Not Batman!

Nighttime is like a scene from “Count Dracula Returns and sets up business in Ghana”. The skies are black and teeming with bats. The mouse-like squeaks can be heard all night outside the windows, as the bats settle upside down from the tree branches in the garden. Morgan is simply amazed by this; she thinks they are quite cute and would like to capture one and keep it as a pet. You can just imagine the parent’s reactions. Not to mention her brother’s reaction! He is completely and utterly nauseated at this prospect, he barely copes with the giant ants that march in single file across his path, let alone medi-evil creatures with wings that bite and hang upside down. So real is his fear that I am sure my poor child is going to need therapy when we return. When Victer asks him “Come on Bobby! Are you a man or a girl?” He replies very quickly and without shame, “A girl!”

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the kids are on their Easter break now. Still early days and yet already we are running out of ideas to occupy them. Yesterday I sent the driver home to collect them and together with the nanny they went to the Golden Tulip for the afternoon to swim. They both thoroughly enjoyed it, but when we got home Christopher looked like a beetroot-head with white eyebrows. Hats were the order of the day and so was sunscreen, but I guess when you spend two hours in the water the reflection eventually gets you. A lesson has been learnt, all be it a harsh lesson, as Bobby woke up this morning with the sheet stuck to his cheek, very unhappy indeed. Scratch swimming outings from the holiday to-do list. Today the cook is going into one of the outer regions, Tema, to buy fresh fish and I have asked her to pile the kids in the car with her for the drive. Scary thought though, Morgan may just come home with armfuls of fish she feels needed rescuing.

On Sunday we went to one of the local Art Center's in Accra Central. Victer’s bargaining skills are improving vastly. Mine I am sad to report do not exist. I am way too soft hearted, so I leave the buying to him. This buying process takes an exceedingly long time. You start at a given price, cut it down to a quarter of that price and start from there. Whenever you think you are being taken for a ride, you start to walk away, and they chase you. So much energy and time is wasted on attempting to buy one item when you hackle like this. The children complained and pleaded bitterly at the lengthy process, as they melted away in pools at their feet. I think I could make a fortune by opening a business called “Loose weight! Call me and I will tell you how!” Buggar health hydro's. Come to Accra and sweat it off. Did however end up with some delightful goodies for home, and once we were all back in the air-conditioned cruiser, smiles quickly returned. Morgie dripping in layers of beaded necklaces and bracelets and Chris pushing his wooden car up and down the back seat.

I am in the process of applying for Nigerian visas for the family. Our Nigerian trip is eminent for next week. Once again, the children are excited; hopelessly believing that along with an aeroplane trip comes a holiday filled with white sand beaches, ice creams and great hotels. Cannot wait to see their faces, should be priceless, (Actually, Mom’s face will probably be the most priceless of all) We can do this. We are African soldiers remember? Victer will have plenty of work issues to take care of, and myself and the kids will spend some time with our Nigerian friends and hopefully enjoy a bit of change in scenery. This will be a story for next week. I am sure the anticipation will be killing you all.

The president has declared Friday’s Ghanaian attire day for workers. This means everyone must come to work dressed in a traditional outfit. A local seamstress has been summoned, and measurements taken. This is going to be a picture to be taken and sent home. Especially since Victer has decided to be a good sport and join in the fun. There are some lovely Ghanaian outfits and designs for woman. Very colourful and regal looking, also very flattering to the figure (I have the right ass for once!)

Tomorrow, Victer is taking a road trip to Kumasi. This is one of the outer regions where we plan to set up some stores to sell phones and airtime vouchers. Kumasi is a very rural and rustic area, making the GSM phone ideal as landlines do not exist. In some of the outside villages cars have never been seen and we are told that from a young age, little ones born into the villages are told that a white man is such a rare sight, that when they walk the long journey to church on Sundays; should they spot a white man they are to run home quickly and report that they have just seen Jesus!

Life in slow-moving Africa continues to amuse and frustrate. The difference in lingo is also really amusing. Just the other day, Victer was asking one of his staff if she had a particular gentleman’s telephone number, to which she replied “Yes, Sir! Should I mention the number to you now?” I asked my nanny “Are you cross today?” in her mind this is what I had just said to her, “Are you crucifix today?” This explains the deadpan looks you get in return to what you think are rather profound statements. We South Africans apparently speak really fast, (Although I am not too sure about that, I am convinced that everything here is just so slow, we look like we are in fast forward while they are in rewind motion) and our accents are very difficult for most Ghanaians to understand. We find ourselves repeating ourselves a few times in utter desperation to get anything done. We are still of the opinion that this is just a ploy so that we eventually give up and they can revert into sleep mode.

Still counting days to home time…. still loving and missing you all……always praying for your safe keeping.

All my love always