Africa: Day 15 & 16

Please excuse grammar, spelling, etc.

Day 15

There is a lizard in my room. 
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Today was the longest day so far. My uncle George picks us up around 9:30 and we are now just back at 6:30. 

We managed to squeeze 6 people in the back of his car (Ivy, Laurel, myself, Livia, uncle Kofi, and Liam). Driving was uncle George and in the passenger seat was Adam. My dad stayed back. In the car my sister was trying to figure out our family tree. We have a lot of aunts and uncles therefore a lot of cousins. 

On the highway we saw pepper farms and rice farms. A line of red could be seen along the road, where the peppers were being dried. 

Today we went to the village where my grandfather was born, Mepe (on my moms side). Our first stop was at our grandfathers house. There we met my great uncles children. It was a short visit. After this we headed down to the river for a short walk. Along the way, in the alley we saw two monkeys tied up on the fence. I assume they are used for pets. After our walk we passed by a lady selling jewelry. The Kenny's picked out bracelets to purchase. 

We then went to a little court yard where we met a great uncle along with many other people. A few words were said, a prayer, and a drink was offered. Gin, I believe. 

The Kenny's went back for their bracelets. 

It was time to head home. But not before lunch. We drove for what seemed like hours. I fell asleep for part of the ride. We went to a place near both the ocean and Volta River. 

At the village and at lunch there were some tears. At the village the kids were told not to touch anything. They were all doing so well. When we went to the river, Livy was about to touch something and we all started to call her. She got upset because she thought we were mad at her. 

At lunch I was the one crying. During my time here I have rarely thought about home. I have had  no worries. I realized I only have a few more days. When I get home my worries will be waiting for me. 

It was a long day in a hot car with six people in the back. I was tired, hot, and overwhelmed. 

After lunch we crammed into the car and started on the last stretch. Uncle George took short cuts whenever he could. The kids did well considering our situation. Livy has heat rash and was also upset and a little tearful. It must be quite uncomfortable. 

The girls had talked about coconuts all day. On the way home uncle Kofi spotted some and bought some for the girls. They were so happy. 

We are home now. I am tired. 
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At the supper table my dad is telling us stories about the families. 
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I think the music coming from the house I spoke about on day 8 is actually a church. I can hear drumming once again. It is worship night. 
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My cousin Philomina (sp?) is here. She's been here for a few days. Since day 13 or 14. I've lost track of time. 

Day 16

Wedding day. I'm wearing makeup for the first time. We'll see how well this goes. I'm sure it will melt off in a few hours, if not minutes. We have two cars today. The driver (Qwami), my dad, Livia, and myself in one. Uncle George, Adam, Ivy, Liam, and  Laurel in the other.

The ceremony had already begun. We sat in the back of the church for the remainder of the service. There was a choir (from what I could see it was all boys).  When the choir sang or the couple exchanged vows there were many people that went up to take pictures. Very unlike any wedding I have been too. There were a few people within five feet of the bride and groom. The reverend made a comical comment and everyone backed off. One professional photographer worked the room. During communion (a catholic wedding), the bride and groom made their way down the isle picked up the elements and made their way up the isle. Before this, the choir sang and people got up out of their seats, made their way to the front of the church, and back to their seats. Singing the whole time. 

I noticed the couple is a little older or at least look to be. I still have hope. 

Immediately after the service, we made our way outside. Formal pictures were taken. We were in the one with the brides family, Pearl is our cousin on our dads side. 

We met some more family. Refreshments were served. We were formally introduced to the bride and groom. The photographer took pictures (with my camera as well - I'm sure he was pleased). Pearl said she would come and visit us. I will probably be gone. 

We left shortly after this. There were a few places we planned on going before I leave in on Monday. 

First stop was the 'house' we stayed in before heading to Canada in 1981. The house is located in Nima (Accra). My second cousin Lucy and her father were there. This was a surprise visit. Lucy was very excited. An older lady was there, she recognized my sister right away. 

We then headed to the arts centre (market). I was there on day 4. This time we actually went into the market (much bigger than I thought). Last time we only walked around the perimeter. As usually everyone was trying hard to sell their items. My dad and uncle George would let us know if they were asking a fair price. They would barter until we got a better price. 

After this we drove around the city. I saw the hospital I was born at, then we went to the complex where my family lived before I was born. 

We are now at the mall (well our car is - I'm sure the other car is home by now). Liv and I stayed in the car, while my dad is picking up a few things. We got out once to go to the washroom. Livia knows how to squat. Her mom taught her. I have been to the Accra Mall more times in three weeks, then I have been to any mall in Saskatoon in the last three months. I don't have the exact stats, but I imagine this to be true. 

I was wrong. The other car was here with us. They bought beef and chicken patties from the food court. Something to tide us over before we get home. 

Home. 7:40. 

Tears. Livia lost her tooth, or rather pulled it out. More tears. 
(The tears are unrelated to the tooth).