Yesterday, I found myself super tired after a semi-bust working day and mostly, lacking the AC at work, so loads of sun and too much heat! And yet, after my Twi class, I had agreed to meet my friend in a pub for a drink - just to catch up! [we hadn't met for 2 days at that stage! :) ] And its just nice to be a in English pub, run by Indians, with local staff and clients, after work, finishing the day with a beer and then off to bed! A thing I have always missed from UK, but being in an ex-British colony, have managed to reestablish in my daily schedule. This is not to say that I am off to pub every day, but I guess at least 3 times a week I am in my regular spot, drinking my regular drink, with my regular waiter and my regular friends.
'REGULAR' is a new words in my life, but much needed after a lot of changes and uncertainties. Home, traditions, REGULAR are all very welcome in my life at this stage!
Anyhow, so yesterday I was sitting in the pub with one of my Arab friends, happily married for almost 10 years, with kids etc. Talking about life and everything, and somehow touched upon the issue of marriage. In his opinion, one can only, truly be happy with someone from their own country - culture. To which I was opposing, since the image of me with a typical Latvian from Latvia - freaks me out! [Sorry, guys! :-)] [Thou having read the book 'Latvians are everywhere'/ 'Latviesi ir visur', I hope to ran into some proper expat Latvian here in Ghana that is looking for a wife! :) ] The bottom line was - he said that I would never be happy with an Arab guy, just like an Arab guy would never be happy with me as a wife. I am not marriage material for an Arab! :) hehehe
And I see the point and quite agree with that, and not opposing this one, just wanted to share this with you, since this comment really showed me his honesty and how he knows the strength of our friendship to say that and know that I will accept it rather than being upset.
This got me thinking yesterday and this morning, would I really be happy as a housewife?! I mean, I love the idea etc., but in practice - how long could I possibly stay at home and now network and not meet new people!? I am outgoing, social, bubble person, that will walk to a person and introduce herself, if I want to! And I know that in some cultures that is acceptable, the wife or gf can do that and there are no agendas or worries to such encounters. They are loved for who they are and nobody has to change for the other person.
Keeping oneself as he or she is and finding the other match that will MATCH.
Bottom line - if Arabs are not quite the marriage material for me either, they are definitely amongst some of the most honest, helpful and trustworthy friends.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
European in Ghana aka Ediite is back from holidays
When there is the quite hour at work [which is pretty much any time between 9am and 5pm] and I have time to just stare out of the window into the Ghanaian life [my office has a huge window as the front wall, and it's on the 2nd floor], I am hyper - happy about my recent past and return back to Ghana. And I see couple of mistakes that Europeans do upon arrival in Ghana, which does not exclude me. I am surprised about that, as I consider myself knowing the local norms and customs, but 17 days in Europe can wipe them all out and the excitement of being able to wear only one layer of clothes, takes over.
I am lucky with the fact that I live with another European, who hasn't been in EU for a while, which makes her much more reasonable and logical than me and basically I have my own ethical and dress code radar, which I love to bits! :) Yesterday she saved me from going to work in see through top with just bra under it. Of course when you unpack your new set of clothes and are actually able to wear them, you just want to do it... forgetting what is the purpose for you dressing up this mornings [in yesterday's case it was - work]. Today I almost made the mistake of putting on my mini-skirt, which is very smart idea if you are ready to face extra attention, but not quite the most practical thing to wear in tro tro and on the way to work...
Other mistake I just did this morning - turned on my AC in the office, which is something I do rarely. This morning thou, my mind sort of thought - I have it, lets use it! My mistake, now I am cold and sneezing. Stupid European, me! :)
My mind really needs to practice life in Ghana a bit more. 17 days in Europe has harmed it! :)
I am lucky with the fact that I live with another European, who hasn't been in EU for a while, which makes her much more reasonable and logical than me and basically I have my own ethical and dress code radar, which I love to bits! :) Yesterday she saved me from going to work in see through top with just bra under it. Of course when you unpack your new set of clothes and are actually able to wear them, you just want to do it... forgetting what is the purpose for you dressing up this mornings [in yesterday's case it was - work]. Today I almost made the mistake of putting on my mini-skirt, which is very smart idea if you are ready to face extra attention, but not quite the most practical thing to wear in tro tro and on the way to work...
