thick or soupy sauce...the fire was in the after taste. It crept up on you. You licked your lips after a bite thinking the sauce was weak and lacking...a couple moments later your lips were burning. Haha... finally we get the bills, and walk back to the hotel waiting again (Geoffrey had went to the atm). By the time they got back (15 mins later), folks had started getting settled in bed so it was about half of us going out (some in the cab, others in the local's car). The place is Duplex bar and it is several blocks away. Fast forward, we walk in and it requires immediate adjustment. It is smaller than anticipated and more of a bar but has enough room for dancing. Folks are jamming and we get right to it. Hahaha... I had limited cedis and limited alcohol experience so I went with a can Heineken (it was the cheapest...I don't even drink beer—lol). Grinned and bore the not so pleasant but not too life threatening taste... I didn't realize how much fun there is in being less concerned with how you look, but in the amount of fun you can reflect on after the night is completed. Anna started doing some crazy guitar mimics and cowboy gestures. We looked ridiculous but yes, in the middle of the floor, we repeated it and we were laughing and having fun at it. It felt great to be in the moment, totally and completely. I can remember a moment where I never thought I would step foot anywhere dancing was required. Singing was my strength, but funny how we dance when we feel no one is laughing. I was much too self-conscious to enjoy myself at clubs. I had to build myself up to that point whether it was one strong drink (1 long island) to get the courage I was lacking... but here I was... dancing, completely unaltered by that Heineken with the most eclectic group of SAS folks. Not even my usual crew. Which is even more awesome. The door opened and some girls walked in and suddenly it was another hug fest. More SAS students. These three girls had told us they were searching for the Freedom in Creation (SAS related) group but couldn't find them... they got a ride and basically found themselves with 4 dudes who were from different countries and spoke different languages. They suspected it was fishy and asked them to take them to the nearest bar. At first they weren't going to come in, but decided to and it was obviously fate that they did. We assured them they could crash with all of us! At some point in the evening, Jamie (who was flirting and getting drinks hahaha) got the bartender to pause the music and she gave me a shout out. It was amazzzzing... but I was embarrassed (in a good way)... she said that we had a long day, but wanted everyone to join in wishing her friend (me! Whoop whoop!) a happy birthday...then everyone started singing it and applauding. I was elated. The music resumed and I got another Heineken on the house. Probably shoulda picked another drink to begin with, eh haha. But that's what I love about SAS and what I admire about myself. Some people won't push themselves. Some people are that afraid of being uncomfortable, or being challenged...or being outside the usual... I attract it and draw to change like a magnet. I've done so much in my life that was different than I've ever expected. Heck, I didn't even think I would make the trip from Takoradi and be in Accra, Ghana for my 22nd birthday, let alone with the people I was with, let alone drinking Heineken ...or enjoying it and laughing and dancing so much. It was sincerely one of highlights of my LIFE and I thank everyone of those who celebrated it with me. I couldn't have begun to know how they would have played a part in shaping it earlier that day or at any point in the voyage... Goes back to my point about being open to receive change and those God place in your path at the designated time. Came back to the hotel...stayed up until 6ish am, watched the sun rise by talking with the bartender guy then he left...with Jamie...haha. We  Courtney and I stayed up and talked. We took a walk in search for the 24/7 hour cafe when that was unsuccessful we headed back. Had first dibs on breakfast (tea, omelet and toast). Time sped forward and I ended up leaving with Kwabena (Cobie), Dan and Esa to head back to the ship. I had my Castles and Slaves Dungeon trip early thursday morning.  The others were either meeting for farewell lunch with Esehnem and shopping or staying at the hotel/Accra until late Thursday. The entire taxi ordeal to get back was crazy. We took one of those miniture vans which seated other folks as well. The trip was immediately lengthened when we realize that we stopped at least 4 times...and it was because the driver was making personal errands.... unbelievable. We had already endured some moments we could do nothing but hold our breaths hoping weaving through traffic wouldn't be the end of us. We get off and again, I fall in love with the emblem high above the buildings. We were hot, sticky and stinky. Love the ship sometimes. Ahahaha. Got back in time for dinner... saw Stephen who told us that he had gotten mugged when he left us. The bus does bathroom pit stops. He got off to use the bathroom and was approached with a gun for his wallet. Pretty wild. Oh and Dan who left Tuesday night (after we all got settled there) for a community service on Wednesday morning even though he was exhausted (he'd been in Accra for 3 days) told us he ended up missing it anyway and was upset he'd missed going out with us... womp womp =)