Week 1 in Accra, Ghana

What a week is all i have to say! The life experience encountered in the last week was richer than any I've had in the "bubble city" of Toronto. In comparison to Toronto, it's incredibly different here in Accra, Ghana. Different in its customs, traditions, dialects and more importantly the sense of community! Being so accustomed to Toronto, its a bit of a challenge in complying with differences between the Canadian vs Ghanaian contexts. In many instances, the left hand is a sign of disrespect. People are not allowed to eat with their left hand, shake hands with their left hand, receive anything with their left hand or even wave with their left hand. This sucks for me because I'm LEFT HANDED! More strikingly, the thumbs up in Ghana I've learned means "F#$% your mom" which is the most offensive symbol that can be given to a Ghanaian. This is one of my biggest challenges because the thumbs up is a positive gesture that i give quite often to almost anyone!
In terms of the language spoken here in Ghana, (although English is the national language of Ghana) almost nobody speaks to each other in English! I feel that the only time Ghanaian s use English is when their speaking to a foreigner like myself. Everyone in Accra speaks to each other in Twi. Ive been trying to learn the basics to try to fit in but to be totally honest....i suck!
But if its one thing that makes up for all of the many challenges of fitting in in Ghana, its Ghana's unique sense of community. I absolutely love it here for that single reason! Ghanaian s are among the most friendliest people I've ever met. Everyone in Accra that I've met so far are so willing to give a helping hand. You can talk to almost anyone at any time! I find it really interesting to see that the most snobby people in Ghana seem to be foreigners haha. In Toronto, people in the public wont even look each other in the eye, let alone engage in conversation, but in Ghana it's a different story. There is a such a strong bond the Ghanaian community share which is something I admire and envy as a Canadian.
Ghana is considered a poor country in comparison to the western world when measured in global economic terms by its GDP, GNP and HDI. But in being in Ghana for just a week, I've soon come to realize that Ghana and the Ghanaian people are much richer than westerners hope to ever be. Although the Ghanaian standard of living may be significantly lower, the Ghanaian standard of being; one who loves, cares, and in doing so truly lives is immeasurable in its richness! I came across this quote during a tour of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois home who is one of Ghana's most influential figures of all time. It reads:

"One thing i charge you. As you live, believe in life! Always human beings will live and progress to greater, broader and fuller life. The only possible death is to lose belief in this truth simply because the great end comes slowly, because time is long." Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois' last words.