Tuesday, December 13, 2011

I want to be a star! (Night with the Stars, and Yevu)

I have run way to smoothies once again, this time not because I am tired of my room but because we seem to have a localised power issue! The localised issue is even more than just the area, or even just the house. The landlady has finally gone crazy and seems to be refusing to pay for the electricity for a couple of the rooms. One of which I am trying to live in!

 It has actually been a tough week in which the news of which my contract with my current organisation has not been extended leaving next year up in the air a little! I will have to hope and work hard on opening a new opportunity. There will certainly be more posted about this little annoyance when I can post without worry!

Anyway, in want to give a little bullet point blog about an event that happened a few weeks ago. The Night with the Stars at the Conference centre. (Annoyingly I was not invited as a star!) It was Corecta's last night before running back to be a lawyer (or try to become one) in Philly! I decided to force her along and hope that finally she had a good night. Getting in was a little bit of a palaver (because as a tight ass i didn't want to pay the 50 cedis) but after finding a friend of a friend he told those at the gate I am with the BBC. That seemed to do the trick! Anyway, to the bullet points:


  • Everyone goes to these events dressed to kill. The girls who are slightly larger seem to try and fit into the same dresses as those a little slimmer. (I am not complaining though, some great views!)
  • The stage for the event was actually quite good. Light displays and the whole set up was very professionally done. 
  • At the side of the stage were two big screens used by MTN. The audience could text to a short code and have their messages shown to everyone. If I had known then I would have charged and topped up my phone ready to market and make fun of everyone I could! I only managed one message comparing the dancers to my white grandmother before my batter died! But this message board gave me immense entertainment throughout the concert.
  • The problem with this message board though, was that it was clear MTN were sending in their own, 'MTN is so amazing' messages!
  • the rap doctor Okyeame Kwame rode into the conference centre on the horse! (What more analysis can I give on this!)
  • Corecta would prefer a tall man! (It is likely my friendship with her is over for this comment!) As a side note I would like to tell everyone in Accra that Magnolias on switchback road, Cantonments, is an amazing restaurant with amazing food and a great setting!!
  • Men and women that attend these events are all so interested in having their photographs taken in front of the boards. Usually the women seem to like to turn round so the camera, and all the men standing watching them have their photo taken can focus on their posterior! 
  • Kokovelli performed with the trinity. Na na na na na na Kokovelli..... This was the big tune when I first came to Ghana!
  • After talking about r2bees for the whole show it was then announced that he missed his flight from Kumasi. Really!? They couldn't have told us at the beginning so we did not hang around right to the end to see them!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Hearts vs Kotoko - For the atmosphere!

I have a pile up of things to write about the Hearts - Kotoko derby, the Joy Fm Night with the Stars event and by request from Lucky Heather my war with bracelet sellers on Oxford Street. I have been meaning to write for a couple of weeks but busyness and work issues and health issues keep delaying me. (Incidentally, the work issues may lead to a couple of interesting blogs eventually!)

This time round I think I will focus briefly on the Hearts- Kotoko derby at the Accra Stadium. On the morning of the game I was unsure whether I would go or not but having not been to this fixture before I decided I would be a fool to miss out another year! I called Michael (A Twi speaking German who is an unlikely Kotoko ultra) (yet to have a nickname!) and fortunately he had a spare ticket. We strolled down to the stadium met with Stephan (who's nickname will be revealed shortly) and his friend and looked for a safe way into the stadium. Having almost being the victim of robbery there before I am never to careful about getting into the stadium, but this time we managed to enter with no trouble at all. 

We got some relatively good seats behind one of the goals (which is not to bad because the pitch seems extremely small) and sat down with a mix of fans from either team. For those of you who do not live in Ghana or do not know about these two teams, they have the biggest traditional rivalry in Ghanaian local league football. Hearts of Oak are from Accra and Asante Kotoko are from Kumasi (the second city) They have long been the dominant forces in Ghanaian football and have only recently been challenged for the top of the table due to the large investment being made into the local league here. 

So we settle in to our seats, realising that there was no shade and that sunburn was an imminent problem ready for a good match. Michael, the Kotoko hooligan that he is, had inadvertently warn the colours of Hearts of Oak on his t-shirt. (either not the big fan that he suggests he is or hedging his bets incase of a Hearts victory) The atmosphere was great with most of the stadium full. The two sets of fans were singing there songs and one or two vuvuzellas were ringing out! We were a ready for the game. 

I would love to sit here and tell you all that the game was played with incredible quality but unfortunately that was not the case. To keep the sports journalism part down to a minimum, apart from a few glimpses of some skill from one or two of the players the spacial and tactical awareness of both teams was just not apparent. There was no diagonal runs in the attack, in fact hardly any movement into space at all. If there did happen to be movement the person on the ball seemed not to have the vision to anticipate it. The referee made a few blunders. He missed a couple of bad tackles and punished a couple of good tackles but not enough to suggest that he had been bribed (at least bribed enough) by either of the teams. 

The other on field mistake was by one of the referees assistants. He gave a corner kick when the ball was clearly not out of play. This led to some off pitch trouble when some of the fans from the upper stands started to launch a bottle attack on the linesmen who had to begin to dodge for his life! The police then jumped into action by standing and waving at the crowed! (I can now see why they earned there salary increase!) The Kotoko players also came over to the side of the pitch and begged and waved to the fans to stop bottle bombing the linesmen! The eventually stopped and the pitch was cleared and the game go back underway. (Bottle bombing happened at one more occasion in the second half of the game)

Other points of note in the game where the Kotoko mascot and the eating habits of a german football fan!

The Kotoko mascot is, in fact, a cow! I actually spent the better half of the first half watching this cow mince around the stadium trying to get the crowed singing and winding up the Hearts fans. (Quite amooooosing)(sorry that is terrible!) I don't think I can say much more about him (or her, maybe he/she had udders?)

Now on to Stephan's eating habits. Back home, it is not unusual to grab a beer before the game and a pie at half time! (a big manly meat pie to keep the energy levels up to shout abuse at the opposing fans and players and occasionally your own manager in the second half) Now, Stephan may, or may not be the typical football fan in Germany but it seems that his choice of half time food is...a cucumber! I of course asked "what the hell are you eating?" but he was able to justify his choice due to the high water content! (Fair enough, but he could just have had a bottle of water?)

Oh, by the way, the score is 0-0 and I lost my bet that there would be a penalty before the final whistle!


Kotoko Fan/Hearts Colours!
Cucumber and his Cucumber!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Azonto!

Sometime ago I wrote about dance etiquette (or my perceptions of it) in Ghana and my inability to understand it.

http://yevuinghana.blogspot.com/2010/12/dance-etiquette.html

Now, the dance life here has become even harder. The Azonto dance has become popular on the dance floors and streets across Ghana. Whether in a club, by the street side or at a wedding (or a funeral) men and women are randomly and sporadically breaking into the Azonto dance. Shouts of 'come on Sam, dance Azonto' are worryingly frequent and always ignored. I have a problem with the two step let alone this straight legged, hand spinning dance that at times is reminiscent of a bit of John Travolta in Greece!

If you do not know about the Azonto craze which has hit Ghana and beyond here is a little video to teach you the moves. You will be pleased to know that I am not going to give you personal lessons!

http://www.twitvid.com/SH5DQ

Enjoy, and happy dancing! (Maybe I should learn this dance!?)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

People only clubs - Racism in Accra!

A lot of you would not have seen the recent news regarding racism in Ghana. To cut a long story short a restaurant (a stones throw from my house) had a no black policy when it came to a member club. (Italian owned) A policy that seems to scarily hark back to another age when it was seen as legitimate to discriminate against those with another skin colour.

