All's Well in Paradise

Things have been laid-back lately. I'm back in Cape Coast, which is my "home" here, hanging out with friends and reading. I'm reading an amazing book called "Confessions of An Economic Hitman" by John Perkins, and I can't tell people enough- THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. It's an autobiography of a man who used to work in underdeveloped countries, and I don't usually like biographies, but I can't hardly put this one down. No, really. I'm reading while I type this to you. It's that good.

But I did have a minor fiasco today. True to form, Messy Jessy (and I HATE that name) strikes again.

Ok, so in America I have a bad habit of not separating wash like I should. I just through it all in, put it on the cold/cold setting and let her rip.

And I used cold water today. But it was soaking and- well...

I'm hoping to buy some dye and do some tye-dying. At this point, I think it's my only hope of salvaging.

And, true to Ghanaian form, Mus insisted that I was not hand washing correctly and insisted on re-washing all my clothes. I've never met a Ghanaian yet who can watch an American's feeble attempts to scrub clothes and not take over the operation.

But I'm not the only clumsy one around here. Mus actually picked up a burning candle the other day and dripped melted wax all over his hair and face. (Don't worry, I didn't laugh until I made sure he wasn't seriously burnt.) Two days later he dumped a bottle of coke on my lap- he was holding the bottle in his hand, then tilted his wrist to look at his watch. It was a good 3 seconds of pouring before he noticed, and he had dumped almost the whole bottle on me by that time.

He says I'm rubbing off on him.

To All My Adoring Fans

I must apoloogize. I know I've been incommunicado for a few days... It's been a tough life here.

First of all, let's talk about location. I've spent long, grueling days out in the middle of nowhere, stranded in a beach resort. Miles from civilization (or internet cafes).

So I figured I'd make the best of a bad situation and use the time to get in shape. I'm talking long, hard workouts. Swimming in the pool for hours on end, long walks on the beach, the works. Walking on the beach into the setting sun, no less. It's been gruleing. You all should be very proud of how hard I've been working here.

Seriously, though, my mom said that I've lost all chance of sympathy from her when she leaves. I'm plannng on being a certified beach bum for 6 months.

So for general updates: Mom and Dad Headed back home. I feel like it's safe to say that the both had a good time, thanks mostly to Mus.

See, first of all, I need to learn that Mus is always right. Don't get me wrong, he doesn't say this, I do. See, he'll suggest something, and I'll be like, eh... I don't know. And then we do my suggestion, and when all's said and done- he was right.

For example. Before we came Mus was setting up hotel accomodations for Mom and Dad. He had these great places in mind, but the place he wanted to take them in Cape Coast, I was kind of iffy on. I told him to put them in another place because it was cheaper and closer to town.

Dad hated the hotel I picked. It was nice by my standards, but I wasn't staying there. He was miserable his one night staying there.

So we took Mom and Dad to check out the hotel Mus originally planned to book for them. They LOVED it. It was this beautiful beach resort with wonderful food and a great beach and a pool. Let me tell you, we hated visiting them there. And they thought it was a bargain.

Another example- Mus suggested we buy jewellry here and sell it at the store at the campground. I was like, "Oh, I don't know if it'll work." So he dropped the idea. Mom and Dad go out to buy souvenirs for the family, and they come back that night and say, "Jess, we have this great idea. Let's buy jewellry here and sell it at the campground."

Turns out- what do I know?

But Mus has taken us obrunis (foriegners) all over- arranged taxis, bought food. He's made it much easier on us. Mom loved all the adventures- visiting the rainforests, seeing all the beaches, trying new foods. Dad was a bit more anxious to get home- I think his trigger finger starts itching this time of year and he could hear the deer a-calling.

And I, of course, got sick with a stomach bug and was laid-out flat on my back for a few days, which didn't help anything. No worries, though. I'm back to my usual diet of keebob (spicy grilled meat) and pineapple.