This Sunday has been as mellow as Sundays should always be. Apart from a quick trip to Nordstan, the main Gothenburg mall, it has been spent home, preparing anxiously for the important week ahead.
Em and I welcomed Virgo who just arrived in Gothenburg. I am excited for both Em and Virgo to experience their first Christmas in Sweden.
Speaking of Christmas, here's today's song: Dido's Christmas Day.
Showing posts with label weekend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekend. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Monday, 3 May 2010
Hacked!
I was going to write about the lovely long weekend and all the things I could have done but chose not to do. Then I was going to entertain you with the drama of my latest househelp who left yesterday. But all that will have to wait because this evening a friend informed me that someone's gotten into my email and is sending the most random mail! I tried to login, but can't access it myself, clearly the password has been changed. Quickly I sought to protect my other email accounts (and of course this blog!) by changing their passwords before I lose them too.
Now I just hope there's someway of getting back into my hotmail account sooner or later, because after fifteen years together, I am kind of emotionally attached to my first ever email account with that funny username that I always have to explain to people. Also, I am really not ready to lose so many wonderful emails that have been sent to me by dear friends over the years, so please if you have any tips on how I can re-access my account, let me know.
All this has worsened the headache I've had today, I think I'm best off going straight to bed. I feel violated.
:(
Now I just hope there's someway of getting back into my hotmail account sooner or later, because after fifteen years together, I am kind of emotionally attached to my first ever email account with that funny username that I always have to explain to people. Also, I am really not ready to lose so many wonderful emails that have been sent to me by dear friends over the years, so please if you have any tips on how I can re-access my account, let me know.
All this has worsened the headache I've had today, I think I'm best off going straight to bed. I feel violated.
:(
Friday, 2 April 2010
Ghana Easter
The Easter break has begun. How did I notice that? Traffic hell all day yesterday, of course! Unlike Christmas when everybody comes to Accra, for Easter they all leave the big city for their home villages or to the mountains. Yes, in the mountains about midway between Accra and Kumasi, in the Nkawkaw area, the Kwahus have their massive Easter celebration. To the Kwahu, Easter is bigger than Christmas, so big that now other tribes and nationals also travel there to take part in the festivities (which now include a paragliding festival!)
So what are the Easter plans for those of us left in Accra? Chilling with a big C! My sample of traffic today tells me what I already knew, it's going to be a smooth weekend, after all half of the cars have left town.
(picture borrowed from here)
I love Easter, ok I probably love all the holidays, but what makes Easter so exquisite is the lack of pressure. After a usually dreary January, February and March (although this year it's rather been hectic), Easter comes as a rewarding break before we head towards brighter and better days. Before, Easter would signify when the year turned brighter, spring and soon summer on the way. Now it is more of a reminder that despite feeling like we're in hell (well it's hot enough, isn't it?), rainy season is on it's way and with it, cooler temperatures!
So as is my general tradition for Easter, no plans are made, we chill, eat whatever comes our way, socialise with whoever comes our way and hopefully catch up on sleep (but that is every new parent's dream, always!). Today that means leftovers, watching movies (I'm hoping to make Virgo watch It's complicated with me even though I saw it about ten days ago) and looking forward to any friend or family member passing by.
Happy Easter!
So what are the Easter plans for those of us left in Accra? Chilling with a big C! My sample of traffic today tells me what I already knew, it's going to be a smooth weekend, after all half of the cars have left town.
(picture borrowed from here)
I love Easter, ok I probably love all the holidays, but what makes Easter so exquisite is the lack of pressure. After a usually dreary January, February and March (although this year it's rather been hectic), Easter comes as a rewarding break before we head towards brighter and better days. Before, Easter would signify when the year turned brighter, spring and soon summer on the way. Now it is more of a reminder that despite feeling like we're in hell (well it's hot enough, isn't it?), rainy season is on it's way and with it, cooler temperatures!
So as is my general tradition for Easter, no plans are made, we chill, eat whatever comes our way, socialise with whoever comes our way and hopefully catch up on sleep (but that is every new parent's dream, always!). Today that means leftovers, watching movies (I'm hoping to make Virgo watch It's complicated with me even though I saw it about ten days ago) and looking forward to any friend or family member passing by.
Happy Easter!
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Laptop abuse
This evening my laptop made me cry. Yes, you read right, my LAPTOP made me cry. After trying to send of a work report for about an hour, somewhere between the internet connection flashing on and off and my laptop freezing for the fourth time, I slammed my hands on to the dining table in despair and when Virgo asked what was wrong, I suddenly felt tears running down my face as I tried to explain my frustration. Granted, I know it is a complete overreaction to a ridiculously temperamental internet connection and a failing laptop (which has otherwise worked wonderfully for its whole first year of life, although sorry Acer, I’m a Toshiba girl and they usually work well for two or three years before slowing down.), probably caused by lack of sleep, stress of all the wahala that’s been going on lately and the pressure of trying to get this report sent in by the end of 7th March.