Other mistake I just did this morning - turned on my AC in the office, which is something I do rarely. This morning thou, my mind sort of thought - I have it, lets use it! My mistake, now I am cold and sneezing. Stupid European, me! :)
My mind really needs to practice life in Ghana a bit more. 17 days in Europe has harmed it! :)
Friday, 25 March 2011
Live with no regrets and love with no excuses.
Over a week back in Europe and I sometimes catch myself looking at the world around me and thinking 'I am really here'. It's our last night in the surreal Alpine holidays, up at the 2km height in the holiday apartment. Bags half packed, kids sleeping and U2 singing 'I still cant find what I am looking for...', peace and harmony. Getting ready for the 2000km ride accross half Europe. A normal thing, some people do on a weekend! :)
One more week to go. I miss Ghana already, especially now, once I know that it's Friday in town and girls are all out and about! :) It is so nice to get calls and mails from Ghana, feels like real home! :)
hugs & thx
ps. If U2 still hasnt found what they are looking for, I think I have... :)
One more week to go. I miss Ghana already, especially now, once I know that it's Friday in town and girls are all out and about! :) It is so nice to get calls and mails from Ghana, feels like real home! :)
hugs & thx
ps. If U2 still hasnt found what they are looking for, I think I have... :)
Monday, 21 March 2011
Paradigma of House Goddess anger
I bet that most House Goddesses do not get angry too often. Instead they enjoy their life as much as I enjoyed my day
today, being back in the role of House Goddess in the Alpine village. It is my perfect holidays and meditation, that allows me to read a book, whilst watching the mountains, cooking food for many people and taking care of a child aka hear him playing with his ego in the corner of the room and occasionally getting in my lap for a hug!
I notice a little bit of frustration only at the end of the day, when I had cooked soup and casserole, and salad...being angry at my family for a.going to do food shopping without me and b. being late [thou they never said when will they be back, I just made an assumption]. So analyzing these emotions, I noticed that anger [mine and not only mine] might be coming from A. self madde assumptions and B. not for them being late, but for the food going cold!!!
Either of the reasons are stupid and anger should not exist!
today, being back in the role of House Goddess in the Alpine village. It is my perfect holidays and meditation, that allows me to read a book, whilst watching the mountains, cooking food for many people and taking care of a child aka hear him playing with his ego in the corner of the room and occasionally getting in my lap for a hug!
I notice a little bit of frustration only at the end of the day, when I had cooked soup and casserole, and salad...being angry at my family for a.going to do food shopping without me and b. being late [thou they never said when will they be back, I just made an assumption]. So analyzing these emotions, I noticed that anger [mine and not only mine] might be coming from A. self madde assumptions and B. not for them being late, but for the food going cold!!!
Either of the reasons are stupid and anger should not exist!
Saturday, 19 March 2011
Recepie for traveling with Latvians
To have a wonderful Latvian holidays in Austrian Alps, one should rent a min-van and set off 48h before the begining of the holidays, cross at least 3 countries and spend a lot of time listening to the same CD. Make sure that the van is loaded with : people [ preferably family members, but can also be friends, work colleagues etc.], skis and many, many, many bags. THE MOST ESSENTIAL thing is FOOD [cause you never know if there will be any in the Alps after the 48h drive and cold winter]. Pack at least a box of granny's made jams, pickles and mushrooms, 10kg of potatos, box of beer, 5kg of smoked meat, onions, garlic, sugar, rice, semolina...basically go in a shop and get one of everything. Make a lot of sadwiches and make sure your wife also cooks some meat balls for the road, peals and cuts fresh vegetables, and packs all the cutlery, glasses and plates!!!
And once you finally reach Austria, which is the destination country [despite the fact that you still have to drive for about 600km], visit local supermarket and get vine and more beer...and start drinking and make sure that even the driver gets some drinks!!! Be merry and keep a positive mind, even when you realised that your booked holiday appartment is far up above the city, on a tinny mountain side road, with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom for 8 people.
