Wow! Ghana, Ghana, Ghana! Talk about a country in the middle of tranisition: bordering somewhere in between tradition and capitalism, each city has amazed me in every since of the word. As I know many of you know, the western world has and its all present influence has caused Ghanaian citizens to strip themselves of their culture to dawn "Aburni Wear," also known as dead white man's clothes. Yes, the second-hand retail here is amazing. You know how you may go to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, your church/mosque or wherever to donate clothing? Well, the clothing is not distributed to the people in countries like Ghana for free. No, instead it is sold from a middle man to shop owners in the city, Kumasi being the largest commerical district, and made a profit out of, with most of the money going to these white middle men.
Enough about that. The flight was ten-hours, no need to go into detail there. It wasn't unbearable and I couldn't complain about a thing as I flew over the Atlantic. I have never seen so many children with fake hair in their heads, outside of Dallas, TX, so I knew that Ghana was definitely where my people were from because of the grandiose styles, colors, and the slow, Sunday-driver walking style. I jest. No, in all seriousness, my time in Ghana has been filled with many beautiful experiences. My day-name or soul name is Yaa because I was born on Thursday. Each day of the week has its own names for both of the sexes to go along with it and attributes that the person exudes. I will be able to give everyone their day-name when I get back.
Young, old, man or woman, everybody has perfect posture, and as I'm sure you know, can balance anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, on their heads. It's beautiful and makes you mad that we can't exercise the culture in that way.
The 1st hotel we were at in Accra was experiencing electrical outages, so we moved the 1st day. We spent the 1st 3 days in Ghana having to listen to these so-called culturally astute professors from HU complain! Adults!! Actually, it's just one man, but I want to ask him all the time, "Why did you come?" That's neither here nor there. We will return to Accra the last 3 days of our trip. We headed to Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti nation way atop the cliffy-hills with lush vegetation all around. It is beautiful here! We are called Aburni-koko or black-white people! No!!!! THat makes you sad, but what can you do? This counry is so expansive and prides itself with being one of the foremost leaders in Pan-Africa political thought and economy.
I just wanted to catch everyone up with what is going on. I love you all and I am thinking about you always. I will have more detailed messages in the coming days.
Much love,
Ava
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3 comments:
Hey baby,
Reading your journal is a pleasure. I know we speak daily but your words in type are exciting. I look forward to extensive travel with you in 2010-11...or whenever I retire. I agree Aburni-koko seems degrading and lacking cultural roots since we embrace our African culture...where does that place the ancestors within????
...well keep on moving and growing and know that you are loved! "Lil' elf girl's mama"
Wow Ava,
I have read every word, and while I was reading I felt like I was on this journey with you. Keep the information coming because I would love to see and hear about Ghana from you. I can just see you wanting to take everyone in your arms and care for them, but maybe one day God will give you a vision to make a change one person at a time,(or maybe you will get Opra-million-fid, smile!) NAW! you know I think you have it in you. Enjoy your trip, love the fact that you are seeing the beautiful cities, and the different people and there cultures. Take plenty pictures.
Love Ya,
NLW/TBAAL
Greetings Ava,
Missed hearing from you today. I hope they get the phone situation taken care of...the family will be over tomorrow (Wednesday) and I would like for them to speak to you, especially Rami and Bahati. Mama and I went to Ft. Worth today. Nelson drove because we will take Mary out for lunch on Friday...I've been helping mama with the Tennessee history and we rushed out today to fax a copy to Cuz' Mike in Tennessee. I guess mama told you that he was having trouble with the church wanting to move and take some of his land (all of this is per mama and I might not have the info correct) however, he called the local historian and the news media and he is going to have a press conference Thursday or Friday...so, he wanted mama's info regarding the family, etc. I talked to Aj, Alex, Georgianna, and Grammy today. Aj is fine, he was on his way to church @7:30pm, Alex is good, Georgianna's mom broke her arm and has to have surgery tomorrow and I'm taking Rami and Malcolm to visit Grammy and then we're going to the movie... I don't know anything else, just miss you and love you loads....
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