Spending Quality Time with My Mom

When studying abroad, you learn that it is an experience of a life time. Your able to meet new people, be a guest student of a college, learn a new language, learn a new cultural, and see life in a different perspective. You also learn that there is no place like home with your family and friends.

When I began to plan my study abroad to trip to Ghana, my mom began planning time off work to come visit me. My mom and I both enjoy traveling and see new things in life. We had always talked about traveling to the Motherland and we have finally made it.

My mother arrived the morning of September 19, 2010, which was my 20^th birthday in Accra, Ghana. Once we left the airport we got settled in a Guesthouse which was very nice. When we first arrived they told us we had to get separate room because they could not allow the same sex adults share a room. At that point we had to explain that we were mother and daughter. Then they apologized and moved us into our room. Throughout this day we toured the Makola Market and Labadi Beach.  My mom was taking pictures none stop and enjoying the different cultural. Labadi Beach is a sight I will always remember. It was a cultural shock to go to a beach where everyone looked like me. There was also horse riding up and down the coast. I definitely enjoyed riding which is something I have not done in some time. It was very relaxing and my first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean from this part of the world. After a day full of fun, we went to bed to wake up early to catch the 4am VIP, Charter Bus to Kumasi. The bus ride was 5 hours which we slept through.

Once my mom was settled we were on the move to explore Kumasi. She noticed first there was no KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, or any of our usual franchise operations here. She enjoyed seeing African people on the currency when she exchanged her money.  My mom is very adventurous; I would have to say I have gain that trait from her.  Everywhere we go it seem like she has these great conversations with Ghanians from the taxi drivers to the waiters at restaurants. She has been very shock to see that Africans have a picture of a white Jesus hanging from their rear view mirror. Every time she sees it she lets the driver know that Jesus is not white and that the bible describes how he looks. It is so funny to see her do this when we get in most taxis. The drivers usually are like really. One driver took out his bible and asked her to show him the scripture that describes how Jesus looks. I was in the back seat wondering where this conversation was going to lead to. Besides the mosquitoes at night she is truly enjoying her time in Ghana.

September 21, 2010 was a national holiday in Ghana. It was Ghana first president’s birthday, Kwame Nkrumah, which meant no class. It was a great day just because I did not have to go to 3 classes for a total of 6 hours. We spend most of the day in town looking for fabric to get dresses made. In Ghana many women wear dresses made from fabric with different designs. These dresses are usually worn to church or for special occasions. It was fun shopping for material. In the past, I thought it was sometimes hard looking for certain clothing items but, try looking for the material of clothing. We ended the day with a dinner of fried rice and fish.

The next day we started the day bright and early. I headed to class and my mom went to get her hair braided. When I was done with classes I meet her at the hair salon. She looked great with her braids. The last time she had braids was when she was 14. This special day of her trip was also her birthday. I would share her age but you would not believe her age even if I told you. Once her braids were complete I was able to share my favorite Ghanaian dish with her; Black Eye Peas & Fried Plantain with Palm Oil. She loved it! Throughout the day, I attended a few classes and she rested. We also had measurements done for our dresses. In the evening we went to dinner at Its my Kitchen which was a great restaurant. We enjoyed the remaining of the evening with some Banana Cake.

The great thing about being in Ghana is that it is relaxing. There is no rushing or counting the minutes in the day. We have been relaxing and taking life minute by minute. I am glad to see my mom relax with her working 2 jobs and always on the move.  I am enjoying every moment with my mom. I was glad to see her come but not looking forward to her leaving.