Here is the link if you would like to read further http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15552093.

This has got massive coverage here and across the world. Ghanaians of course came out very strongly against this and a lot of anti foreign rhetoric was banded about. As soon as I heard the story I thought bugger this could potentially have a big affect on the majority of ex-pats living here who would not even consider such a policy, and the backlash could make things a little uncomfortable. Certainly many of us as critical of certain things we come across in Ghana but to think about race in such a manner would not even cross out minds. My good friend Aunty Melanie mentioned to me yesterday that the only time she notices she hangs out with black friends is when she sees her white face in a photograph. I totally agree with this. To take it to another extreme, when I first moved in to this house (which is full of white people) I could not even remember how to socialise with them! (Incidentally, Melanie cooked me some incredible Roulade yesterday! The first home cooking I have had in a very long time, and damn good food! Thanks Melanie!)

Anyway, this is not going to be a controversial blog to try and push the buttons and cause a huge heated debate. I think the subject of race is one I should probably not say too much about. I was even asked to come on Metro Tv to discuss it and I quietly ignored the invite!

Last night one thing happened which is not as uncommon as it should be. I was out checking out a bash to celebrate Eid in New Town. As I strolled through the crowd of people I heard someone shout, "Go back to your country!" Of course I looked around and wanted to call the guy to come down and explain his sentiments. (politely....) Whilst searching around I was dragged off by one of the guys that were accompanying me. (probably for my own safety, as I'd had a couple of glasses of wine by this stage!) I am not going to analyse this right now because I will probably get carried away.  What I will say is that this is not the first time I have heard this and other similar comments shouted at me as I stroll around Accra. 

I should make it clear that I am in no way in support of the 'white club' and was appalled to hear about it I just want to point out that it is a very small minority of ex pats that think that way here in Ghana and that there are also some anti foreign sentiments amongst some groups also. 

See...very uncontroversial! 

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Miss Malaika 2011 goes to...serious!?

It has been a while since I have blogged, and a really long while since I have written about a night out or a dramatic event. There have been a few, including being threatened with a bottling by a street boy criminal called Marvin, whilst trying to protect my volunteers, but those kind of events are old news and boring.

Last night I was fortunate enough to be given a complimentary ticket to Miss Malaika 2011 at the International Conference centre, by a former participant in this blog. I think I called her mysterious beach girl, but she is no longer mysterious, and I have not been to the beach with her for a very very long time!

After finishing eating (alone) in the increasingly boring situation I am finding myself in, there was no way I would turn down the ticket. I got to the Conference Centre and sat down in my seat ready to enjoy my first experience at a 'beauty' contest. Of course I have seen a few on the TV before but never been there in the Audience. The show went rather well, with the hosts, Chris Attoh (the actor) and one of the ladies from Adams Apple (forgotten the name) did very well and dealt with the minor glitches very well. I must admit it is one of the best hosting jobs I have seen in Ghana.

In the talents round one girl did some art work on stage which looked a complete mess until she unveiled it as an African Woman's head. Really different talent, as opposed to the normal dancing and drama pieces.,I certainly have to applaud her courage! After this we got closer and closer to the finale after watching a host of performers, some good, some terrible, grace the stage.  The last round saw the 5 remaining girls answer the question who is more important the house wife or the career woman. All the girls tried to give an answer and most gave decent reasons. Then the last girl, probably the favourite and the most attractive of the bunch stepped up to give her answer....

She choked and the crowed let her know. Lots of "OHHH Geri!!" chants came from around the auditorium and she must have known that this was the end of the road for her.

We then came to the unveiling of the Miss Malaika Queen for 2011. It was all going smoothly and the 2nd place runner up was announced.  Then it was time for the first place runner up, and the first hitch came. Apparently it was a tie! and the tie was between Alex and Geri (the bad speaker!) Of course the alarm bells started ringing! Had they planned for Geri to win? Were they giving her a second chance to prove herself? Maybe!

It was decided that the two of them would be asked another question to see who would finally take the crown. They were both asked what three qualities to be a woman of the millennium?  (Which millennium?)  Alex stepped up first and got a huge round of applause and cheers when she completely smashed the answer for a home run. (I recently watched a baseball movie! (Rounders is better!)) So now it was Geri's turn, could she do better? There was an awkward silence as she again forgot to take the mic from Chris Attoh as she gave her answer. He answer was phenomenal due to the fact that it was terrible. In fact two of the reasons she gave were the same and the other reason was not even a reason. She concluded by saying she had nothing to add, it was a for gone conclusion! Alex would surely lift the crown and settle it on her head!

WRONG!

Geri of course in this story took the crown. It was a tie between the two before the last question but some how her incredibly bad last answer had propelled her ahead in the judges votes. (I was actually how, when there is an odd number of judged how there could have been a tie in the first place?) When she was announced the winner the whole place was in shock and two thirds of the audience just got up and voted with their feet. Everyone left, and no one stayed to see the fake queen be crowned!

I certainly wish Fake Queen Geri the best in her reign as Miss Malaika! And to Alex, It seems your sharp mind and intelligence and ability to talk under pressure could push you further up the ladder than a beauty Queen!



As the show went on we reached the finale, with the girls all answering a question on who was

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Kept awake by religion!

So, this is just a quick post with an example of both noise and religion. I came home last night not long after midnight after a great show at Alliance Francaise. The singer KG (South African based in Canada) blew me away and must be the best female vocalist I have heard live in years. Despite the good music my sometimes uncontrollable mood was not at its best and not helped by my neighbour who was making a little noise. (to say the least) Here is a little example of what religious noise can sound like here!

I have added one or two random Ghana pictures also so incase you get irritated by the sound you can mute your speakers and have a look. The first picture is where the noise was coming from. Check out the massive Coconut! And look out for my Ghetto cleaning lady!





Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Accra Noise!

Accra life is full of noise! Whether sleeping or whilst awake, you can not live in Accra without defining your life with noise. I decided on this blog whilst strolling around and I realised that wherever I walked there so many noises I just do not hear back in the UK. Living in the countryside back home the only noises I hear are the distant churning of traffic, the occasional fox screaming in the night, our dog,  Branston, fearfully barking at those he doesn't know, my father moaning and my mother worrying!

As I lay on my bed writing this blog I already have the noise of the women who clean the rooms and wash our clothes chattering outside with my Air conditioning unit whirring in the background. For me, with a Tinitus issue (ringing in the ears) the AC is a comforting side. Let me not forget the huge massive cockerel (affectionately known as Roostie) that perches not far from my room and screams throughout every day and night (which is certainly not comforting) (I have actually offered to build this chicken/ostrich a house away from my room . As long time readers may remember the noise of a chicken actually contributed to me being kicked out of accommodation so I am trying hard to tolerate this beast!)

Other noises that I hear from the room are mainly rather annoying. Even now there is a gentleman (possibly the landlords new driver?) singing (at least I think he is singing) with a lack of tune and in what I can only describe as a zombie like fashion! Then there is the sweeping, which certainly is not as bad as in past accommodation. Very occasionally the house ladies invite their amateur pastor friends over who pray in a very exuberant fashion usually saying the same thing over and over again in different ways. They are walking thesaurus and trick people into thinking they are saying a very long  prayer but in actual fact its the same sentence. Can I Hear an AMEN! HAAAALLEEEELUUJAA!

(Oh my, this guy singing has got issues!! A high pitched wail is now being practiced!)

