Technology overload

I am using a silly amount a devices here, way more than in Chicago. I have an iphone here while I have a very simple one back home. On my first trip in a tro tro (public minivan) with 12 adults and a baby everyone is sleeping, eating or just sitting. As I was waiting for the tro tro to fill up, I read my kindle. Then once the bus got going after about a half hour wait (no schedules, just sit there, wait for it to fill up, then it leaves) I put on my ipod after a while. I took a few pictures on the way, answered a couple calls, and my laptop was in my purse. Five separate devices in my purse. I am sure I would have forgone the the ipod and watched and listened to the scenery but I was in the way back and middle seat so could not really see anything. 

I am not going to try to make a case one way or the other about the pros and cons of technology, there are many much more intelligent people than me that have already done so. I do think so far though it has made this trip easier for sure, and probably better for me. I will be able to make better class plans with my computer, I can take pictures and videos to use in class projects, I am better able to stay in touch with family and friends, I am not spending my nights alone in a dark room watching bad tv or getting bored. Maybe as my time gets longer and I meet more people there will be less nights home alone, but I think that is going to be relatively common since I will not have time to really make good close friends in a few months and my new apartment is in a pretty tiny town. I am glad I have the Lord of the Rings to fill up many hours and a long list of recommended books by my friends on my Kindle. There is a LOT of waiting and just hanging about here so the Kindle has been key. I have a phone so I can call my boyfriend and mom but also text the interns and fellow staff about the next day. I do not necessarily think they are enriching my experience of a different culture. I do think these five devices are making me happier and more at ease, which I think will make living here much easier and therefor more likely to live in another culture with a positive attitude and relax and enjoy the time. Now I am going next door to watch a pirated version of Harry Potter with Josh and Tracy on their laptop.

Working in bed, always with a sachet of water.

List of my favorite things/experieces in Ghana

Day 1. Being in the middle of a purchase, in the middle of the highway between driver and elecric-device hawker.

Day 2. Freaking adorable mini goats, and their tiny little baby goats everywhere

Day 3. Watching the Ghanaian version of The Bachelor and talking with three amazing women, two daughters and their mom.

Day 4. First tro tro trip, not my favorite 1.5 hours but a staple of transportration here and everyone has theie best “One time, on a tro tro...” story.

Day 5. Group reading with 4 students in Ho a Fraggle Rock book. Who knew Dozzers would make an appearance in Ghana.