The Fusspot Chronicles

Sole Perspirer*

I seem to be the only person that is being terrorised by the heat of the Sun. There are construction workers toiling in the hot Sun on my Uncle’s project – they aren’t sweating, the chap riding his bicycle up and down the high road selling Fan Ice – he seems quite dry, the lady carrying her shopping with her baby sleeping on her back – doesn’t seem at all bothered by the heat.

I’m sitting in the back office of my Uncle’s shop, creating a basic Excel spreadsheet with the fan on full blast – why on Earth am I pouring with sweat? I could literally put out a small house-fire. Most unlady-like.

* Originally posted 20th May 2011

Leap Year Hump Day*

Picture the scene, 7am or so this morning: me in bed trying to wring out the last vestiges of a good night’s sleep when my mobile rings…..Mum.

Mum:  Good morning Daughter!  How are you?

Me: Morning Mum, I’m good ta.  Still in bed but good.  You?

Mum: Oh me, I’m fine………Do you know what day it is today?

Me: Erm, Wednesday?  Yes, it’s Wednesday.

Mum: Anything else?

Me: Hmm, no.  Is there anything else?  Oh, its the 29th I think, is everything ok?

Mum: Oh yes, everything is fine.  Yes, its the 29th today……..  It is a Leap Year, so women can propose to men today.  Only today.  So, are you going to propose?

Me: Whaaa?  Mum!  Are you serious?  Propose!?!?!?  Eh?

Mum:  (Dissolves into a fit of giggles).  Just thought I’d let you know.

Only my Mum.  I should have known that something was up as soon as I heard the term “Daughter”, it usually precedes a teasing.  

*Originally posted 29th February 2012

Funerals - Gh Style*

Where do I start?  Quite simply, Ghanaians like a good funeral.  To be honest, we Ghanaians love a good party – wedding,  birthday, christening, new house or otherwise but when it comes to funerals we pull out all the stops!   They are usually weekend-long affairs and if you are lucky you might be invited to several on the same day.

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The Heat Is On!*

Following the edict from Mum & Dad, and going through many stages of trying to understand I literally had two weeks to get going: informing friends, family and colleagues, buying a ticket, getting a visa, jabs, packing etc.

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Endless Love*

There are things that I love about Ghana that I only seem to remember when the plane touches down and the plane door is opened:

• The warm roasted almond smell of the earth

• The fresh organic fruit and vegetables – they seem to have an extra layer of taste

• Being able to say that I’ll go to visit my Nana over the weekend

• The morning greetings “Fine morning Auntie/Sister”.  Everyone greets each other as they pass by.

• Being able to wear chalewote (ref glossary) into official buildings

• The general and wide-ranging sense of entrepreneurship at every level

• Hearing music playing on every street corner
• The relaxed and overwhelmingly happy atmosphere

For these reasons I must be on my best behaviour whilst here: no receiving things with my left hand – a taboo in most African countries, certainly no swearing (in public), and no rolling of the eyes when I think someone is wasting my time, no over-dramatic screaming or squeamish behaviour when I see a giant creepy crawly.

*Originally posted - May 19th 2011

I Thought I’d Escaped….*

…..by safely cruising through my teenage years without getting into serious enough trouble to warrant “being sent to Ghana” by my parents.  I know that some of you reading this will be well able to empathise.  

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Apologies….

…I’ve been away for a while - another self imposed hiatus.  I hope that you’ve all been well, healthy and happy.

I should be back in the blogging sphere soon and so in the meantime will reblog a few of my favourite posts of the last two years.

If there are any that you would like to suggest deserve a second airing, please let me know: thefusspotchronicles@gmail.com.  Ciao!