don't be fooled by the rocks that i got

Okay so now I am in Tamale, the Upper Western Region's capital. Quite the bustling city, with alot of bikes with reckless riders that more or less make me anxious. Ho hum.
So we have been on the go since I last wrote on Wednesday. In Wa, we saw the excuse for a palace, which we weren't allowed into because of "reconstruction." Then we went to Wechiau and stayed over night in the most empty town I have seen. We had a nice 5 km bike ride, and saw the head of 2 hippos. One of which, they know to be extremely aggresive. I named him Harry the Angry Hippo. I'm so clever.
The next day we went to Tumu and stayed in another barren guesthouse, then got up at 5 to catch the early morning trotro to Navrango, but ended up waiting until 2:30 to finally get on it and go. The road was not paved until 10 minutes outside of the city, and obviously there was no AC in the trotro, so by the time we got out we looked oranged because we were so covered with dust. Not to mention in sat in our lungs and now we both feel ill. So typical.
At first we really enjoyed Navrango. We stayed in a nice guest house with running water and electricity, but then the next morning, all before 10 am, we were frenagled for money 5 or 6 times. When we finally got to Paga after literally running for our lives from some crazy old man who was running after us with a stick, and from a young girl who snuck into the guest house's restaurant to sit with us and ask for numerous things, we paid a ridiculously high price to see one crocodile and walk around hud huts for 10 minutes. Not to mention 2 men followed us all around town and then claimed to have been guides, and of course asked us for money.
I have to say though, that this trip has been quite a success regarless of the dust, and constant on the go attitude. I have enjoyed getting out of Ashanti, and also hanging out with Eli. Shes even thinking about travelling with me when I make my way up to Israel which would be so awesome.
Of course, the title of this post is dedicated to her amazing ability to put feeling into Jlo's sound and meaningful music.
Anyway....
Luther's dad sent me an awesome email to guide me in trying to figure out some more service work I can do in Ghana, and also (hopefully) in Morocco and Egypt. Thanks Ralph! I really want to work in a non-private organization, and I would LOVE to live with a family, even though it would be difficult to arrange that on my own.
And after my ICYE turmoil, I think I am done with the disaster they call volunteer programs.
My feelings about how much I can actually change here sometimes get really bad. I get so frustrated because Africa is not at all, in anyway, meant to be a comsopolitan based, western society. Nothing from the environment, to the geographical placement, to the attitude and state of mind of its citizens is conductive to it.
The transportation system and road ways are terrible, no one could ever be on time, because it doesn't exist. The climate and environment is not encouraging to create and build proper buildings, roads, electricity etc... Not to mention everyone who has any brain at all wants to get the hell out of here. They are all convinced that turmoil only exists in Africa. I told someone once that there is poverty in the US, and he didn't believe me.
Most people here are determined to make sure I am aware of the suffering that takes place in Ghana, as if its some big secret. I often wonder why they think I came here at all...clearly it was to get rich and exploit the poor...
If the West would have just left Africa alone it wouldn't be in the constant phase of catch-up that will last forever at the rate its going at now. It will never posses half of what western society posseses, and even though in my eyes not only is it OK, but better, everyone hates the idea of it.
Its hard to work somewhere, trying to change something, do something good, when no one who belongs to it actually has any faith or pride in it. They would much rather change places with me.
If Africa's people don't love Africa how in the hell am I supposed to love it?
I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but for the first time I actually saw some genuine African villages on our long trotro rides, and it WORKS here. The mud huts and the straw mats, and the beautiful tribal braiding, and the somewhat ridiculous religious practices, and the basic food, its meant for this place.
In small, real villages money doesn't matter so poverty doesn't exist. Starvation isn't an issue, prostitution isn't a thought, orphans are taken care of...
If I could have changed anything in the course of the world, I would have build a huge fence around this beautiful continent and not allowed the arrogant White Man to come in and change the way of the life that is functional for this place.
Western society's history is an embarressment.

I do get frustrated and down alot when I allow myself to sit inside those thoughts, but I also try to keep my heart in the right place. I am here. I care. If I can do something so insignificantly small, but still positive than so can the 6 billion other people in the world. 6 billion insignificantly small, yet positive things could add up to some pretty damn significant positive things.

The small villages also remind me that some people here must have faith in their country and their culture to resist the push of Western society upon their traditions. Its really quite an inspiration, and makes me extremely happy.

I am so excited to see my parents. If this trip has done anything, it has given me a ridiculous appreciation of them. I have never had to stifle my own dreams. They really allow me to make my way in the world as I see fit. And as I see it, its the only way to make your way anywhere.

Okay I'm off to look for guides on West Africa for my travels. I might not be able to post for a while because the week I get back will be quite busy.

Missing everyone.

i'm still jenny from the block
used to have a little, now i have alot
wherever i go i still know where i came from
:)