It just made me realise the power technology has on us these days, I’ve felt completely powerless all evening and that has certainly not been helped by the fact that I now know my computer has the power to make me cry!
(Of course all this was written in Word as the network timed out about three times whilst I tried to write.) Anyhoo, the report finally got sent and thankfully tomorrow we have an extra weekend day to continue what has otherwise been a lovely Independence Day weekend.
How have you spent the weekend?
It just made me realise the power technology has on us these days, I’ve felt completely powerless all evening and that has certainly not been helped by the fact that I now know my computer has the power to make me cry!
(Of course all this was written in Word as the network timed out about three times whilst I tried to write.) Anyhoo, the report finally got sent and thankfully tomorrow we have an extra weekend day to continue what has otherwise been a lovely Independence Day weekend.
How have you spent the weekend?
Monday, 16 November 2009
Ashawo!
I hope the title doesn't offend you (ashawo means whore/prostitute, when one wants to be crude. Originally a Nigerian word, it is the generic term in Ghana now.), but my whole weekend has been tainted by Ashawo.
Firstly I must say it's been a great weekend! After weeks of sleep training, baby finally sleeps through the night and as a result we could get a babysitter (my mama) and go to a friend's birthday dinner at Le Magellan Friday night. When someone after dinner suggested we continue the night at Citizen Kofi, Virgo and I, like the two newly released prisoners we clearly were, screamed in unison "Yay!" (yes,our excitement was rather embarassing). When we got there, just around midnight, we realised that apart from us and a group of girls, there were a few older white men (clearly the target customers) and - you guessed it - ashawo.
After dancing for about an hour they played a song I recognised that I'd been hearing in the past few weeks and of course, when it got to the chorus, I heard what it was - yes - Ashawo! Interestingly, at this point the two prostitutes who had been putting on a nasty, somewhat disjointed mapouka-like show all evening, stood this one out, each suddenly very busy texting away on their phones.
Yesterday, we headed to Tema to what turned out to be the after party of a funeral and whilst waiting for our friend's requested song, the new Slim Buster/Tinny collaboration to play, what did we hear: Ashawo.
The song, an old Nigerian classic from our parents' days, is so catchy in its beat that anybody can end up singing along, if not also dancing. Yesterday, I laughed off a friend's fears that Ashawo might be baby Em's first words the way Virgo continued singing it all day long, however today, I'm slightly concerned. After humming it this afternoon, we got home to hear the same song playing at the drinking spot across the road. Just imagine the reactions of uncles, aunties and the ever present church brigade if at nine months little Em opens her mouth and blurts out:
Ashawo!
Firstly I must say it's been a great weekend! After weeks of sleep training, baby finally sleeps through the night and as a result we could get a babysitter (my mama) and go to a friend's birthday dinner at Le Magellan Friday night. When someone after dinner suggested we continue the night at Citizen Kofi, Virgo and I, like the two newly released prisoners we clearly were, screamed in unison "Yay!" (yes,our excitement was rather embarassing). When we got there, just around midnight, we realised that apart from us and a group of girls, there were a few older white men (clearly the target customers) and - you guessed it - ashawo.
After dancing for about an hour they played a song I recognised that I'd been hearing in the past few weeks and of course, when it got to the chorus, I heard what it was - yes - Ashawo! Interestingly, at this point the two prostitutes who had been putting on a nasty, somewhat disjointed mapouka-like show all evening, stood this one out, each suddenly very busy texting away on their phones.
Yesterday, we headed to Tema to what turned out to be the after party of a funeral and whilst waiting for our friend's requested song, the new Slim Buster/Tinny collaboration to play, what did we hear: Ashawo.
The song, an old Nigerian classic from our parents' days, is so catchy in its beat that anybody can end up singing along, if not also dancing. Yesterday, I laughed off a friend's fears that Ashawo might be baby Em's first words the way Virgo continued singing it all day long, however today, I'm slightly concerned. After humming it this afternoon, we got home to hear the same song playing at the drinking spot across the road. Just imagine the reactions of uncles, aunties and the ever present church brigade if at nine months little Em opens her mouth and blurts out:
Ashawo!
Saturday, 20 December 2008
December weekend
I just found out a secret and I am so excited. A very near and dear person to me is coming to town in the next few days! The reason it's a surprise is because she's not telling her dad but will rather show up at his doorstep (Dear God, please don't let her shock him too much!). The added advantage for me is I'll be getting my lush Reese's peanut butter cups, American magazines and a few other bits and pieces, which she slyly told me she'd send in a parcel.
