Ann-Bridgit Gary visited us in July to study the traditional and contemporary pottery scene in Ghana.
This is her first diary entry:
Recycle,recycle, my spirit is a recycled carnival of oddities, eggs on head,the market spirit,the 27 cedis for 6 yards of exquisite batiked fabric,beautiful fish and crabs and pigs innards and so much....plastics!
I find constant care here at Aba House with Aba,Talk True and Ben. Even the boys join in to welcome me in an attempt (failed) to set me up with a modem. Oh well - all things on Ghana time, now or later or even never. Aba takes me to a goldsmith because I liked her charming watch - a long very convoluted route to travel. Down this out of the way place and soda from the rest is as refreshing as the conversation I am having with a Ghanaian man who once lived in Toronto and has returned to be with his family. The stoutly goldsmith gives me designs to pick from and promises to bring them the next day on my Indian bracelet-now I have both India and Africa. Aba tells me what each piece means.
I touch down wondering what lies ahead-will I be picked up? Can I trust anyone? I find my name card - what a relief. But while my luggage is whisked off, I find myself giving a street peddler 2 bucks.
The rumbling car - the world at 11 p.m. I don't know where I am going. I must accept this dark, dreamy place and I can't believe I'm here. I find a soft room, an oh so welcomed bed and breakfast at 8 a.m. A bucket with a shower and in one week, I have come to love the spirit of Africa.
