The dusty streets and deep blue skies of southern Africa are the subject of many songs and poems expressing intense longing for country, home, and family. Two examples are Say Africa by Vusi Mahlasela (lyrics) and African Sky Blue by Juluka (lyrics).
In Accra, there are plenty of dusty red streets. But, blue skies? No. I’ve seen the sky color vary from very pale blue to bright white. You can see this clearly in the photo of Commonwealth residence hall taken from the main street on campus. (The view from the same spot toward the University of Ghana doesn’t show the sky, but provides a sense of the scale of the campus.) Will the skies change as the semester progresses? I’ll watch.
Catherine and I bought a pineapple and three papayas from CitiVeg today. (Note the white sky.) The signs indicate that CitiVeg represents some sort of farmer’s co-op, and it has excellent quality produce. The pineapple was perfect; we’ll try the papayas when they ripen, hopefully tomorrow.
Tracy and Stephanie had another bad bank day. (Again, see the sky.) There was a demand for a word change in yesterday’s “Resolution” letter (“open” —> “re-open”) and a new requirement for a “Constitution.” At dinner, Tracy predicted that Calvin’s Ghanian bank account will not be sorted by the interim class’ upcountry departure on Friday. Will there be a miracle? They’ll try again tomorrow.
Earlier in the afternoon, we tried, without success, to establish an internet connection at the Institute of African Studies. The ethernet cable was dead, with no IT person in sight. We’ll try again tomorrow.
In the morning, Tracy went by taxi with Mark to Roman Ridge, with the goal of completing his enrollment and purchasing a uniform. Didn’t happen. The responsible parties were not on campus today. We’ll try again tomorrow.
The aircon technician didn’t come to campus today. We’ll try again tomorrow. The person who can create a second set of keys for the flat was unavailable. We’ll try again tomorrow. I need a few nails to repair a bed, but C.K. found only one. We’ll try again tomorrow. Stephanie looked in several stores for a good street map of Accra but found none. We’ll try again tomorrow.
I’ll write again … tomorrow.
—Matt