Other than this great news, yesterday was spent at Silverbird Cinema in the Accra Mall. We saw The Day the Earth stood Still. Let's just say, it was of the same quality as Keanu Reeves' other movies, excluding the Matrix ones, if you get my drift. After that we stopped for a brief drink at Rhapsody's and if yesterday is anything to go by, they start charging the ridiculous entrance fee at 11pm so we made it just in time at 22:50!
In true Ghana December style, I have spent today at a wedding I wasn't officially invited to (went as my mum's plus one), which started off with a service at Ridge Churc and then reception at Lababdi Beach Hotel. The decor at the reception was lovely, the couple beautiful and I guess it all went as they'd planned, including the ridiulous wedding poses they stood for for photos. Oh dear, it all took me back to some very cheesy photos I saw at a wedding fair in Croyson several years ago.
Now we're off to the National Theatre for a Night of 1007 laughs. Have a good Saturday!
Other than this great news, yesterday was spent at Silverbird Cinema in the Accra Mall. We saw The Day the Earth stood Still. Let's just say, it was of the same quality as Keanu Reeves' other movies, excluding the Matrix ones, if you get my drift. After that we stopped for a brief drink at Rhapsody's and if yesterday is anything to go by, they start charging the ridiculous entrance fee at 11pm so we made it just in time at 22:50!
In true Ghana December style, I have spent today at a wedding I wasn't officially invited to (went as my mum's plus one), which started off with a service at Ridge Churc and then reception at Lababdi Beach Hotel. The decor at the reception was lovely, the couple beautiful and I guess it all went as they'd planned, including the ridiulous wedding poses they stood for for photos. Oh dear, it all took me back to some very cheesy photos I saw at a wedding fair in Croyson several years ago.
Now we're off to the National Theatre for a Night of 1007 laughs. Have a good Saturday!
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Enjoying a weekend in Accra
Forgot to mention that my friend, LN, did manage to enter the country last Friday, despite my illegal immigrant status. As she was only here for the weekend, we tried and successfully managed to pack as much as possible into her stay without it being too hectic.
On Friday, after a nap for both of us (she arrived on the 5.35am flight), I drove her to Roman Ridge for her only planned meeting. As we got there a bit early we had a drink by the poolside at Mplaza. I was rather disappointed at their service and design, but after browsing their website, perhaps that's part of their appeal and adds to their security status. Maybe ensuring customers off the street are not attracted makes their special guests feel safer?
From there we headed to Tribes restaurant at Afia beach hotel for lunch, where I had the lasagne as usual...and it tasted better than ever! Then we got back to the house, relaxed a bit and worked a bit. In the evening we went for dinner with Virgo and SQB at Le Magellan, which was followed by drinks at Rhapsody's. Well, on the Rhapsody's porch. Can you believe they're charging GHc20 entrance fee per person!!! Actually what's worse is that people are paying!
After such a full-on foodian day, we started our Saturday late, with a fruit breakfast of pawpaw, pineapple and watermelon.
Then we headed to Oxford Street to buy some dresses (how come I'd never noticed the cute dresses sold on the roadside before?) and after a quick "fika" (coffee break) at Melting Moments in Cantonments, we made our way to the Poetress house in the lovely Trasacco Valley.
How better could we top the scrumptious meal and company we enjoyed there than with an evening drive to Aburi to hang out with big H and Akinyi. This brought on an interesting discussion about South Africa and the current status of racial relations there and between them and other Africans.
Sunday, being the day of rest, started with a leisurely drive to Tema to pick up Christmas decorations from my mama(!!!, more on that later...) then a trip on the beach road, through Teshie Nungua to Labadi beach. After our beach fun, we went for lunch at Buka, behind Oxford Street (it's so much fun to see a fufu&groundnut soup virgin enjoy her meal), then chilled at home before I dropped her off at the airport. The only thing we didn't have time for were the planned drinks at Holiday Inn before boarding the flight.
I think I did a good job of showing LN the best bits of Accra within 60 hours. What do you think?
On Friday, after a nap for both of us (she arrived on the 5.35am flight), I drove her to Roman Ridge for her only planned meeting. As we got there a bit early we had a drink by the poolside at Mplaza. I was rather disappointed at their service and design, but after browsing their website, perhaps that's part of their appeal and adds to their security status. Maybe ensuring customers off the street are not attracted makes their special guests feel safer?
From there we headed to Tribes restaurant at Afia beach hotel for lunch, where I had the lasagne as usual...and it tasted better than ever! Then we got back to the house, relaxed a bit and worked a bit. In the evening we went for dinner with Virgo and SQB at Le Magellan, which was followed by drinks at Rhapsody's. Well, on the Rhapsody's porch. Can you believe they're charging GHc20 entrance fee per person!!! Actually what's worse is that people are paying!
After such a full-on foodian day, we started our Saturday late, with a fruit breakfast of pawpaw, pineapple and watermelon.
