Sunday, January 13, 2008

Thank you UGA

Aliens from another planet have landed in your neighborhood and have asked you to show them around your town for one day in order to learn about life on Earth. Where do you take them and what do you do?

" This probably isn't what you would see on most tours of the earth" I warn my alien friends as we hover over the choked Ghanaian traffic. " I mean, an African market isn't on most earthling's list of things to see before they die, but it's the best I can do, because this is my home."
Giving a group of aliens a tour of my town was not my plan when I woke up this morning, but hey, we're missing the traffic and they're letting me drive, so it can't be all bad.
Our first stop is the Makola market in downtown Accra. The first word that comes to mind is suffocating, both in terms of heat and amount of bodies moving along the street. The next is invigorating. One can't help but feel the energy that courses through this mass of humanity as we pass booths of fresh tomatoes, smelly fish, second-hand clothes, and soap. There is no distinction of rich or poor, young or old here, only of who will let you pass and who will push you aside. "Hey obroni[white man]! Wo ye den? [what are you doing]" the shoppers call out to me as we pass. As if my white skin weren't enough to make me stand out, my green companions don't exactly blend in. I stop and make friendly conversation in twi, the african dialect, introducing these aliens to the social, as well as the cultural experience of shopping in an African market.
The next stop is my favorite: a children's home not far from my house. As I step off the spaceship, the littlest kids come running up, shouting my name. The older ones hang back, staring at the aliens until I reassure them. I lead the kids over to a field and organise a quick game of what the world calls football; an African favorite. Although the aliens are soundly beaten, they seem to enjoy it and even agree to a quick game of ampe (a Ghanaian jumping game)afterwards. As the red, dust-covered sun begins to set we wave goodbye to the kids and head home.
Before they go, I insist that the aliens try some traditional Ghanaian food. The menu is fufu (a starchy ball of dough) with groundnut soup, goat, and a dessert of fresh pineapple. Full and happy, the aliens return to their ship. "So, this is what earth is like, huh?" one of them asks as they leave. " I like it." I think for a moment and then reply, " well, maybe if more earthlings could see the earth I showed you today, they would like it a little more too. Like I said, this isn't a typical tour. Its a part of our world most people don't see." "Thats too bad." he replies over his shoulder as I nod my head. "I couldn't agree more."

11 comments:

Melinda said...

You are amazing, profound, and hilarious. Plus I love you. All this tends to make for a pretty good combination.

LoreliC said...

In my opinion, you passed with "flying" colours. Ok, bad joke.

Fox Wesley Buchele said...

Wow what a weird blog post...

I was hoping for something about life, living in Ghana, with a touch of God, a smattering of religion, and an overtone for the average white american who knows nothing of the life overseas kids lead...

But i guess this'll have to do for the *month* it takes you to write another blog... :) lol

anna mo said...

Fox,
Thank you for separating God and religion. I would hope I would get to leave the religion out though. Hoping? really? not expecting? And was this not about life and living in ghana? with a touch of alien added for dramatic effect.

Melinda,
I love you, you are maybe the most encouraging person I know. Your blog inspires me daily, so im proud that i could even entertain you:).

Lorelie,
well, i laughed, so that says something right?:)

Fox Wesley Buchele said...

I was more about physical ghana then actual life and living in Ghana.

And lots of people (myself included) separate God and Religion. I don't see any reason they should mix...

And i still dont 'get' this blog post. but whatever. Post again soon!

Micah and Shireen said...

They would be CRAZY not to accept you!!!!

Jim and Linda Poitras said...

I loved this blog. Read it to my wife and cried at the end. "I couldn't agree more!" Crying? Well, it must be a midlife thing or thinking about my two girls leaving Ghana in the not too distant future.

Anna, we have been so impressed with you, and wish you all of God's best in your future.

Fox Wesley Buchele said...

You need another blog post. Please write one right after reading this comment.

Fox Wesley Buchele said...

Anna.... Its been 4 months!

Writeaway said...

Trying to follow the "Thank you UGA" heading. Huh?

You're a good, creative writer!

oliviakorum said...

for crying out loud...write on your blog again!