Let us now leave my room (I know that may be difficult) and head out onto the streets of Accra. Africa is known stereotypically for its singing, dancing and drumming. I think it is true to say that rhythms run throughout Ghana and define the jobs of many. If you go to the chop bars (small eating spots) you will here the boom...boom...boom of the fufu pounder smashing into the cassava, yam and plantain creating the staple food to eat with some nice soup!

Sellers throughout has certain rhythms and almost melodic phrases to tell those around them what service or product they are providing. The first you will hear when you come into the hustle and bustle of Accra, whether strolling around or sitting on a Tro Tro is ''Yeessss Puuure" selling the little sachets of pure water, which are the most cost effective liquid sustenance in Ghana.

If you have a problem with your shoe, your flip flop has broken or you simply need a bit of a polish job done then listen out for the loud Clack...Clack...Clack of the show maker. He walks around with his wooden box, full of polishes and new heals (which reminds me I need a new heal!) and tools, as well as his wooden stick to beat it. So many times I have been standing there and one of these shoe makers has come out of no where and made me jump out of my skin with a surprisingly loud CLACK!. Very useful for a lazy guy like me though!

Next comes the ting ting.....tingtingting...ting..ting of guess what? The manicurist! (Yes indeed here in Accra we have mobile manicurists!) You seem them around painting ladies nails and working on trimming mens nails. This is the first place in the world where I have seen so many men getting there nails done! In fact even I (the manliest of men of course) have had my toenails done! I was kind of forced into it by an ex as I foolishly spent my whole day waiting for her to get a weave on, or bonding, or something. (For those that don't know about black women's hair all you need to know is that it takes a bloody long time!! If you ever have to wait...go and do it in a pub!) It is unlikely I will ever get a manicure or a pedicure again, but if I do fancy it I will just listen out for the ting ting of the manicurist's tools.

Ok now for another ting ting but this time of the glass variety! And this is a rather more manly one ( I think anyway) This is the tingletingletingle ( notice the difference?!) of the Akpeteshie seller. Akpeteshie is a local gin brewed in Ghana in conditions that those who drink it would definitely not want to see! In Accra there are about as many drinking spots as there are churches. (and believe me there are thousands of churches) But even with copious spots the gin lovers will be glad to know that if they find themselves out of reach of one of these spots the mobile bar will walk past them tingling his tune ready for you to get drunk on the move! Brilliant!

I almost forgot, the honkey honkey of the fan ice man! This fellow (or these fellows) is (are) the ice cream seller(s) around town! They sell frozen yoghurts and ice cream. I must admit they are a welcome refreshment on a hot hot day and the sound is a very welcome one!

So I have mentioned some of the more subtle noises of Accra but lets face it there are some far less subtle noises to be found here! Apart from the tro tro's screaming out where they are going to...CIRC CIRC CIRC or ACCRA KRAKRAKRA etc etc (those who have been in Accra will know of course what I am talking of) there are the drivers that drive using their horns rather than steering wheels or breaks. I have often tried to work out if the different rhythms on the horn mean different things. Kind of sounding out like the talking drum at a traditional ceremony. But, now, I am pretty sure they are just randomly played to either tell the other driver (or pedestrian) that they are going to pass first, or rather confusingly to tell the other driver (or pedestrian) that they can actually pass first. It could just be to say that 'hey, I am coming round this corner'! Or maybe just because they are checking that the horn is still working. Some even have there horns hooked up to other switches to make it easier to sound! This has to be one of the most irritating sounds in Accra!

Another extremely irritating sound for me comes from the thousands of churches that I mentioned earlier. To be fair it is only one kind of Church (I think) that is making the most noise. The charismatic churches (which can be found in massive rich expensive buildings or randomly in the middle of a football pitch somewhere) pride themselves on being able to talk in tongues! Quite annoyingly we have one of these little church kinds hiding somewhere near out house! Now, you would think that speaking in tongues is quite an amazing thing (that is of course if they are not all pretending because they are worried they are the only one not speaking in tongues!) but these guys are so proud of it that they get a microphone and a massive set of speakers and scream their tongues through it for the whole area to hear. What I dont understand about the tongues is that it seems to be the same phrase repeated over and over and over (and over) again. Surely to actually be able to speak in tongues it would end up in a rather boring conversation!? And if the guy is using his microphone you may well end up with a headache.

There are thousands of other sounds around and it is likely that I will have to write a rejoinder at some point to this blog but I think I wrote this one to just let people know that they should really listen to their surroundings. There are many noises that are taken for granted but in actual fact have a use or a meaning that we have not thought about.

And Bish Bash Bosh...I am out!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Ghana Safety Rejoinder!

Just a quick note to post some worrying safety news. Many got a little frustrated with me portraying their beloved Ghana in a negative. Well since I have posted I have had various guys from overseas pick pocketed and more worryingly in the last week I know of three foreigners (who have recently come to Ghana) who have been robbed with men wielding Machetes! They were slapped with the flat side and a couple of them were wounded!

Fortunately no one was seriously injured but I must say this has got me a little worried!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Pick pocketing genius!

So when talking to the newbies in to Ghana I always warn them that they have to be careful of pick pockets. The Artful Dodger and Fagin's gang have nothing on the guys out here. They have some incredible techniques, as i mentioned in a previous post regarding the football stadium thieves. Obviously busy areas and clubs and any kind of event holds its risks.

I always mention that anyone needs to be careful on a Tro Tro. I have lost a phone and a camera over the years on a Tro Tro but today I saw an elaborate plan to steal. (I have been thinking about it ever since, I shouldn't be, but I am quite impressed with them!)

Right, here goes. I was with a volunteer, taking them to a placement. We were waiting for a Tro Tro and as we went to get on a gentleman said after you. As he said this a guy charged through to get on just in front of us. My volunteer sat in the middle seat between the guy that charged on and a random woman. I sat behind my volunteer and next to the guy that said 'after you'. (I hope your staying with me here!)

I can not remember an awful lot about the two men. The one next to me was not dressed badly. He had a pair of black shiny (quite smart) trainers on and was not dressed shabbily. The guy in front was dressed well to. Not in a suit but smart casual, maybe like the guys I used to go to the University of Ghana dress!

So when we came to pay the mate for our journey, the guy next to me passed his money to the row in front to give to the mate. Instead of passing it to the random lady who was closest to the mate, he passed it to the guy in front of me. (the one who had charged on!) who then passed it over to the mate. The mate gave him his change and he passed it back to the guy next to me. As he passed it he (accidentally?) dropped the two coins on the floor. (right at my feet)

I could see one of the coins so I picked it up and gave it to the guy. He then went about looking for the other coin. At one point he had his kneed dug into my leg. (which was a little painful) He was (i thought) looking around on the floor. I was focussing more on the fact that this guy was shoving his knee into my leg.

This is where I take the accolade of outsmarting the thief. (Although I was not quite sure if he was at this stage) I realised that the whole thing was a little strange, and this guy did not seem to be looking so hard. He had his bag right next to me and his hand was under the bag. The sneaky (f**k) was trying to sneak into my back pocket where my wallet was. He must have been looking at me for sometime before when I took my wallet out to prepare for the tro tro ride.

Anyway as I realised (kind of realised) that he was a little close for comfort and I put my hand on my back pocket, he sat up and said ' oh, I will just pick it up when you get off!' It was then my stop and I carefully slid passed the guy to get off. I was not quite sure if I was right of not at that stage so I did not make any accusations but after a little think I marveled at this thieving technique!

You should let me know if you know of any other techniques we need to watch out for!!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Where is Yevu.... (in Ghana)

I have often wanted to provoke some kind of reaction to my blog, at least get a few comments here and there. The last blog about safety has certainly got some discussion flowing which is great but I need to point out that Yevu in Ghana is in Ghana and not anywhere else.

