Across the Universe: January 2011

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/faqs.htm

For people living in malaria-endemic areas, an integrated package of effective interventions―insecticide-treated bed nets, effective antimalarial drugs to treat malaria illness (artemisinin-based combination therapy), intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, and indoor residual spraying where appropriate―can significantly reduce the impact of malaria.

We will be installing malaria nets in homes in villages that are affected by malaria infected mosquitoes.

Ghanaians place great emphasis on politeness, hospitality, and formality. Upon meeting, acquaintances must shake hands and ask about each other's health and families. Visitors to a house must greet and shake hands with each family member. They are then seated and greeted in turn by all present. Hosts must normally provide their guests with something to eat and drink, even if the visit does not occur at a mealtime. If a person is returning from or undertaking a long journey, a libation to the ancestors is usually poured. If someone is eating, he or she must invite an unexpected visitor to join him or her. Normally, an invitation to eat cannot be refused.

Friends of the same age and gender hold hands while walking. Great respect is attached to age and social status. A younger person addresses a senior as father or mother and must show appropriate deference. It is rude to offer or take an object or wave with the left hand. It is also rude to stare or point at people in public. Such English words as "fool(ish)," "silly," or "nonsense," are highly offensive and are used only in extreme anger.

http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Ghana.html

Due to the beautiful and warm climate of Ghana hot water for bathing is not always available.
Air conditioning is not always guaranteed in all establishments including hotels and buses.
Electricity may go out from time to time. Hotels are backed by generators if this happens.
The sewer system in the capital city of Accra and some other cities or areas is open so you may smell the odor of the sewer but it is not unbearable.
Drink bottle water because your body will not have time to adjust to the local water.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables are recommended to eat; your body might not be able to handle certain meats or cooked food.
Never ask a Ghanaian “Are you crazy or mad?” It is a big insult- almost unforgivable.
It is important to be generous, to receive the generosity of others (i.e., accept food or water offered or graciously say, No thank you”. Do not turn up your nose or “mash up” (frown) your face.)
It is standard practice to shake hands when introduced and when leaving. It is an insult to shake hands with the left hand or to wave to an older person or a person of higher social status or rank.

It is customary when giving something to use your right hand and in greeting more than one person, start shaking hands from right, moving to the left.
Crossing one’s legs in the house of worship or while sitting in front of a chief or someone of higher status or rank is considered extremely rude.
It is important to greet people first, before asking for their services.
Whenever you visit a Ghanaian home, it is their custom to offer you water first, if you cannot drink the water, politely decline, explaining that you are not accustomed to the drinking water. Next, your host will ask, “Is someone in pursuit of you?” After you answer and that is out of the way, you are then asked, “What is the nature of your visit?”
Raising the thumb improperly is equivalent to raising the middle finger in the United States.
The American circular finger and thumb “OK” sign is also considered obscene.
Secure your money properly & be aware of pickpockets in crowed places.
No photo taking allowed at Airports, state office building, and other government facilities. Your film will be confiscated and you could be arrested.
Ghanaians are very friendly! However, be wary of people who just want to make quick money off you and make promises they cannot keep. You should know as much as possible about the people you are planning to do business with.
You are allowed 2 bags of 50 pounds for check in and 1 carry on & a Small bag.

http://www.africafortheafricans.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92:ghana-culture-and-customs-&catid=49:ghana-july-2011&Itemid=76

Men greeting Men – A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. Handshakes are often combined with a snap on the release for those who are friends. Handshakes tend to linger a bit. If greeting an elder or tribal chief, it’s best to wait for them to extend a hand, if at all.

Women greeting Women - A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. Verbal greetings tend to be acceptable as well.
Men and Women – A handshake with the right hand is the most common form of greeting. A verbal greeting or nod of acknowledgment is acceptable as well.

Note: It is considered rude not to acknowledge someone; therefore, verbal greetings are very important in the Ghanaian culture. For example, “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good evening” are phrases you should find yourself repeating all day long. If you can do it in the local language, you will score big point by the locals. Ghanaian culture is very friendly, tolerant and welcoming of foreigners and foreigners in general can act as themselves and are not usually bound by the expectations Ghanaians place on each other, but a general rule of politeness will go a long way.