I had forgotten for a while, what it means to travel with my family on a skiing holidays! Every meal is like Christmas dinner and the general idea is to be keep the alcohol level in the blood even at all times! :) Start a day with a glass of champagne and you will have a sparkling day! I might miss breakfast tomorrow! :)
And once you finally reach Austria, which is the destination country [despite the fact that you still have to drive for about 600km], visit local supermarket and get vine and more beer...and start drinking and make sure that even the driver gets some drinks!!! Be merry and keep a positive mind, even when you realised that your booked holiday appartment is far up above the city, on a tinny mountain side road, with 3 bedrooms and one bathroom for 8 people.
I had forgotten for a while, what it means to travel with my family on a skiing holidays! Every meal is like Christmas dinner and the general idea is to be keep the alcohol level in the blood even at all times! :) Start a day with a glass of champagne and you will have a sparkling day! I might miss breakfast tomorrow! :)
Drag queens and orgasmic Vienna.
We (friends and family living in Accra) always say : "Only in Ghana will you...", when we experience yet another unussual situation. Well, on I can say the same about Europe.
As I was shopping for my shoes in London, an elderly in a suit man walked in, holding La Senza shopping bag and looked around for the shoes. He looked around, picked up a few shoes and really was taking his time. I was wondering, what would he do on his own her in female shoe section, my naive ideas included he is shopping for his wife, who maybe is unable to come to the shop (and yet able to wear 4inch shoes heels???!!!!) or something like that. Then he asks the sales person to bring size 10 and he will try them on..once again, I thought, of so kind, they have the same size with his wife. hehe He puts on both shoes, pulls up his trousers so that I can see his perfectly shaved legs and walks arouns, and asks me for an advice as to how these shoes look on him?! And then he adds "I have a receptoion tonight. I want to look nice!!!" To which I can only answer "Oh, (sistaaa :) ) I get you, me too - have to go to concert tomorrow, need some nice shoes! These ones look good on you, just be careful - they are super slippery!" The gentelman buys the shoes and on the way out wishes me a good concer and a trip.
Only in London will you shop together with 60&co old drag queen!!!
A day latter I stepped out of undergroud station in Vienna, despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs and I obviously only have what I could find in my closet in Accra on me (that includes the tights experience. Tights and jeans!!!Jaiksss.), I smiled and wanted to jump around. I probablly looked like an idiot in the middle of the square, admiring the buildings, streets and people. I did feel like if I was from Africa. The simple things of a clean, paved street or proper windows and more than 3 stories buildings. Museums hand reach away and line of shops with seriously ORGASMIC shoe and dress choices!!! Spent WAY TOO much money on some super cool outfits and cant wait to go to Polo Games, Citizen Kofi, house parties, beach... to wear them all! LOL
But for right now- I will go back to my royal breakfast, prepared by my loving friend Martin and his gf, will endulge in some cheese and ham, coffee and jams... Life is wonderful and amaizing, when you are Ediite Millere.
:)
As I was shopping for my shoes in London, an elderly in a suit man walked in, holding La Senza shopping bag and looked around for the shoes. He looked around, picked up a few shoes and really was taking his time. I was wondering, what would he do on his own her in female shoe section, my naive ideas included he is shopping for his wife, who maybe is unable to come to the shop (and yet able to wear 4inch shoes heels???!!!!) or something like that. Then he asks the sales person to bring size 10 and he will try them on..once again, I thought, of so kind, they have the same size with his wife. hehe He puts on both shoes, pulls up his trousers so that I can see his perfectly shaved legs and walks arouns, and asks me for an advice as to how these shoes look on him?! And then he adds "I have a receptoion tonight. I want to look nice!!!" To which I can only answer "Oh, (sistaaa :) ) I get you, me too - have to go to concert tomorrow, need some nice shoes! These ones look good on you, just be careful - they are super slippery!" The gentelman buys the shoes and on the way out wishes me a good concer and a trip.
Only in London will you shop together with 60&co old drag queen!!!