I guess it seems that a lot of my blogs come across as negative viewpoints on Ghana. I assure you that I enjoy being in Ghana and although I may write about some negative elements I also think, write and enjoy the positive elements of this country.

People hear a lot about Ghana and Ghanaians around the world are the first to be proud of their country. (and rightly so) But people do not really give a balanced view of what is happening here. I probably do the same when talking about the UK, although I know there an awful lot of negative things to discuss in my country. I remember a lecturer at the University of Ghana telling our Masters class that all white people are racist. I certainly had a little fight against this one, but it was her view from living in the states (and reading quotes written in the 1800's) that this was the case. (Although I don't think "all black people are lepers" is quite relevant in todays racist rhetoric!)

Anyway, this was not supposed to be a rant. Just purely to say that if you offended by the blog in anyway, I apologise. But it is Yevu in Ghana, and not Yevu anywhere in the world. I just write what I see and hear about however controversial the topic.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Ghana and Safety!

My job requires me to talk to young volunteers about safety issues in Ghana. It is the usual scare people about a new city speech, which is aimed at pushing these guys into being safe. I start with a little bit about pick pockets and how they are very clever here. They will get you on the Tro Tro, waiting for the Tro Tro, walking in busy areas and going into any event (such as a football match...story to follow). I then talk a little about going out in the evenings and not trusting everyone that comes up to you and guesses where your from and tries to be your 'friend'! I also let them know just to look out for each other and each others belongings and make sure people do not make any stupid friend choices.

Now the reason I start with this is because when living here (and not on a short visit) it is difficult to abide by these suggestions all the time. Definitely I have learnt my lesson whilst sitting on public transport, having lost a phone and a camera over the years whilst sitting on a tro tro. But when it comes to day to day normality sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone.

The issues for me (and some others that I know) are that we can not always be out and about with a big group like the volunteers in Accra. They certainly have that comfort zone and there are always people to move with. For those of us living here, it is only one or two people we will be out with in the Evening and when and individual feels like leaving they may have to leave alone. Then there is the issue of taking a taxi alone in the night or deciding to walk if it is not to far away. (For us in Osu everything is walkable)

Now, recently I must admit I have become a little more intimidated by my own vulnerability in Ghana. Over the years I have always stuck out and I understand that my skin colour is certainly an advertisement for alleged wealth. People have always called out to me as they will for anyone that comes to visit or live here from outside. But recently it has been a little bit of a different feeling. I am hearing more and more stories from people about being robbed (not pick pocketed) when out and about in Accra. I am beginning to look at people with more suspicion when they approach me or try and be friendly with me. It is rather sad!

Not so long ago on Oxford Street (the Accra one!) I was walking along typing on my I-Phone and passed by 4 guys standing by a lamp post. It was one of Ghana's many holidays and not many people were around. It was weirdly quiet for the day. One guy started shouting at me.."hey.. hey.. hey" in a booming voice. I was pretty pissed off and almost stop to ask him what the hell he wanted but something in my told me 'no mate, carry on and just look over your shoulder'! So thats what I did he said "come here come here I like your phone!" I turned round and told him that my name isn't Hey so he should get out of here, and walked off very quickly. I am pretty sure that I have had stopped to talk to him I would not have my phone anymore. This is not the only incident that has happened and on a few occasions I have found myself running home (drunkenly) in the night because I am sure that I am being followed! (I sound like some paranoid guy now I know!)

Even the clubs are becoming aggressive. When trying to act chivalrously when a very big and tall guy was trying to latch on to some of my female friends, I ended up the one in trouble. All I said to him is "its ok!" as in please let go of my friend and move on. He did let go of my friend (which was great) but then he moved over to me and told me I shouldn't fucking talk to him or he would fucking punch me! Ok wonderful, what do I say to this guy who is towering over me. I decided "its ok" would be enough to make him move on. It didn't, and he continued his aggressiveness! I wasn't going to back down, but I certainly wasn't going to fight this giant. I held my ground until one of his friends decided that it would be a good idea to remove him form the club. (saved!)

As I mentioned earlier, it is not even safe to go and see a football match. I was with 6 of my volunteers trying to get into the world 11 vs Africa 11 peace match. It turns out the 7 of us were the only one trying to get into that particular gate and the other 20 guys (all holding some kind of handkerchief or towel) and all in everyones pockets. we had a phone stolen, that was recovered, but while it was recovered his wallet was stolen. My new journalism volunteer has hr bag knifes as she was surrounded by about 6 guys and they tried to steal her SLR camera. Fortunately she fought them off and ran away. In the end we had to get a police escort into the stadium!

So these are all stories where no one has been hurt but whilst thinking about writing this blog unfortunately someone was hurt. I would love to mention names and nicknames but I will let this person off and allow them to remain anonymous. My friend decided to go out for a run in the evening. Around 8 o clock, so nothing we wouldn't do in the the UK. After a few twist and turns she became a little lost. As she was running past a group of guys on a corner one stood up and smacked her in the face. (not a small punch if you saw the swelling!) After a little scuffle my friend ( very fortunately) managed to get up and run away! We do not really want to think about the motives for this attack (whether theft or something more sinister ) but whatever the case it was brutal and terrible.

Does this mean we can not be free at all in this country? Should we always remain inside and fear walking out? Do we all have to remain in cars to travel small distances? Personally I can not live my life like that and I will try to take little risks here and there if I can. I hope those around me also don't give into the fear and continue to go out and tr and feel free. We all need to be careful for sure but the sad thing is I know this will not be the last time I blog about personal safety!

PS MUM! If your reading this...dont worry too much! I am fine!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Shane the Cricket!

For a few weeks I have been sleeping terribly! I don't really know why. Sometimes when the moon is full I have a terrible nights sleep (some seem to think I'm a little crazy for thinking this!) and the stormy weather has not helped, but generally I have been very restless. Many of the nights in question as soon as the sun went down a very loud 'cheep cheep cheep' of a cricket. Now many may call me lazy but for some reason I put up with this noise for two weeks. (if not longer) Mainly I think this was because by the time i noticed him (I don't know why I think it's a him, it's normally women that make more noise!) I was dozing or couldn't be bothered to get off my bed to find the bloody guy! Usually crickets and frogs are known to sing you off to sleep. But when one is there alone with you in the room, it really is not the case!

Anyway, one night I was on the phone very late (early in the morning). I could not for the life of me sleep and this guy, who became known then as Shane started singing away! This night he was particularly loud and really driving me crazy. I decided tonight was tonight that I would hunt him down. It was tempting to get rid of him maliciously because of the trouble he had caused me, but because he now had a name I could not kill him. So I decided to catch him and let him out to annoy someone else. After all he was probably just singing away in an attempt to get laid! How could I deny him that privilege!

So i pin pointed Shane to under my desk and very soon I had spotted him. We looked at each other, we both froze and then Shane just sidled seemly unfased under a book as if to say, 'what are you looking at!' I spent the next ten minutes trying to catch Shane in a mug.  It didn't seem to work very well and he evaded e very easily. But then finally I caught him. I trapped him on the wall and then slid some paper over the cup. I carried him outside. As I removed the paper and looked inside the cup carefully, I realised that Shane had escape!!!! For crying out loud mate, do me a favour and remove yourself form my room.

I went back to look under the desk and sure enough there he was. Chilling! This time I went to trap him with the t shirt. I threw it at him and craftily Shane jumped and avoided the T-shirt and landed on top of it! Any way to cut a long and pointless story short i finally got hold of him and let him go outside.