Then we headed to Oxford Street to buy some dresses (how come I'd never noticed the cute dresses sold on the roadside before?) and after a quick "fika" (coffee break) at Melting Moments in Cantonments, we made our way to the Poetress house in the lovely Trasacco Valley.
How better could we top the scrumptious meal and company we enjoyed there than with an evening drive to Aburi to hang out with big H and Akinyi. This brought on an interesting discussion about South Africa and the current status of racial relations there and between them and other Africans.
Sunday, being the day of rest, started with a leisurely drive to Tema to pick up Christmas decorations from my mama(!!!, more on that later...) then a trip on the beach road, through Teshie Nungua to Labadi beach. After our beach fun, we went for lunch at Buka, behind Oxford Street (it's so much fun to see a fufu&groundnut soup virgin enjoy her meal), then chilled at home before I dropped her off at the airport. The only thing we didn't have time for were the planned drinks at Holiday Inn before boarding the flight.
I think I did a good job of showing LN the best bits of Accra within 60 hours. What do you think?
Friday, 7 November 2008
Good Friday?
I guess most people had a rather unproductive day on Wednesday, after spending the night watching Obama win...or was that just me? Either way, that, plus a lovely relaxed evening with K yesterday and a completely non-work oriented day today, topped off by a visit from Akinyi this evening, means I am now, on a Friday evening buried in my Conveyancing & Drafting notes, Conveyancing Decree, High Court Civil Procedure Rules and Rent Act, trying to sort out some matters for work as soon as possible. Oh the joy!
Well, at least I have been granted many options for how to spend my Saturday in a fun, relaxed manner: either lunch at the Poetress' house with Mother Superior attending, a trip with SQB to the bead place on the Dodowa road, accompanying my mother to a funeral (hm, sounds more like a potential chore) or hanging out with Akinyi and the gang in Aburi.
And although my heart always beats for the beautiful hills of Aburi (calling them mountains is ridiculous to anyone who's ever stepped outside Ghana), I think lunch at the Poetress' will win this time, after all I was in Aburi just two weeks ago.
What are you up to this weekend?
Well, at least I have been granted many options for how to spend my Saturday in a fun, relaxed manner: either lunch at the Poetress' house with Mother Superior attending, a trip with SQB to the bead place on the Dodowa road, accompanying my mother to a funeral (hm, sounds more like a potential chore) or hanging out with Akinyi and the gang in Aburi.
And although my heart always beats for the beautiful hills of Aburi (calling them mountains is ridiculous to anyone who's ever stepped outside Ghana), I think lunch at the Poetress' will win this time, after all I was in Aburi just two weeks ago.
What are you up to this weekend?
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Spintex, chapatis & Pictionary.
Between Virgo watching CNN clips of Obama and Iburst just blatantly stealing, I don’t know who to blame for my absence from the blog. Well, actually I have to blame Iburst. Don’t really know what’s been happening but for the past two weeks their charges have been ridiculous (we’ve spent approximately GH¢100 on internet credit in the past ten days!) and yet connection has never been as slow, bad or inconsistent.
At least I’ve had a good weekend. Akinyi is back from a trip to India and invited us over to hers on Friday. Went with Virgo and SQB to her house in Silver Bells. As we were already tired before we got there, we decided to leave after a few hours and started saying our goodbyes at 00:30. The goodbyes developed into a discussion of politics, life and comparisons between Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia which led to us continuing the discussion out on the street by the cars until 3:30! Good night indeed!
The next day started with some TV shopping with my mother at the Mall, where I also met M2B, now known as Mother Superior. Got back and enjoyed a delicious lunch (modestly prepared by myself) of chapati (Akinyi’s) and creamy paneer and peas sauce. Then Virgo kindly dropped me at East Legon where I was picked by big H, Akinyi, the BBC man and Naija boy and we headed to Aburi for a day of crisp air, calm scenery and fresh fruits!
Back in Accra, had another dinner at Akinyi’s, then as friends dropped in we set up a game of Pictionary, where team moi & Ruby kicked ass!!! It is these things I love about life in Accra, when a group of seemingly high-flying adults sit down and chill with a game of Pictionary. Ah, the simple life!
Also, don’t miss the newest spot in town which officially opens tomorrow, but had its grand opening yesterday: Sweetie’s, a huge beautiful bar with a live band and lots of cozy corners, located in East Airport/Airport Hills on the way to Lister Hospital. I think it’s great that the Spintex Road inhabitants are finally getting their own places to hang out (e.g. La Galette and the Chinese Restaurant in the complex opposite Papaye) so that they can stay on their side of town and hopefully stop choking the tiny roundabout at Tetteh Quarshie!
At least I’ve had a good weekend. Akinyi is back from a trip to India and invited us over to hers on Friday. Went with Virgo and SQB to her house in Silver Bells. As we were already tired before we got there, we decided to leave after a few hours and started saying our goodbyes at 00:30. The goodbyes developed into a discussion of politics, life and comparisons between Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia which led to us continuing the discussion out on the street by the cars until 3:30! Good night indeed!