A day latter I stepped out of undergroud station in Vienna, despite the fact that it was raining cats and dogs and I obviously only have what I could find in my closet in Accra on me (that includes the tights experience. Tights and jeans!!!Jaiksss.), I smiled and wanted to jump around. I probablly looked like an idiot in the middle of the square, admiring the buildings, streets and people. I did feel like if I was from Africa. The simple things of a clean, paved street or proper windows and more than 3 stories buildings. Museums hand reach away and line of shops with seriously ORGASMIC shoe and dress choices!!! Spent WAY TOO much money on some super cool outfits and cant wait to go to Polo Games, Citizen Kofi, house parties, beach... to wear them all! LOL
But for right now- I will go back to my royal breakfast, prepared by my loving friend Martin and his gf, will endulge in some cheese and ham, coffee and jams... Life is wonderful and amaizing, when you are Ediite Millere.
:)
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
~What it means to be loved in Ghana~
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| Kobby (Ghana) - also known as my Safety Blanket/Home and Contact Person |
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| Meet Louisa and Jonathan (United Kingdom)- otherwise known as My Family |
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| Meet Victoria (USA/Nigeria) |
And half a year down the line, I once again realize, that I have managed to pull around me a bunch of WONDERFUL people that make my every day here in Ghana - so much more worthy! Meet some of them. (In order of appearance in my life! :) )
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| Susan (The Netherlands) - also known as my |
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| Meet Alaa (Egypt) - also known as Best Friend |
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| Meet Beija (France/Morocco) - also known as my Sistaaa |
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| Meet Pamela (Argentina/Australia) and Tony (Lebanon/Universal) |
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| Just cause I look soo bloody good in this picture, meet Pamela once again :) |
And then there is also the other side of the world - with friends preparing for my short visits in London, Vienna, Riga and Amsterdam, arranging logistics and asking what would I like to have for my single meal in the country?!
It is mind blowing, once again, to realize how WONDERFUL IT IS TO BE ME!
I love the world, life and people around me!
THANK YOU ALL for coloring my life! :)
Monday, 14 March 2011
Ces Petits Riens
I was in Togo some while ago. Escaped the rush of Accra and entered the absolute peacefulness of holidays with a friend in a foreign country. Enjoyed a lot of jazz, a lot of vine & cheese, a lot of sun and fun. Lome is something else - smaller than Accra, more cultured and French speaking.
Those were happy days. And this song is a reminder of the peaceful, happy Sunday morning on the beach, watching the life happening in front of our eyes and being in peace, being happy for just being. Trips like this one, remind me - that '[Paradise] is not some place you can look for, cause it's not where you go, it's how you feel for a moment in your life. And if you find that moment, it lasts for ever.'
Thank you.
Those were happy days. And this song is a reminder of the peaceful, happy Sunday morning on the beach, watching the life happening in front of our eyes and being in peace, being happy for just being. Trips like this one, remind me - that '[Paradise] is not some place you can look for, cause it's not where you go, it's how you feel for a moment in your life. And if you find that moment, it lasts for ever.'
Thank you.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Picture perfect.
There is no such thing as PICTURE PERFECT. I wish I could say 'but', but there is no 'picture perfect' in this world.
A dear friend of mine, enviromentalist, life loving, healthy guy was always looking for the THE ONE, adored children and could not wait to have a family of his own at the age of 34. He met a girl, fell in love, followed here to different continent, found out she is pregnant, got married, had everything set out for a PICTURE PERFECT life and then the baby daughter died few days after she was born.
I once met Prince Charming, fell in love and had two amaizing years with him in my life... moved together and it all fell apart.
Bought a beautiful dress, but on the 1st day wearing it, realised that they had left the security tag on it - so had to tore it off and the saw the dress. It was no longer the perfect dress.
I had this Picture Perfect moment on a beach recently, when the one person I felt most safe with, as holding me as he read his book out loud to me, and the sun was playing with my skin... Far away from the world, just us. Picture Perfect...but I was lying there and thinking - what da fuck, I am seriously fucked up.
Now I am sitting on the bench and thinking about my lesson learnt:
When ever it gets too perfect - enjoy it, cause it will not last!
TGF - cosmoclock in Ghana!
