Arrived in Accra yesterday. Checked in to Afia Beach Hotel and headed out with co-teacher Neila. Saw some sites, did some shopping, ate some food. When we got back I was going to read before going to sleep but the bedside lamp didn’t work. Maybe this is why.

My long-lived problems with all things electrical continue. I brought my watch with me because I figure since I’m teaching, I should at least know when class is starting. That work horse Timex has always been fine but since leaving NY it has had whatever time it pleased. Watch was replaced in the Dubai airport which is a great place if you want a Rolex but not for what I was looking for. Found an “Xpose” watch which is fine, great, if it lasts but no light so I can’t see the time in the dark.

On with the electric- I brought a battery-powered clock for the room and for alarm. The first set of batteries didn’t work, so I put in the second and it seemed fine. Then after a few hours it flashes… fast. If you touch the ‘light’ button you see the time for a second and then it goes back to flashing. So I tried the clock in the room which didn’t work, of course, until I changed outlets which was a process because the hole drilled in the shelf to allow the plug to pass through was just slightly smaller than the plug. It’s always something.

Today was a great day with Neila. We spent some time in the botanical gardens and saw some more sites. This evening we had our Welcome Dinner at Tante Marie's. Now it's 11:30 and everyone has finally arrived-there were a few late flights. Class starts tomorrow. 

Akwaaba. Welcome. Here are some pictures.

My hotel room and the view from the porch.

The botanical garden

 Chickens are everywhere

Healthcare

The road from the botanical garden

  On the bus going to Tante Marie's for the welcome dinner.

Abigail, who will be with us throughout the class, gives us the lowdown before dinner.