The next day started with some TV shopping with my mother at the Mall, where I also met M2B, now known as Mother Superior. Got back and enjoyed a delicious lunch (modestly prepared by myself) of chapati (Akinyi’s) and creamy paneer and peas sauce. Then Virgo kindly dropped me at East Legon where I was picked by big H, Akinyi, the BBC man and Naija boy and we headed to Aburi for a day of crisp air, calm scenery and fresh fruits!
Back in Accra, had another dinner at Akinyi’s, then as friends dropped in we set up a game of Pictionary, where team moi & Ruby kicked ass!!! It is these things I love about life in Accra, when a group of seemingly high-flying adults sit down and chill with a game of Pictionary. Ah, the simple life!
Also, don’t miss the newest spot in town which officially opens tomorrow, but had its grand opening yesterday: Sweetie’s, a huge beautiful bar with a live band and lots of cozy corners, located in East Airport/Airport Hills on the way to Lister Hospital. I think it’s great that the Spintex Road inhabitants are finally getting their own places to hang out (e.g. La Galette and the Chinese Restaurant in the complex opposite Papaye) so that they can stay on their side of town and hopefully stop choking the tiny roundabout at Tetteh Quarshie!
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
The rest of the weekend
Didn't forget to tell all about the rest of the weekend, just haven't had time yet.
Saturday was meant to be spent in Tema, going to the funeral of our local shopkeeper's husband (the links are never to distant for one to be invited to a funeral), but an offer to go to the Ada Asafotufiami festival, with a promise of being back in Accra by two changed those plans.
So off we were to Ada, me tired and hungry but excited to see what was waiting. Once we arrived, after a one and a half hour journey, I was amazed to see the amount of people that turned up. I have never heard of the festival before but judging from the groups of people from all corners of the world that were there, it must be bigger than I thought.
Several chiefs and political party leaders were present and to the background sound of gunshots and marching bands we heard them speak. The origins of the Ada festival are to encourage and sustain peace in an area that previously experienced many disputes. This message was shared by the chiefs and the party leaders.
After being invited to dinner at a beautiful resort in Ada, we finally left to head back to Tema and Accra, reaching Tema around...8p.m. Needless to say, I missed the funeral.
Instead we headed to Labone, rested for about seven minutes before it was time to head out again with SQB to the National Theatre for the comedy evening: Night of 1006 Laughs. AS promised, there were lots of laughs, and lots of people, in fact more people than seats, but selfish me, I stopped caring after I got my seat!
Sunday started with a well deserved sleep-in before heading to Teshie-Nungua to visit M2B who is now 16 days away from delivering her baby! Several games of later I headed to Akinyi's were I got the longed for chapati and finally got to see the Surprise baby (will have to elaborate on that later).
Unfortunately it seems a weekend full of fun is more tiring than a weekend full of work, so now I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I'm hoping for the early night I should have had yesterday, but yesterday was AGH's send off back to Sweden at the beautiful, breezy poolside of the Holiday Inn.
(Picture stolen from InterContinental hotels)
If you haven't been, go there, it's the best sea breeze you can get in Accra sans mosquitoes.
Saturday was meant to be spent in Tema, going to the funeral of our local shopkeeper's husband (the links are never to distant for one to be invited to a funeral), but an offer to go to the Ada Asafotufiami festival, with a promise of being back in Accra by two changed those plans.
So off we were to Ada, me tired and hungry but excited to see what was waiting. Once we arrived, after a one and a half hour journey, I was amazed to see the amount of people that turned up. I have never heard of the festival before but judging from the groups of people from all corners of the world that were there, it must be bigger than I thought.
Several chiefs and political party leaders were present and to the background sound of gunshots and marching bands we heard them speak. The origins of the Ada festival are to encourage and sustain peace in an area that previously experienced many disputes. This message was shared by the chiefs and the party leaders.
After being invited to dinner at a beautiful resort in Ada, we finally left to head back to Tema and Accra, reaching Tema around...8p.m. Needless to say, I missed the funeral.
Instead we headed to Labone, rested for about seven minutes before it was time to head out again with SQB to the National Theatre for the comedy evening: Night of 1006 Laughs. AS promised, there were lots of laughs, and lots of people, in fact more people than seats, but selfish me, I stopped caring after I got my seat!
Sunday started with a well deserved sleep-in before heading to Teshie-Nungua to visit M2B who is now 16 days away from delivering her baby! Several games of later I headed to Akinyi's were I got the longed for chapati and finally got to see the Surprise baby (will have to elaborate on that later).
Unfortunately it seems a weekend full of fun is more tiring than a weekend full of work, so now I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I'm hoping for the early night I should have had yesterday, but yesterday was AGH's send off back to Sweden at the beautiful, breezy poolside of the Holiday Inn.