A dear friend of mine, enviromentalist, life loving, healthy guy was always looking for the THE ONE, adored children and could not wait to have a family of his own at the age of 34. He met a girl, fell in love, followed here to different continent, found out she is pregnant, got married, had everything set out for a PICTURE PERFECT life and then the baby daughter died few days after she was born.
I once met Prince Charming, fell in love and had two amaizing years with him in my life... moved together and it all fell apart.
Bought a beautiful dress, but on the 1st day wearing it, realised that they had left the security tag on it - so had to tore it off and the saw the dress. It was no longer the perfect dress.
I had this Picture Perfect moment on a beach recently, when the one person I felt most safe with, as holding me as he read his book out loud to me, and the sun was playing with my skin... Far away from the world, just us. Picture Perfect...but I was lying there and thinking - what da fuck, I am seriously fucked up.
Now I am sitting on the bench and thinking about my lesson learnt:
When ever it gets too perfect - enjoy it, cause it will not last!
TGF - cosmoclock in Ghana!
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Connecting dots.
I guess we are live in our Bubbles, until we someone bursts it, we are forced to step out of it or simply - life happens! Adding me living in a Bubble and meeting a soul mate that tore me apart, hurt me and made me get better...
I am like newborn in this wonderful country of Ghana! I had lost my positive touch, and so Ghana had turned mean to me. As soon as I put my smile on, I glow and all the taxi drivers are nice to me. I get everything I need and keep gloving! I cant believe, that I had been denied this feeling for a while and it took only few months for me to loose it and few painful, depressive weeks to put it all back together!
So new improved Ediite 2011 - is happy inside and out. Has a glow and smile. A nice job, she likes more and more, lovely, new apartment and fully equipped life in Ghana! I feel best then million things are going, when my web broser has more than 5 pages open and when I have at least 3 phones in front of me... I like to keep a calendar, be busy with things and people that make me happy. And yet also have a space for surprises.
Like last night - met my dear friend's husband, who is visiting Ghana for work and realised that Ghana has a different side, that I had been ignoring and denying wanting to know! I want to know it all! Met some cool people and connected dots as to what is what and who is who is Ghana! Really helped! :)
I am now officially on sparkling FANTA COCKTAIL diet, working on my tan and abusing the fact that the company I work for, also has a SPA in my office building! :)
LALALALALALAL Ediite is happy!
I am like newborn in this wonderful country of Ghana! I had lost my positive touch, and so Ghana had turned mean to me. As soon as I put my smile on, I glow and all the taxi drivers are nice to me. I get everything I need and keep gloving! I cant believe, that I had been denied this feeling for a while and it took only few months for me to loose it and few painful, depressive weeks to put it all back together!
So new improved Ediite 2011 - is happy inside and out. Has a glow and smile. A nice job, she likes more and more, lovely, new apartment and fully equipped life in Ghana! I feel best then million things are going, when my web broser has more than 5 pages open and when I have at least 3 phones in front of me... I like to keep a calendar, be busy with things and people that make me happy. And yet also have a space for surprises.
Like last night - met my dear friend's husband, who is visiting Ghana for work and realised that Ghana has a different side, that I had been ignoring and denying wanting to know! I want to know it all! Met some cool people and connected dots as to what is what and who is who is Ghana! Really helped! :)
I am now officially on sparkling FANTA COCKTAIL diet, working on my tan and abusing the fact that the company I work for, also has a SPA in my office building! :)
LALALALALALAL Ediite is happy!
Monday, 28 February 2011
Bubble.
I live in a BUBBLE. And I know why - it is safer there! Just like it was safer, less complicated in mom's womb.
Today, when it felt that the sky is falling, I came to the only place available for me in Ghana, where I felt like in a safety BUBBLE. And after few hours of tear wracking conversation with family only, seated in the Bubble...I am feeling much better now. The BUBBLE gets quieter and quieter as the down comes closer, and still - it is the only place I felt safe at.
Thank you is not the word in this situation...
Today, when it felt that the sky is falling, I came to the only place available for me in Ghana, where I felt like in a safety BUBBLE. And after few hours of tear wracking conversation with family only, seated in the Bubble...I am feeling much better now. The BUBBLE gets quieter and quieter as the down comes closer, and still - it is the only place I felt safe at.
