So yesterday marked the one week mark of my arrival...and I decided that for every one week mark, I will compile a list of things I learned that week.
1. Don't give out your number.
2. Switch any rings you have to your left hand so the boys think you are married.
3. Not only are Teva shoes wonderful for the mud, dirt and African terrain, they also are great for killing bugs in your room.
4. U.S. is the only country where I am not old enough to drink.
5. No matter what a taxi driver tries to convince you, any price over 10 cedis is a rip-off. And usually anything over 5 is as well.
6. People from Holland and Denmark tend to be the least friendly.
7. All other countries think Americans are kinda dumb.
8. Don't attempt a 4 mile uphill hike up a mountain if you have never attempted such a feat before and you have a heart condition.
9. Use your mosquito net. Bug spray is also not optional at night.
10. Despite how the other volunteers may make fun of you for buying a fan...it's WORTH IT!
11. It is possible to fall asleep on a trotro.
12. Iron your lab coat.
13. Always greet persons of higher status. They will ignore you until you do so.
14. Ghanians are perpetually late/lenient about time. It's normal here.
15. Don't walk in an African jungle by yourself. If it's necessary, continuously pray and don't panic.
16. Don't get out of a taxi to walk home if you don't know how far away your home is.
17. When a guy says he wants to be your "friend" here, it basically means he wants to get with you.
18. Most children LOVE having their picture taken. Others will scream and cry if you don't ask first.
19. When working in a hospital, always ask to do things or you will otherwise just end up sitting there.
20. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to interact with the other volunteers. They are your family here.
Alright guys, I hope you have a wonderful day :)
Erin
Every day is a new adventure.
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