(Picture stolen from InterContinental hotels)
If you haven't been, go there, it's the best sea breeze you can get in Accra sans mosquitoes.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Weekend, WAPI, work
The joy of my new nephew was quickly forgotten as I was saddled with work, work, work. Actually spent the whole weekend working, only finished midday today. Although I'm tired, it feels good to have made some significant progress.
Also, it didn't hurt that a small celebration dinner was held yesterday at Le Must in Cantonments to congratulate ourselves on our hard work.
Only negative thing (apart from not resting, sleeping or going out) is that I missed the WAPI event again! Oh well, just have to hope something else is coming up soon, and wish for third time lucky!
Also, it didn't hurt that a small celebration dinner was held yesterday at Le Must in Cantonments to congratulate ourselves on our hard work.
Only negative thing (apart from not resting, sleeping or going out) is that I missed the WAPI event again! Oh well, just have to hope something else is coming up soon, and wish for third time lucky!
Friday, 18 July 2008
T G I F!
I am about to leave the office, but will (unfortunately) continue working for a bit. So glad it's the end of the week! Later on I should be meeting Ruby at Twist, but who knows, any time we actually plan to meet up, something always gets in the way...
This weekend I am really looking forward to lots of sleep. For the past week there's been some clouding and twitching over my right eye. I hope it's caused by lack of sleep, don't want to lose my perfect vision! Remember having something similar to this last year during exam times.
Apart from that, there's M2B's baby-shower to look forward to, if all goes well...Seems factors are working against Dee, the Poetress and moi, but hopefully, somehow, we'll make it happen. And maybe tomorrow I'll try and sneak in a trip to Tema Fishing Harbour to get some more prawns. Got two kilos last week for GHc18, but will try to haggle a bit more this time. After the peel came off and they were boiled, there was not much left of the those kilos! Will try to get hold of some butterfish as well. The Poetress and I devoured Line Fish sushi on Wednesday at Monsoon and I am in shock that I haven't discovered this fish yet. Could it be my Ghana substitute for salmon?
Have a good weekend!
This weekend I am really looking forward to lots of sleep. For the past week there's been some clouding and twitching over my right eye. I hope it's caused by lack of sleep, don't want to lose my perfect vision! Remember having something similar to this last year during exam times.
Apart from that, there's M2B's baby-shower to look forward to, if all goes well...Seems factors are working against Dee, the Poetress and moi, but hopefully, somehow, we'll make it happen. And maybe tomorrow I'll try and sneak in a trip to Tema Fishing Harbour to get some more prawns. Got two kilos last week for GHc18, but will try to haggle a bit more this time. After the peel came off and they were boiled, there was not much left of the those kilos! Will try to get hold of some butterfish as well. The Poetress and I devoured Line Fish sushi on Wednesday at Monsoon and I am in shock that I haven't discovered this fish yet. Could it be my Ghana substitute for salmon?
Have a good weekend!
Friday, 20 June 2008
Glad midsommar!
(That's "happy midsummer")
Today started of with me being very stereotypically Swedish. Kept my earphones in my ears at the gym even though I was listening to the gym music (ok, maybe that's not Swedish, just my anti-social ways), then whilst getting ready for work, I flicked through the IKEA catalogue and had ABBA playing in the background. Of course during Fernando, I got so distracted that after a while I was just singing to myself in the mirror!
Today is Friday and it looks like I'll have a fun packed weekend. Unlike most people, I actually love staying late at work on Friday, to make sure I finish the work for the week (don't want a disastrous weekend like last weekend) and avoid getting stuck in traffic. After work, I'm meeting Ruby for dinner, most likely at Le Must. Their seafood gratin is divine, but I think it's time I try something new.
Tomorrow, the morning will be spent preparing for our Swedish midsummer feast, to be held at K's house, the afternoon will be spent eating all the delicacies. So far it looks like we'll have sill & potatis (herring and potato) with sour cream, Absolut vodka (naturally), egg halves with a tuna mayo mix, cinnamon rolls and...erm greek salad. Well the salad may not be Swedish, but it's summery so we'll allow it.
Then on Sunday, finally, it looks like our Sex & the City marathon might finally happen. Just waiting for confirmation from Dee...
By the way, I'm getting bored of the font colours on the blog, considering changing it. maybe to a grey background with a less shocking font colour. Any suggestions?
Today started of with me being very stereotypically Swedish. Kept my earphones in my ears at the gym even though I was listening to the gym music (ok, maybe that's not Swedish, just my anti-social ways), then whilst getting ready for work, I flicked through the IKEA catalogue and had ABBA playing in the background. Of course during Fernando, I got so distracted that after a while I was just singing to myself in the mirror!
