A Monkey at the Swimming Pool or Finally Settling In

20 minutes ago, the sound of girls shrieking with both fear and delight . . . "Monkey, monkey!" A huge (we're talking dog-sized REAL DOG sized) monkey is sitting on scaffolding next to the pool. Okay. Yes. We're in Africa. The Gulf of Guinea is just a five minute walk down a dirt road, and in view. All is well on Boxing Day.

We're finally settling into the rhythm of our new life here at the Takoradi Beach Hotel. The girls have soccer practice in the mornings before the near-equatorial sun gets too hot. This morning, I ventured back to Market Circle and finally felt able to take it in enough to haggle, purchase, discern and engage. Because it was a holiday, there were few shoppers compared to the indescribable throngs of my previous visits. Everywhere, children call out "Hi Obruni!," which means something like, "Hi you very pale foreign person." One laughed hysterically when I called out in Fanti, "Afishapa!" She howled, "Obruni Fanti!"

The stench at the market can be unbearable. You constantly watch your step not to step into the open troughs of sewage and other waste. Add the pugent smells of fish, and grasscutter (a large edible rodent) and you've got the market place. Once you stop doing your yogic breathing and resort to breathing through your mouth, then you can see the brilliant colors of fabrics, beads, tomatoes, and peppers everywhere!

Yesterday, we were invited to an enormous Christmas party at the private home of the Chairman of the Hassacus Football Academy. The media was there, and our national t.v. and radio appearances and interviews began. Tomorrow, the girls will have their first scrimmage with the team that we're helping establish/sponsor. Afterwards, we'll make presentations of equipment to each girl individually.

I'm beginning to love this place.