An invitation

Chance was written all over my first invitation in Accra.

After two bewildered days of learning the do´s and dont´s of the city, I was no wiser than the day i came. I was weary of the food and drink, remembering the horrorstories of parasites and snails that entered through eating or drinking. Little things like purifying water and making sure your moscitonet was tucked in everywhere, became the main occupations of my day - mainly as an excuse not to mingle too much. The embarassment of not being able to really distinguish people from eachother let alone remember their names, led me to a somewhat voluntary isolation - allthough it is impossible to be isolated in Ghana. There is allways someone who pays attention to your situation - a fact that came to save my life in the end.

On my third day in Accra, a busload of people poured in at the VOLU office. Well minibusload anyway. Fresh back from working in the bushvillages and in high spirits, they had exactly the kind of joy and excitement that infected everybody and quickly brought the mood to the roof. They were lusting to hear news from europe and I was equally desperate to hear of the work awaiting me. A couple of germans seemed especially professional in the art of getting around and offered me my first invitation.

They were on their way to the Cape Coast festival. It was a bit of a journey but apparently it was worth it. people from all over would come to celebrate and party. There was to be a procession of the chiefs from the different regions of Ghana and their wives and families. They only had to ask me once. What an adventure!!!

My days in isolation were over - I had a plan and company. It was such a thrill.

A moody continent

Africa...

Being there feels like walking on a volcano or a glazier. This continent is a rumbling giant waiting to roar - or cry.

The rains in Africa are wonderous. There will be no clouds - no warning. In a flash the sky cracks open and water pours. No drizzle, no moderate rain. Only solid floods from the sky.
We used to have about one a day in the bush. Rain is a signal for all work to stop and everybody to shower. Unbelievable as it sounds, it is true. The rains are practical in that way. So heavy you can shower.

It does not always rain. The dry scorching heat can hit you just as quickly. It is relentless and fierce. Ghana is overall a humid country, but on occasion the winds bring dry heat from the Sahara. When it strikes it is so hot and dry, that it is impossible to quench your thirst. Even right after drinking, your throat feels rough and sore. Your lips are chapped and your skin burned.

There is so much brutality in nature in Africa. And such a moodiness in her disposition. Untill you get to know the place, you will be walking on eggs waiting for the next roar. As you learn to understand the diversity and spontaneity, you begin to relax and eventually love the abrupt changes. Then it molds into your soul and you wonder if you are forever syncronized with the moods of Africa.