Monday, 30 April 2007

First, in Ghana

Well, here I am, hot and sweaty (nice!) in a little internet cafe (ridiculously slow connection with keys on a keyboard that bear no resemblence to the symbol printed on them hence this may not make much snse but bear with me!), in ghana, west africa.
Arrived in Bongo, where mum and dad live, 2 days ago. Last week was spent in Accra, the capital city *typical busy, hot, dusty african city) and along the coast to a little village called Amomabo - amazing beaches; lots of soft white sand and turquoise sea lined with coconut trees...
On friday and saturday we travelled the 550km north east to the village of bango, a slow drive dur to poor roads and mad ghanaian drivers! I've since been well introduced to all the inhabitants of Bongo at a big celebration yesterday at which the father of a local girl, Joana, who my parents (and now I) are friends with, was made a 'sub chief' of the district (followed by much drumming and dancing). Everywhere I go I am told 'white girl you are welcome!).
Decided I need something to do on a weekday morning when my parents are at work so went to the local hospital (very poor - a tiny building with few facitiltie and only 3 trained doctors but with a huge number of patients queuing round the block all the time) to volunteer my serivces. When I told them I could do basic medical tasks that were similar to veterinary work (thinking bandaging and dispensing drugs) I was told I'd be most useful in the operating theatre and in the maternity wing at caesarians to suture up the woulds and dress them! Not quite the simple nursing jobs I was expecting but I'm sure it'll be quite an experience...
Will go now and probably spend half an hour waiting for this post to load! Apologies once again for mistakes but can't be bothered to read it over!
Hope eveyone is well.
Jen x

4 comments:

alex said...

Hi Jen

Nice to hear your news and amazing experiences!
Enjoy as much as you can and let us now yr adventures
We are always thinking of you

Alex

Anonymous said...

Your so lucky miss amazing vet..dont go deserting the animals for nasty people when u get back.... ;-p

sharron said...

Hi Jen
So pleased to hear you'r eventually on your way! Both Kelly & i are so jealous take care and i look forward to more postings of your news and adventures
luv & hugs Sharron

kelly said...

Hi there Jen. Its great to keep up with all your adventures in Africa. Sounds like you are having an amazing time!!! I'm Sooooo jealous!!
Seems like ages since you left, Alex leaves in a weeks time too, Funny where the time goes!!!
Keep us all posted on what you are up to!!
Be safe but most of all, HAVE FUN!!!
Kelly xxx