Arriving at Dagbe

July 31,2011

Today started off with a delicious breakfast buffet at the Afia Beach Hotel, thank you Tara for the recommendation!!  I had bacon, waffles, porridge, banana crepes, ginger pineapple jam for the toast, and lots of fresh fruit like mangos, papaya, pineapple and banana. Unbelievable!!  We had to check out of the hotel right away so we could begin our 3 hour journey in the tro-tro (van) to Kopeyia. 

The beginning of the ride was really no different than a road trip in New Jersey, the only thing that I noticed that we don’t have back home is the people coming up to cars to sell things.  We navigated our way out to Kopeyia, through mostly paved roads; once we got close, they turned to dirt.  There aren’t any speed limits in Ghana, so the police set up roadblocks every so often, as a version of a speed trap.  It was kind of funny to watch all the cars suddenly slow down.

Once we got to the Dagbe center, we were treated to a performance of drums and other various instruments as we unloaded the cars.  There is nothing like be greeted by an entire Ewe drum ensemble.  We moved our suitcases into the rooms where we will be staying for the next two weeks.  The beds all have what looks like canopies over top of them.  These are, in fact, mosquito nets.  We have suitcases all over our room, piles of food, and of course bags upon bags of toiletries. 

Lunch consisted of fresh avocado, tomato, onion, bread, and pineapple. I made a salsa with the tomato, avocado, and pineapple, which I put on the bread.  Not too shabby.  I felt like a Top Chef. J

We then had a chance to tour the facility before libation.   Libation is an offering to the ancestors of the center.  It consists of a few steps to allow the group to take part in everything the facility has to offer.  Specifically, we are not permitted to dance or even touch a drum before this ceremony is completed.   Two of the instructors lead the ritual.  Kristen, our group assistant leader, brought forth an offering of money and drink.  The two men poured out some of the drink on the ground to give to the ancestors.  While they poured, they said the names of the ancestors, inviting them to join us for the next two weeks.  The final part of the ceremony involved everyone in the group partaking in drink.  The drink we shared is called akpateshie, which is made of fermented palm wine.  Each member of the group took a drink, then poured a little on the ground after making a wish.

Following the libation, the group began drumming the music for a dance called agbajah.  An older man taught me the moves of the dance and I joined him for a dance.  My favorite part was when several of the children came and danced with me.  They were so much fun, laughing every time I smiled at them.

Following the dance, we were given a tour of Kopeyia.  All of the family compounds surrounding Dagbe were the homes of one or more of our instructors.  Some of the more interesting moments of the tour were having all of the children holding our hands, trying to carry our giant water bottles, and begging for us to take their pictures.  They would light up if you showed them the photo afterward. 

Dinner was rice with a thick red sauce and chicken.  It was awesome.  I can’t believe how good this food is!!!  We went to Emmanuel’s compound for a little while after dinner.  Emmanuel is the director of Dagbe Center.  

A few little things about general life in Africa:

You do not flush the toilet paper.  It is thrown away in a separate container. 

You turn the shower off between everything, so you soap up, then turn it on, turn it off while you put in conditioner, etc.

You have to antibacterial your hands before you eat anything.

We were told to drink a minimum of 4.5 liters of water per day.  Which seems like a lot, but it will keep us hydrated and healthy. 

Do not use your left hand for anything.  Shake hands, wave, etc with only your right hand.

I am having a great time so far, and I can’t wait to continue with dance in the morning!!