I was left inside and still could not sleep! I wonder where Shane is now?!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

3 2 1 Action - Shelly Telly's crew in Action

A few years ago I had the privilege of helping Shelly Telly and Wendy on there visit to Ghana. They ran a great project with 6 students from Dabala Secondary Technical School and also one of the local Junior Secondary Schools. The projects taught these students to use still and video cameras in order to create a mini documentary on the people of Agave for the Agave Development Association. It was a really great project and I loved the way that Shelly and Wendy interacted with the kids and i remember them really loving every moment of the projects.

We had Martin, (the International Super star) Prince, (A young genius) who I saw recently and has decided he wants to do Medicine and Emilia who was a superb interviewer and went on to make money from filming funerals!

Now the reason I mention this now is because at the funeral I bumped into the DASTECH crew filming the whole event. I was so proud of the new crew and can not wait to see their pictures. The following pictures are of the crew.
The New Crew members with their Teacher! 


The crew! 
Me and the Crew



Remember this one Shelly?
Finally  little message to Wendy. Congratulations on your new arrival! I am so happy for you! Can not wait to meet the little one!!

Togbega funeral! Part 2

So the day of the funeral, after waking up (woken by the cannon!) and having breakfast I managed to catch a shower (bucket shower..cold water!) at Mummy Evelyns house. After feeling refreshed I put on my funeral shirt and headed out on my way to the palace and the funeral grounds.

I now know what it feels like to turn up wearing the same clothing as someone else!
I met with Gifty (from the previous blog) and we joined the queue to go and see Togbega laying in state. Of course I had been in the building all night and could see his bed, but I had not actually gone to see him. We gave a little donation and after a wait we finally moved inside. First the wife and children were there to greet everyone. I noticed straight away that the young son (about 15) had great poise and demeanor for a young man at his fathers funeral. The two sisters (both beautiful) were next to him clearly struggling with such a hard occasion. Throughout the whole ceremony the whole family showed themselves in such a good light. I have an awful lot of respect for all of them.

Romeo leading in Rawlings!
A few of the invited guests started trickling in. Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Ghana, came very early. I was really impressed with the way he walked in and offered respect to all the traditional leaders surrounding the area. Then in followed the current MP of the area and District Chief Executive as well as a few interesting faces with them! (politics is very interesting. You can always see the people that only want to be close to people for their own pockets following around certain political figures!(it is always the same snakes!) It is really unfortunate I can not mention names here and discuss some of the "things" that they have been up to and the disloyalties aired in public!

The Drummers! The played everyone in
Anyway, I seem to have gone of the topic here quite drastically. The funeral was largely speech based with chiefs and dignitaries all trouping in to greet the family and take their seats. I must say the organising committee did an excellent job in arranging such a massive event. I think roughly 5000 people turned up form all over the region and in form other parts of the Accra and even from overseas. The car with Togbegah in was in the middle of the big square. I managed to get myself a seat with
the planning committee and sat down to relax in the shade (still hot!) and listen to what was to be said and watch the traditional dancing. (mixed with a little humour) At one point a man in a light grey suit (looking like he was coming from the financial district came out into the middle of one of the shows with a newspaper and started reading it! I am not sure whether he was part of the fun or a little bit mixed up!
The Hearse 
This is the talking drum. This guy would talk to each different chief coming in and welcome them with his drum. The other drummer for the chief would reply.



These girls are the Chiefs Mourners. They walk round slowly draped in beads and with solemn faces. It is really interesting to see and they really are emotive! 


I took to picture of this lovely lady. The first one she stood to attention like a stern army officer. I asked her to smile but she pointed out her lack of teeth could make it a problem. This is as good a smile I could get out of her. She was nice though. (and maybe a little Drunk!) 
The Financial District cultural dancing gatecrasher!

This lady apparently attends all the big funerals. She wonders round with a massive shot gun and with one arm (and a lot of attitude) shoots it into the air. She made me jump out of my skin about 100 times that day! (It was a really big shot gun!)

So after all was finished we all went back to the house of the wife of Togbegah. She had prepared food and entertainment for everyone. the food was great and I had a couple of beers to. It was a really nice wa to unwind and catch up with people from my previous years in Dabala. Its was really nice to see some of my former students and other guys I knew around the town. They always make me feel so welcome and I must admit its been great to see these guys grow and progress. People I taught are now becoming teachers themselves! (kinda weird)

Monday, April 18, 2011

The day of the wake! Togbega's funeral 1

Today I woke up next door to a dead person. Infact I could see the bed he was lying in from my sleeping position! After being woken up by the gunshots, drumming and women mourning i made my way outside. The place i was staying was built specially to house the dead chief Togbega. He has been dead two years now and finally it is time for him to be sent to the other side to be with the Ancestors.

As I made may way out of my air conditioner sleeping place I see people busy tidying up the area after last nights wake keeping. There was either a live band or loud dancing music to follow. I took part on both as much I could!

Everyone around is adorned in red! This gives some the chance to wear their Manchester united shirts whilst others buy either a togbega t shirt or the special cloth. (which I'm wearing in the form of a shirt as I type this) those who can not afford still join in by wearing anything read they can find. Scalves, football bibs and old tshirts, all in red, are everywhere!

You may wonder how I end up sleeping in the building built to house the dead chief whilst he lays in state, that will follow shortly!

Togbega was the paramount Chief of Agave Traditional State and had ruled from 1992 until 2009 and his untimely death at the age of 55. Togbega was someone I respected very much and was fortunate enough to have the chance to speak to at great length. As well as interviewing him for my thesis I also went to him in his traditional role in order to ask his advice on a project I was managing in a local village. Of course the advice was so good and I can certainly credit him with te success of the project. His words were always humbly accepted!

Now I am waiting for some breakfast at Evelyns (a friend and mother from long ago) The breakfast is kind of strange but quite refreshing after being woken up by a cannon!

My tea, sugar bread, Carrots and cucumber!

Mummy Evelyn and Giftee! My political family


(Please forgive me for now going to past tense!! I am no longer at the funeral!)


On Friday evening I made the journey to Dabala in the Volta region to keep wake at togbega's funeral.
Unfortunately, due to work constraints (bloody work!) I could not attend the start of the funeral from Tuesday, but I was determined to keep wake on Friday night. I got there, changed into my funeral wear ate some Banku and then headed to the palace to watch the big screen where they were showing videos from throughout Togbega's reign. Was really wonderful to see the people giving so much respect for a traditional leader. The Church spends a lot of time castigating the traditional practices and I am happy that people still maintain the strength to respect traditional rulers.

During the video, I had the honour to sit with and talk with some of the late chiefs family. In fact, as you can see I became quite close with his older sister who swiftly proposed to me! (Of course I accepted! Would be rude not to right?!) And that was when they insisted that I sleep in the building specially built to house Togbega as he lay in State.  They were worried as to where i would sleep and made me promise to come to the airconditioned room with the family  if I don't have anywhere. It was extremely lovely of them and I appreciated the few hours of cool sleep i got.

Anyway, after the video, I went out to the mini street party that was happening. I danced and drunk with the locals for sometime, watched the live band at the palace and then decided that it was about time I lay my head down. Now we have come full circle to where I started the post! I will continue saturdays events in the next post.

Downsboy

Offering theif. Crediting his account

CRASH!

After all my talk of Car accidents it was inevitable that I would be involved in another one sooner or later. Well yesterday the time came where my life was at risk in a tro tro again! ( I think maybe I should find a way to fit in Drama into my name and join Dramalison!)

I have so much to write about my weekend and so many pictures to show people from a great funeral for a great chief, but firstly I will briefly talk about the accident!