Today is Friday and it looks like I'll have a fun packed weekend. Unlike most people, I actually love staying late at work on Friday, to make sure I finish the work for the week (don't want a disastrous weekend like last weekend) and avoid getting stuck in traffic. After work, I'm meeting Ruby for dinner, most likely at Le Must. Their seafood gratin is divine, but I think it's time I try something new.
Tomorrow, the morning will be spent preparing for our Swedish midsummer feast, to be held at K's house, the afternoon will be spent eating all the delicacies. So far it looks like we'll have sill & potatis (herring and potato) with sour cream, Absolut vodka (naturally), egg halves with a tuna mayo mix, cinnamon rolls and...erm greek salad. Well the salad may not be Swedish, but it's summery so we'll allow it.
Then on Sunday, finally, it looks like our Sex & the City marathon might finally happen. Just waiting for confirmation from Dee...
By the way, I'm getting bored of the font colours on the blog, considering changing it. maybe to a grey background with a less shocking font colour. Any suggestions?
Friday, 6 June 2008
Bohemian rhapsody
I feel I have to redeem myself. Maya's earth is beginning to look too dreary to its readers. Unless I write something more cheerful, I'm sure you'll all leave me. So I'll try and avoid the following words for a while: death, die, too young, funeral, crying, tears, body bag and...fed up.
If I succeed, promise to shower me with comments (good or bad, doesn't matter, it's just fun to read your opinions).
So instead, let me write about a less gloomy (but still my usual whining) topic: the deprivation we suffer from in Ghana. In Ghana we may never starve, freeze to death or live a life of loneliness, but there is a very real possibility that we'll d.. (darn, I can't use that 'd' word), pass away from boredom. The entertainment scene is scarce. A full night out consists of drinks at Monsoon or Twist from 10.30p.m. onwards. Sometime after midnight we all continue to the awful, cold, crowded (can you tell i'm not a fan?) Office. After wondering why we paid (if we paid) to get in, we then walk the whole 15 metres to Cinderellas. Since Cinderella has been a bit dry lately, the night ends early, around 2.30a.m. There are other nightclubs, Boomerang, Aphrodisiac and Monte Carlo, but it seems no one goes there any more, well, actually we may pass Monte Carlo once every six months.
So as you can see, the entertainment scene gets boring after three or four...weeks. For me, being here for almost three years, going out has become a once-in-a-while thing, when the visitors come to town and force you out.
So, visualise starving dogs feasting on a dead rabbit, and you can imagine the hype over Rhapsody, the latest place to open in town, at the Accra mall (isn't it a restaurant?!?). EVERY social event is now scheduled at Rhapsody, from the official ones like the Obama celebration meet up, to the hanging out on a Friday night. The Poetress even sacrilegiously suggested we eat there instead of our usual sushi at Monsoon!
Yes you may say this is an "i-lands problem" (industrial country problem as opposed to a third world problem, any English word for that?) but on a Friday afternoon, it's an all too real problem. ;)
As for me, I may not know how I'm spending my Friday night, but the next few days will be spent baby- and housesitting at H's on Spintex Road. I suspect H, his wife S and I may have different opinions on what makes a good housesitter, as I look forward to inviting lots of friends over. I may even create my own Rhapsody!
Have a good weekend!
If I succeed, promise to shower me with comments (good or bad, doesn't matter, it's just fun to read your opinions).
So instead, let me write about a less gloomy (but still my usual whining) topic: the deprivation we suffer from in Ghana. In Ghana we may never starve, freeze to death or live a life of loneliness, but there is a very real possibility that we'll d.. (darn, I can't use that 'd' word), pass away from boredom. The entertainment scene is scarce. A full night out consists of drinks at Monsoon or Twist from 10.30p.m. onwards. Sometime after midnight we all continue to the awful, cold, crowded (can you tell i'm not a fan?) Office. After wondering why we paid (if we paid) to get in, we then walk the whole 15 metres to Cinderellas. Since Cinderella has been a bit dry lately, the night ends early, around 2.30a.m. There are other nightclubs, Boomerang, Aphrodisiac and Monte Carlo, but it seems no one goes there any more, well, actually we may pass Monte Carlo once every six months.
So as you can see, the entertainment scene gets boring after three or four...weeks. For me, being here for almost three years, going out has become a once-in-a-while thing, when the visitors come to town and force you out.
So, visualise starving dogs feasting on a dead rabbit, and you can imagine the hype over Rhapsody, the latest place to open in town, at the Accra mall (isn't it a restaurant?!?). EVERY social event is now scheduled at Rhapsody, from the official ones like the Obama celebration meet up, to the hanging out on a Friday night. The Poetress even sacrilegiously suggested we eat there instead of our usual sushi at Monsoon!
