Adjusting to Differences

Ghana is different from Canada. Life in the two countries is different in many ways. 

We came to Ghana expecting differences, but not knowing what differences to expect. Just like someone might visit Canada without knowing that Canadians spell "colour" with a "u". 

Here are a few of the more significant and interesting differences that we have observed:

Weather

The heat in Ghana is unlike any that either of us had experienced before. The Weather Network tells us that it's 25-30 Celsius each day. That seems temperate, but the 80-95% humidity suggests otherwise; the Weather Network also tells us that it feels like 40 Celcius. There's no doubt that is true. 

On a few occassions Ghanaians have told us to be thankful that we are not here during the dry season. We will never again complain on a hot summer day in Toronto.

Food

A full plate of Waakye 

The food is just as hawt! Regardless, everything that we have eaten has been delicious. Mama Vicky, our homestay mother, has treated us to a variety of local dishes including fried plantains and beans and yams with tomato and chicken curry sauce. We have both enjoyed Waakye, local dish that contains fried rice and beans, a cassava mash, a mystery sauce, and is eaten with egg or fish. 

What is the biggest contrast with food in Canada that we have experienced? In Ghana, you don't make friends with salad. In fact, you don't eat greens at all.  

Shopping

A vendor at Takoradi Market Circle 

There are no SMART Centres with WalMarts in Ghana. Small shops and vendors line the streets and sell everything from mangos to toilet paper. It's also possible to enjoy the convenience of purchasing items from the backseat of a taxi while stopped in traffic. Merchants walk from car-to-car and often carry their wares on their heads. 

As an aside, we are frequently impressed by the ability of many Ghanaians to carry heavy items on their head (think even full suitcases and benches!). 

There are a few similarities too. 

People

Some of the kids at IT4Teens

We were warmly welcomed to Ghana by Fred Dadzie, who helped us with the adjustment to our new surroundings. Everyone we have met since Fred has treated us with the same genuine friendliness and interest as we would expect at home in Canada. Our ability to adjust to the many environmental and cultural differences is a result of the support that we have received from our new friends here.