We were on the way back from Dabala, Volta Region, in a Trotro. After we left the storm swiftly moved in and we were battling against the rain and the wind. The driver seemed a little over confident and on a couple of times I asked him to take it easy. He brushed me aside whilst talking a lot to all the passengers, he was in very high spirits. He drove fast at every given opportunity so I had made up my mind to tell him when we got to Tema motorway that he should please be careful. Tema motorway is arguably the most dangerous road in Ghana with so many accidents and deaths occurring!

Fortunately some of the people on the bus had been finding it funny to wake me up as I fell asleep. (It wasn't funny at the time!) So when we reached the motorway I was awake and I mentioned that I feared this road so he should be careful, because it is dangerous. he said "its not dangerous to me"! Great one mate! I was pretty certain something was going to happen and I was wide awake. I asked him to be careful on a couple of occasions and the rain was getting worse. On the third occasion the driver moved out to overtake a tro tro and front of us. As we moved out the the tro tro in front also moved out. I told him to slow down but instead he swerved! (He could have easily just breaked and we would have been fine!) But no...after swerving he could not control the vehicle, we span round and then smashed off the road backwards!

I (probably irrationally) dived across to the drivers side because I was worried that my head would go out of my open window if we flipped over. I must admit it was quite a scary moment but as we came to a halt in the undergrowth everyone was ok. (and screaming JESUS JESUS!) (Maybe they should have screamed that before we got the crazy driver!)

We moved from the car and the police patrol passing picked us up. The driver lied to them so that he did not get arrested for dangerous driving! He said we were stranded and the police believed him. (I must say on this occasion the police are doing a good job patrolling the motorway) I was aware that this stretch of road is known for armed robbers also so I was thankful the police were there to pick us up. We got to the roundabout and then had to find our way home!

Anyway, I am now off to the clinic because I have a slight swelling on my back. I think it is nothing, but i have been compelled by everyone to get it checked out!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Picture BLogs are far easier! Welcome to my home town!

At the local Chop Bar at Dabala Junction...I used to eat here on my first visit to Ghana. Olee and I used to sing the Chop Bar Lady (in Blue) a song everytime we saw her. (Chop bar lady da da da da da! Chop Bar lady..... along side a stupid dance!!)

Dramalison's first picture appearance on the Blog! Welcome Dramalison!
 Dramalison
The school in Agorhome that I taught at and now offer a little support to with my family.

Me with the Primary one teacher! She is a really great teacher and person. I call her bat women....She stood in front of me at a party I had organised for the school. Whilst telling me of the problems they were facing she mentioned to us all that there was a bat infestation and once whilst writing on the board, one happened to urinate in her mouth!!! I couldn't help but laugh!!! euugh!


Salomey - Pretending to be teacher!

The next projects is to fix the ceiling in the store room (and get rid of the bats!) All the books are scattered and get very wet!

Our last project was to fix up the floor in the Kindergarten! Eventually we will try and rebuild this tin can! (without using tin!)

Recent Jubilation in the village when we finally got piped water! They have been saving and saving for years to get running water and  have been working so hard everyday fetching water from miles away. Apparently when the water started flowing there was a funeral going on (wake keeping) and they fetched water the whole night! All drinking and bathing in it! It really is an incredible thing to see the difference having water has!

A spot of cooking! Pepper grinding!

Yakayake - Casava (steamed) pancakes! Nice with sugar!

Dramalison, Salomey, (someone else?) and the farm in the background!

My tilling the land!! Green fingers!

The Smile of South Tongu! Romeo has taken care of me every visit I have made to Ghana.  A true friend and family member! An next MP of South Tongu!

Dramalison again with Romeo, his wife Dora his kinds and some of the locals! I truely miss these guys. Can not wait to see them at Easter!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Olympics 2012 British Football team - I AM available!!

Well, once again I have been lazy to post. I am waiting on some pictures to put up a picture post. That will come very soon. Before I get on to the main post (which will be another past blast) I will just mention my mammoth effort this morning!

For the first time in 11 years I decided to involve myself in an 11 a-side football match! I used to play so much football as a youngster and liked to think of myself as a bit of a player (football player, not a cocky footballer chasing all the women in town!) so I wanted to test whether I still had it. In between that time I have been fat, slim but mostly unfit and have played a little 5-a-side at Uni and home. I faired ok in the small game but would my fitness show me up in this big 'obroni' match against a third division team!

Well, there I am thinking my fitness will be the problem and then comes my first opportunity on the ball! I can not blame tiredness (although the walk with Swiss Robinson to the pitch was a little energy sapping!) but as the ball was played out to me (I was in the left back position) the ball suddenly leapt over my foot and went off for a throw in! Now I could blame the stones on the pitch, or the passer of the ball but realistically my inability to control the ball was the real deciding factor!

As the first half went on fitness did begin (quite quickly) to take its toll. I was completely out of position when they scored their first goal, and inevitably, I was supposed to be marking the scored! Great work me! I was touted as the mascot before the game, and I think I may have been more use running up and down in a stupid animal costume than left back!

I could not keep up and by the end of the first half I thought that they only way forward was throwing up or collapsing (or both!) But after a rest I trotted back on to the pitch for the second 40 minutes. (yes just 40 minutes!) Anyway, shortly into the second half, and after not making to many mistakes I decided it was about time I show the world my attacking prowess and forced myself in to the left wing position. Ryan Giggs, Asharvin, Overmars, Bale, POLLEY! ( I don't know why Overmars sprung to mind but he was bloody great!) Now maybe I am over stepping the mark a little, but I was certainly a little more effective in this position. I actually managed to do a couple of tricks around player and even have a shot! My biggest personal mistake was deciding to slide challenge in order to win the corner. I had lost the ball and pride was not going to let this guy run around me. But pride caused me to cut my leg on the grass-less pitch! (bloody pride!)

I think this blog is long enough without me discussing my spiritualist experience. Maybe I will post that one next time!

Anyway, we ended up losing 4-2 (not a bad effort from the guys!)  The referee put an excellent display in. He was even able to blow for fouls and offside when he was at the other end of the pitch standing on the penalty area! Maybe his fitness is even worse than mine! (

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Contrast in Ghana!

I am sitting in a little drinking spot having a bitter lemon which is really quite refreshing after giving up on waiting for an hour for a friend in a hair salon. (This could easily be a new pastime for me!) (Actually this is how I got my first date in Ghana 8 years ago! A story for another blog) Beautiful women strolling around is a bonus but the waiting is just too much.

Anyway, my point was that as I sit two gentlemen were calmly washing their face, hands, arms and feet and preparing themselves for their prayers. I sat quietly and watched and admired their dedication and the peaceful nature of the prayer. Watching them prostrate and then stand was weirdly hypnotic! It is also interesting to see them happy to get down and pray wherever they are. This time outside a little barbers shop on the step by a gutter. Very nice!

And then to spoil the nice moment I am having, a little girl comes to take a piss just beside where the men had been. She is then told off for pissing all over the side of the gutter and goes to get a little kettle to clean it! Not so nice!

Ghana and its contrasts!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Unpredictable Ghana!

Firstly I realised that if I mention Wanlov The Kubulor in my post I get a lot more readers! So I have done it again to ashamedly get more readers to my blog. Thanks Wanlov, and once again very entertaining show last week! Here is a link to one of my favourite Kubulor tunes!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnRvsvLlrZA

I am also almost getting to my thousandth viewing. I will have to think of an interesting story to post up to celebrate that!!

Anyway, on to todays musings! Ghana is the most unpredictable place I have experienced! (I have jumped straight in this time!) This can be a positive and a negative thing and I will try my best to give a balanced view! (Although those that know me will realise I am far better at complaining (its an English thing maybe?))

