Day 1 - The sights, sounds and tastes of Tema

Three of the CSC Ghana 6 team members (Joanne, Kristina and Akiba) arrived in Tema early morning on Saturday Feb 26. We spent the morning unpacking and finding our way around the hotel.  At noon we met Francis for the first time.  Francis is our Liaison officer but we call him our Chief Fun Officer (CFO).  After a quick trip to the money exchange we headed to a local restaurant for lunch.

The roadways that constitute the city streets could be likened to the country roads near our cottage but with the colour of red clay.  Aound the hotel there are no sidewalks, but usually a worn path on the side fo the road.  One of the main roads in Tema is under construction so the cars drive on what would normally be the sidewalk.  Both men and women can both be seen carrying heavy objects carried on their heads.  Kristina and I wondered how fast we can learn to carry our 50 lb sutcases in that manner for the trip home.

Francis, our Chief Fun Officer (CFO) walking on a Tema roadway

Need a plumber?

There is a constant sound of horns honking around Tema - usually from the cabs that seem to be in endless abundance unless you need one.  According to Francis the honking is usually a courtesy - either to let you know to be cautious because they are coming or to let you know they are empty in case you need a ride.  For us from North America, who are quite unused to being honked at, the noise is constant and a bit intimidating.

The restaraunt we went to for dinner was an outdoor covered patio with white wooden tables with resin plastic chairs.  Kristina and Akiba ordered fufu with fish soup while I ordered chicken with yams and palava sauce.  In Ghana, fufu is mostly made from boiled cassava and unripe plantain beaten together.  Fufu is usually eaten with soup.  Palava sauce is a type of spicy stew.

The first thing to arrive at the table was a basket with liquid soap, toothpicks and drying cloth.  Each of us received a plastic water filled with water and a metal spoon.  Francis showed us how to properly wash our hand in the dish provided for us.  This is an important part of the meal, particularly for those who had ordered fufu which is to be eaten without utensils.  Once the hands are washed, the proper etique is to place the water bowls on the floor by the table leg. 



Basket for washing our hands before eating


To eat fufu, you pinch off a small ball of fufu and make a hole in the dough-like ball with your thumb. This hole is then filled with soup, and the ball is eaten - no utensils required. In Ghana the ball is often not chewed but swallowed whole.   You need to remember to hold the fufu your right hand, as eating with your left hand  is quite a faux pas.  When the fufu and soup is done, you use the water bowl, now placed at your feet, to wash your hands.

Kristina's fish soup served with fufu

It was quite delicious and a whole lot of fun to experience on our first day in Ghana.