People tend to be direct, but polite, in many situations. For example, the compliment, “you look fat today”, is common and should be taken as a positive remark. However, it’s generally not polite to directly ask for something, therefore requests may be implied.
If someone is asking you to buy something from them, saying “thank you” is the same as saying “no thank you” and is generally very affective and considered polite.
Safe topics of conversations include family, work, hometown, and sports. It’s best to avoid speaking about politics at a initial meetings.

In general, the appropriate amount of personal space when speaking is about an arm's length.
It is common see men standing or walking together holding hands. This is a sign of friendship. Not too often do you see women or men and women doing the same.
If you are seen walking with someone of the same gender, you may be considered to be their good friend.
If you are seen walking with a woman on a regular basis, you will most likely be considered to be dating that person.
It is generally inappropriate for men and women to show too much physical affection in public. The same goes for good friends and family members of different genders.
Between friends and family members of the same gender, there is a bit more touching during conversations.
While Ghanaians are very friendly, too much outward physical expression may be considered embarrassing, inappropriate, and/or disrespectful.

Direct eye contact is generally acceptable between members of the same age, gender, and social class. However, overly direct eye contact may be viewed as rude and possibly a threat.
When speaking with an elder or superior, it is best to avoid direct eye contact.
Children don’t generally look elders in the eye, and very few people are allowed to (or are expected to) look a village chief or respected elder in the eye when speaking to them.
Some women may avoid looking at men’s eyes during conversations, but not all the time.
Ghanaians are known to be late to meetings, up to 2 or more hours late is common. People usually just wait.
To beckon someone, you would raise the palm of your hand toward them, and then fold the fingers down in a scratching motion. To people from the USA, this may be seen as a wave, but to Ghanaians, this means “come here”.
A hissing sound is used to get someone’s attention. This should only be used in certain situations, otherwise it may be considered rude. For example, if you are eating at a restaurant and you want to get the server’s attention, you may hiss at them. Someone also may hiss at you on the street to get your attention, such as a street vendor who wants to sell you something.
The kissing sound has is often used to mean “watch out”. For example, if you are walking on a crowded sidewalk and a bicyclist is approaching from behind and there is not much room, you may be warned by the biker to “watch out” by a kissing sound.
Using your right hand to shake, touch, eat food with, or handle money (or anything else) is a must. Using the left hand for these things is considered rude and dirty.
Holding the hand in a fist with the thumb to the sky, then pressing the thumb to the forefinger is an extremley rude gesture. It means something like, “your mother is a prostitute.”
Pointing at people tends to be considered rude. Instead, many people purse their lips in the direction of the person to which they are referring.
The thumb’s up sign is a rude gesture.

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=14&CID=80

I learned that the exchange rate is great, we get a lot of Cedi's to a dollar. We also have a ton of packing to do:

1 set of clothes for trip home
12 bottoms
9 pants
3 shorts
12 tops
t-shirts
bras
sports and regular
underwear
lots and lots
socks
School ID
sun dress
tennis shoes
sandals and flip flops
toothbrush
toothpaste
shampoo and conditioner
loofa
body wash
lotion
face wash
deodorant/anti-perspirant
phone and charger
hand sanitizer
sun screen
towel
pillow
1 pair of nice clothing to meet first lady and go to church
Mosquito repellant
Hat
Bandana
Little backpack
Pjs (sweats)
Flashlight
Camera and charger
Meds
Passport
Money
Toilet paper (travel)
Brush
Slippers
Sweater
Q-tips
Laptop and charger
Umbrella
Outlet adapters
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Granola Bars
Crackers
Peanuts
Trail mix
MnMs
Oatmeal
In carry-on bring a change of clothes
Ziploc bag/plastic bags for dirty clothes
Gum
Body spray
Ramen
Pretzels
IPod and charger

I also learned that people in Ghana like spicy food, which is good because I really like spicy food. I also learned that we have a 12 hour flight ahead of us. I am looking forward to experiencing the Ghanaian culture, going to the museum, the castles, and the church.

Across the Universe

Monday, January 10, 2011

How plantains are different from bananas

Some places we are going

Some more stuff I learned.

Friday, January 7, 2011

What was one interesting fact that you learned about Logan? Did his presentation offer you any new perspectives on traveling abroad? And/or how did his presentation help you to better plan your trip abroad?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

What have you learned today? What are you looking forward to?

Where do you plan to go? Why?

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Why do we travel?