It really is difficult to predict what will happen to you on a day to day basis in Ghana. Planning sometimes is just not worth it. You can plan a whole day, and wake up in the morning ready to run out and achieve your goals in the hope that you will feel satisfied at the end of the day, but then everything changes. You wake up, get to the shower, and there is no water. Ok no problem, you can fetch some and bucket bath with just a little delay. Then as you get back to your room to iron your shirt, the power goes off. With another little delay maybe you can find a shirt that looks ok and then head out of the door.

After this you can have the problems with transport, finding a taxi (or tro tro) hoping it doesn't break down on the way to your first port of call and hoping they have change for you at the end of the journey. (or else they have to go round searching for change from everyone in the area!)

So you get to your destination for a planned meeting. And you have to hope that the person has reached the office. (remember he or she will be facing the same difficulties) If they are in the office, its likely you will have to wait for them for a while, or someone else will nip in front of you to have a short (long) talk. With all this going on, you will regret making your second appointment so close to the first one and will have to call to either postpone or cancel the meeting entirely!

This is just a small and short example of how unpredictable Ghana living is! Anything to do with time is a doubt. Water and electricity can not be assured. Women chasing me is very unpredictable (although more often than not they are not!!) Going out or staying in can also not be planned. (Many an evening I have planned to stay in and I have ended up on a big night out until 5am!)

Career wise I am a little annoyed with this element of Ghanaian life. Lack of communication at work leads to new tasks popping up without any notice. But also in the TV industry its difficult. Whereas last month I was on tv all the time. Getting shows and acting in series. Champions league, Afia Schwarzenegger, English Premier League. But this month I have hardly has anything to do. I guess that the nature of the game and here even when you are good or better than others (I am not saying I am!) you do not necessarily get given the gig. It is who you know, who your family is and who owes you!

But if not for unpredictability I may not even be in Ghana now. I kind of came on a whim and hoped that things would work out. The TV work came because I was going to buy sweets in the evening. (check out an earlier post) I randomly came to this house where I met a lot of good friends, which is how I secured the job I am doing with the volunteers now. So certain things are definitely positive about the nature of Ghana. If things are going badly, it is not long until something strange will happen and you will be on your way up the ladder!

Please leave comments and get back to me with your experiences of unpredictable Ghana!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Water!

Ok so now I know why everyone was going out to fetch water yesterday morning....There is no water flowing through the pipes around here! (Fabulous) This means bathing and flushing the toilet are quite difficult at the moment. (not ideal at all!)

This is a very short post really but I will take a little time to tell you about last nights activities. Uta (still without a nickame damn it!) Dramalison, the new guy Stephan and I, went out to watch Wanlov the Kubulor launch his new album. African Gypsy. Kubulor is quite popular in Ghana and is definitely an interesting performer to watch. He wear a sarong like garment and never wear shoes. (I've seen picture sof him strolling around London barefoot) He is a master of Pidgen English and always has a blent of humour in his music. (I implore you to check him out on Youtube!)

He is half Romanian and Half Ghanaian and in his new album he mixes the two together. The outcome was quite surprising to me. The fiddle and accordion go remarkably well with the Ghanaian drum and other instruments. It was a really great show and I will definitely be getting my copy of the album!

Go and check him out!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

A new Career?! Acting!!!?

Well Well it seems that Samuel Polley (me, or Samdingo, or English Breakfast (coined by Swiss Tony)) could be on the first rung of the step towards treading the boards of the West End, or dare i say Hollywood!? Well no! Probably not! But, I had had my first acting experience in Ghana.

I did tell a few people when I came to Ghana (when they questioned me!) that although I am coming with nothing to do, (quite a risky step) I will find myself in situations where I can try and do well. So far it has happened with the TV work as a football pundit, and now there is potential in the acting area.

I happen to know the lead actress in a new series on TV3 called Afia Schwarzenegger. Afia is the apparent God Daughter of the man himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger! (I know, quite a crazy story line!) But in the last 7 weeks it has gained quite a cult following, and they are gaining viewers every week.  They have special guests stars (which this week included Mzbel and George Williams!(google them)) and then me! Special guest Samuel Polley (Sports Analyst?) I don't know how I found myself into this one. But I continue to say yes to the things that come my way. It is possible it is a one off event but it was a lot of fun and a real education. lets see if i get another!
                                                Me on Location with Afia Schwarzenegger
             

The basic story line is that I am about to be cheated as a foreigner..(I am called Mr Suarez, which may make me a little hated in Ghana!) and i understand everything said to me in Twi. (Ghanaian Language) In the end I end up scamming the girl out of all her belongings! (and then speak a little Twi of my own!)

Anyway, a short blog to tell you about my new acting career, and if one day you see my name in lights you will know where it started from!

Goodnight!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Responsible blogging!

It has been a rather uneventful weekend with the usual couple of nights out thrown in. Apart from a little win at the casino and a few drinks around town there really is nothing to write about. I am now waiting for the next couple of hours to go by so I can go and watch Arsenal and Birmingham fight it out in the League Cup final!

Will this be the day when Arsenal get back to winning ways and prove that even with a team averaging 23 years old they can, in fact, win trophies!

Incidentally, I feel I should just take a little bit of time to warn a few of you reading this blog. (A rare moment of seriousness!) It has been drawn to my attention that I have written about casinos in quite a positive manner. I have also mentioned a couple of times that I have won money there. (Not a lot of money I hasten to add!) Now firstly, when I go to the casino I take a set amount of money with me. (20 cedis or about $13) and I go expecting to lose this money. If you have any ideas that the casino is a way of supplementing your income you are very mistaken!

Every time I have been to the casino (3 times!) I have seen men and women lose serious amounts of money! They will leave and them come back with more. It is very dangerous so please do not go if you can not afford to. Only go with the money you expect to spend on a night out.

You may think I am being overly serious here, but I felt this is necessary because I have had a couple of emails from people enquiring about going. (I must remember to blog responsibly!)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Crazy Rain! Swim home?

Just a quick blog is this! It rained and rained and rained tonight! Wow! A serious storm. Rain, lightening and thunder for hours! Unfortunately I was stuck in pig farm (and area not and actual pig farm, which is fortunate!) where i was overseeing the quiz night the volunteers have every tuesday. After waiting out the storm inside for an hour or so, they decided to brave the weather and head out! This was my chance to also escape home!

After making sure everyone got a taxi (or a tro tro) home I was left in the street (now a river) in my jeans (worried about my phone) waiting for a taxi! none came! I could see from my position one taxi was parked up and a driver was sleeping inside! He stirred and i gestured for us to go and to my surprise ( he really looked to be enjoying his sleep!) he said lets go. I think he felt sorry for me, and he was really great to brave the weather and give me a ride home! We drove slowly the whole way and then we go to my road. We had to stop!

Near my house there is a huge gutter which carries goodness knows what down it! (a certain friend has in fact just warned me of what it carries down it and therefore after this post I will have to go and take a shower!) A car was stuck in the middle of this newly formed river with the water racing down either side of it half way up! I paid the driver (gave a little tip for his kindness) and decided to start wading on through! I got quite a way in to the river (up to my knees) and decided another route may be better.

It turned out there were no routes through and the other ways were even more dangerous! with the risk of actually being swepped down the gutter! Fortunately after a little while the waters died down and I did not need to swim though, just merely walk through all the litter and debris lieing around.

I am now home and there is the occasional rumble of thunder, but I am in my room(still with the A/c on!) relaxing and thinking of sleep!

Now let me go and wash my feet and legs thoroughly!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Accident count!