Yes you may say this is an "i-lands problem" (industrial country problem as opposed to a third world problem, any English word for that?) but on a Friday afternoon, it's an all too real problem. ;)
As for me, I may not know how I'm spending my Friday night, but the next few days will be spent baby- and housesitting at H's on Spintex Road. I suspect H, his wife S and I may have different opinions on what makes a good housesitter, as I look forward to inviting lots of friends over. I may even create my own Rhapsody!
Have a good weekend!
Friday, 18 April 2008
Convoy of Idiots
On my journey from the client's office in Tema to the office this afternoon, I was stuck behind a convoy of idiots on the motorway. Seriously, it was a convoy, about nine or ten cars with their hazard lights on, driving at 95km/h...in the fast lane. They perfectly blocked us all so nobody would be able to pass.
But it was actually worse when we got to Tetteh Quarshie. I suspect one car was on the verge of breaking down, or maybe he just needed to sneeze, so naturally, as you do, he just braked. From 80km/h to 0. Of course his fellow idiots did the same thing and halted to a stop, leaving the rest of us screeching, trying to also stop in time.
When he realised there was nothing wrong with his car, he and his friends joined the road (in the curve that leads us to join the Legon cars), as you do, without looking or checking if anyone else was actually already on the road, forcing about five sensible drivers to swerve off the road to avoid an accident.
There is something about Fridays, weekends and national holidays. For some reason the driving is so much more reckless. If only it were because people were drunk, at least we'd have an explanation, but I suspect their stone sober. Is it that, when leaving the office for a few days off, people leave their brains behind, to be able to get in to that extra relaxed mood?
Before I even get started on the things that went on in traffic around Christmas (u-turns on the motorway, anyone?), let me just make a general plea: as you're about to leave the office for the week, make sure your thinking machine is with you, just like your bag, phone and keys and let's all have a great weekend starting...now!
But it was actually worse when we got to Tetteh Quarshie. I suspect one car was on the verge of breaking down, or maybe he just needed to sneeze, so naturally, as you do, he just braked. From 80km/h to 0. Of course his fellow idiots did the same thing and halted to a stop, leaving the rest of us screeching, trying to also stop in time.
When he realised there was nothing wrong with his car, he and his friends joined the road (in the curve that leads us to join the Legon cars), as you do, without looking or checking if anyone else was actually already on the road, forcing about five sensible drivers to swerve off the road to avoid an accident.
There is something about Fridays, weekends and national holidays. For some reason the driving is so much more reckless. If only it were because people were drunk, at least we'd have an explanation, but I suspect their stone sober. Is it that, when leaving the office for a few days off, people leave their brains behind, to be able to get in to that extra relaxed mood?
Before I even get started on the things that went on in traffic around Christmas (u-turns on the motorway, anyone?), let me just make a general plea: as you're about to leave the office for the week, make sure your thinking machine is with you, just like your bag, phone and keys and let's all have a great weekend starting...now!
Monday, 17 March 2008
What were you up to this weekend?
The weekend has been good. Went to Linda's yesterday, discussed some really good opportunities, just need to make a few calls before we proceed. Then went to see auntie M, her son was in town, cousin D also came over and Virgo met me there, from there went to the meeting with big M! It was fine, they were so lovely, one so sweet, quiet and kind, and the other so vibrant and bubbly.
Got back to Ridge area around 8p.m., Miami said she wouldn't be able to make, spoke to Dirty and decided to postpone. Perfect for me, was so tired anyway. Ended up going with Virgo to friends' house, had dinner then crashed around 22.30 (on a saturday!)
Had such a nice long chat this morning about London times. Then i was off for business meeting with Ruby. Went really well, almost completely ready to set up now, will send out letters to the first guys tomorrow. Were feeling hungry so went to H's house for plantain fufu (there was no cassava around) and groundnut soup, yummy! Later on bright, Akinyi and H's sister joined us at the house and we spoke about anything and everything.
Didn't get home until just before 23, so exhausted but don't need to sleep yet, yay! Still, have a busy day tomorrow so, best to sleep now if I'm gonna manage it all. Can't believe I missed little H's graduation, gotta pass his office with a present tomorrow.
Got back to Ridge area around 8p.m., Miami said she wouldn't be able to make, spoke to Dirty and decided to postpone. Perfect for me, was so tired anyway. Ended up going with Virgo to friends' house, had dinner then crashed around 22.30 (on a saturday!)
Had such a nice long chat this morning about London times. Then i was off for business meeting with Ruby. Went really well, almost completely ready to set up now, will send out letters to the first guys tomorrow. Were feeling hungry so went to H's house for plantain fufu (there was no cassava around) and groundnut soup, yummy! Later on bright, Akinyi and H's sister joined us at the house and we spoke about anything and everything.
Didn't get home until just before 23, so exhausted but don't need to sleep yet, yay! Still, have a busy day tomorrow so, best to sleep now if I'm gonna manage it all. Can't believe I missed little H's graduation, gotta pass his office with a present tomorrow.
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