I cant believe I have been forgetting to do my accident count!

An incident to one of my most famour housemate (Dramalison) has urged me to get back into Accident counting. Unfortunately, (although everyone is ok, which is fortunate!) Alison was involved in a car accident whilst on an excursion with her company. The car hit a pot hole (there are a lot of them here!) swerved and then flipped off the road. It is a wonder no one was seriously injured. We all extremely happy Alison was not too badly hurt and wish her a plaeasant and safe tip to the wedding she will go to this weekend!

Oh Dramalison, thank you for bringing Drama to the house!

Samuel Polley, Ghana's only English football pundit!!

Well, this evening I am buzzing - over 24 hours on from a great experience on Viasat1, a local tv station here. As many of you will know I was asked to be a pundit on the live Arsenal vs Barcelona champions league match! Now in any analysts career this is a huge deal, and I think now that it is safe to say that I have moved away from being surprised that I am in this business to actually believing that I can rub shoulders with the..................

I actually fell asleep half way through that sentence, so now, whilst I am in the office, I will attempt to finish this blog without falling asleep again! (I clearly was not buzzing enough!)

So, I actually now believe that I can rub shoulders with the top analysts in Ghana and hold my own in front of camera. On the Champions league show I was on set with two former Ghana BLack Stars players. One of whom won a champions league medal with Bayern Munich and he was also playing in the game between Bayern and Manchester United where 2 goals were scored at the death to help Manchester United take the crown! (He is a defender, so he didn't want to talk to much about that one!!)

Back to the game. (I am not going to analyse it all on here dont worry) The game was a neutrals game! It was such a good end to end battle that anyone would have enjoyed watching it. We made our predictions in the studio. (mine was 2-2) And then we set down to discussing all the inns and outs of Arsenal and Barca. It went well and I was able to disagree with what was being said on a number of occasions. I think I may have surprised a few people in the studio.

Whilst watching the game we got a nice buffet of little snacks and then I sat down to nervously watch the game. (I'm an Arsenal fan!) Then my phone started going crazy. Obviously, quite a few people watch the show because I had so many add requests on my facebook page. I guess I must have been doing something right. So does this mean I have joined the world of the celebrity? Maybe, someone saw me and came to say hello at the taxi station yesterday. I am just waiting for the paparazzi to catch me doing something untoward! 

Anyway by the end of the game, Arsenal had scored two goals to take the league. As went back on set for the final discussion, Sammy Kuffour was passionately unhappy with the score. (Especially after predicting a 3-1 win for Barcelona and saying that Arsenal did not have a single chance!) The set took a little beating from him, just before we cam on air! Woops! Well done Arsenal for making a former Champions league winner angry!

I am in the office now, so I have had to bring myself back down to earth! The most glamorous thing I will do today is go and sit in a little chop bar and have something to eat! Although there is romours of some events coming up this evening! Will keep you all posted!!!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Dearly Departed Olga(sm)

With emotions running high yesterday we said a fairwell to an integral member of the Blue Gate house! Olga(sm) has run away to Europe before heading out to South Africa for a 9 month spell! (Not a bad life huh?)

So as I woke up in the house, after we had been to the jazz club the previous night, most people were just taking Saturday morning easy. Suvo(sh)jit and I went to get some Lunch and then came back to relax a little in the afternoon. It was more than likely that a little bar crawl would occur in the evening so I decided to just play it cool in the house.

I will only write one sentence on the next part of my day. I went to watch the football with Olgasm and Josh and Arsenal lost a four goal lead to Newcastle!

We have been enjoying the pleasure of having a table tennis table in the house for the last couple of days. It is only a temporary visitor but it has been really nice to have a knock about with the guys here from time to time! I must say that I am especially rubbish and need a whole lot of practice. (I really hate losing!) The only issue is the table is right outside my room so the ping pong noise can begin to cause a little craziness! But who am I to stop people having a little fun!

So Olga(sm) and Josh came back to the house and we had a few beers whilst playing table tennis with Swiss Tony, Swiss Robinson, and Dominik Zapper. (Please note the new nicknames!)

After a while it was time (unfortunately) for Olga(sm) to make her move to the airport. For some strange reason (no offense to who's idea it was) we decided to light sparklers in her honour. I always thought that sparklers were more of a celebratory item, but it seemed to go down well. We gave Olga a card with out heartfelt messages on (Olga cried) we gave Olga a hug (Olga cried) and then finally we waved Olga off (Olga cried!)

I must say that it certainly is not the same without Olga around and we will have to find away to keep the parting momentum going. Those of you in the house that are reading this, I implore you to keep up the spirit of a few beers after work, A few beers for lunch and Mandingo at the weekend!

We did go out last night and we tried our best to have a good time. We went to a couple of spots, including one called 'stomach clinic'. I think we have a picture somewhere which I will put up sometime! Then we made the obligatory trip to Duplex. We were even joined by Alicia, our hidden housemate. It was great to have her out with us, and she even added to the drama of the evening by having her phone "stolen". I learnt today though that someone actually brought the phone back to her. It was claimed she left it on the back seat of a taxi. (which we searched!) It is unfortunate that their really are a lack of honest people around. They only brought it back to receive their reward!

Anyway I will end by wishing Olga(sm) a pleasant trip back to Europe and then a wonderful time in SA!!!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Welcome back part two! The Beach! (Cholera?)

Right I am back from my rest and I have decided to continue (very briefly) about the rest of my first few days back in Accra. I have just been to a local sports bar to watch Arsenal play with Yan. We lived the life of a gentleman club and were given our own room, with A/C, Pool Table and Flat screen TV. Along with wonderful service and good food!

 On Sunday I thought it would be nice to go to the beach, fortunately I was able to persuade a (nameless) friend to come along and join me for a bite to eat. We had avery nice Chicken and Chips meal (the chicken and pepper is amazing at Tawala!) The only annoying thing was that once we were seated the next people moved their table so close to us that I thought she was going to sit on my shoulder! They wanted to use our umbrella evidently, but when our food came I decided to take our umbrella to a different table (I was a little worried about food thieves being so close to us!)

Anyway, after eating we decided to go for a (romantic) stroll along the beach. This was very lovely and we enjoyed it very much until.........An unassuming man came down, pulled down is trousers, squatted and then (very relaxed!) took a shit!! Wonderful, here I am trying to create a fun romantic scene and this guy has come along and spoiled the whole thing! To be fair the beach is quite messy but it was going well until that point!

As we strolled along the beach I couldn't help but notice that there were certain areas had been used as toilets! I wish  had been wearing Wellington boots and not sandals! (I felt like Princess Diana walking through a minefield!) Any way, we decided to persevere and we came out on the other side without losing any limbs!

It was good we did because I stumbled across to local spots where people were having a lot of fun! I plan to go back there and chill out down there soon because the other beach resorts are so full of Westerners and it gets a little boring. So it was refreshing to see these places.

To cut a long walk short we walked all the way round and back in to town and had some very nice ice cream before we parted ways with a hug and I cam back to the house! (alone) I then decided to go for a jog (this made the ice cream a bad idea!) It was a good starter jog, but to be fair we walked quite a long way! Motivation was hard to come by, but on the up side we came across a lot of really nice little bars to go check out!

Anyway, now I am sick, (again) as I have mentioned. This time is not really different (or worse) than other stomach bugs, apart from the fact that 3 other people in the house have been violently sick recently. It may be a coincidence but today I read about an outbreak of cholera in Accra today. Lets hope it isn't that.  For all those that are worried about cholera (or me maybe having it!) its ok. All that is needed is to keep hydrated and be careful and death shouldn't occur! (dramatic?)