Thank you is not the word in this situation...
'Safety blanket'
I keep telling myself to suck it in. Quietly to sit on my bed set and wait till its over. I tried. I even pretended for few days. I really tried. This morning I bombarded, exploded - I do not like GHANA anymore. It is too unsatisfactorial. Everything and everyone drives me crazy. I do not have any comfort of the familiar anymore.
Have got one person here that I know for almost a year now, currently sitting by his side and typing this...feeling like at least here, in the AFS office, the world is safe and Ghana is not mean to me.
I am lacking familiar things. Things and people around me, change to soon. I do not have the chance to attach myself or maybe I do not do it on purpose. Not sure. Either way, I am missing my 'safety blanket', not even sure what or who it is. Lacking to be understood and supported. [don't get me wrong, I have amazing friends and I have not yet spent a day on my own, but it is different.] For now, my safety blanket is my friends hoody. Something familiar and comforting...
but what happens if I have to take it off at the end of the day?
Have got one person here that I know for almost a year now, currently sitting by his side and typing this...feeling like at least here, in the AFS office, the world is safe and Ghana is not mean to me.
I am lacking familiar things. Things and people around me, change to soon. I do not have the chance to attach myself or maybe I do not do it on purpose. Not sure. Either way, I am missing my 'safety blanket', not even sure what or who it is. Lacking to be understood and supported. [don't get me wrong, I have amazing friends and I have not yet spent a day on my own, but it is different.] For now, my safety blanket is my friends hoody. Something familiar and comforting...
but what happens if I have to take it off at the end of the day?
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
It sucks.
It all went so well today - everything was working out and I felt like a superwoman again. Landing jobs, signing up for classes...and on my way home, I felt a bit wobbly, dizzy and my body was in a lot of pain. Got home, collapsed on the sofa and watched how my fever rose. Got taked to clinic, which was closed, got fed and tried to sleep... 5 hours latter, I am still sweating and feeling ill, hopping that it is just some 24h flu, rather than the evil malaria. It would suck.
I mean it sucks alredy - to be ill, sweaty and weak. Feeling new pain in different muscles every few minutes. Lets hope that the sleep will heel me.
In Latvia, we believe, that when you get ill, your body says to slow down... I m just not quite sure what should I take a brake from at the moment? Emotional brake down? I would love to be able to take a brake from that.
Wish me luck and off I go to bed.
I mean it sucks alredy - to be ill, sweaty and weak. Feeling new pain in different muscles every few minutes. Lets hope that the sleep will heel me.
In Latvia, we believe, that when you get ill, your body says to slow down... I m just not quite sure what should I take a brake from at the moment? Emotional brake down? I would love to be able to take a brake from that.
Wish me luck and off I go to bed.
Another wish came true. I am going to be a student again!
My friends know, that for years I have been applying and getting into the Amsterdam University, but every time I chose a different option. I had Amsterdam on my dream map last year, in the center, thinking that in August 2010 I would move there and dive into the academic life along with other MA students from around the world. Instead I ended up in Ghana.
Last week I got an e-mail from Brussels, promoting Human Rights education online course and call for participants to apply for scholarships. I pondered on the idea, read about the course and applied. I was aware that it is lead in cooperation with multiple institutions, but did not know that lead professors and couches would come from AU.
I got it. I got accepted last night and in the welcome letter I recognized the AU logo! ;) So after almost 3 years of thinking about AU, I accidentally am studying in it! hehehe Not for long, but long enough for me to power up my brain with some 'brain food', challenge myself and people around me and dive into something new. It is an intense 5 weeks course online on Global Education with focus on how to teach Human Rights. Despite all my twists and turns, I believe I will always stick with Intercultural and Global education, one day being the power woman of a big international NGO! :) (keep sending me the job offers, if you see any! )
Life is full with mysteries and surprises, when you least expect something, this is when it hits you! I love it!
Keep dreaming and wishing, and one day all of it will become a reality! :)
Last week I got an e-mail from Brussels, promoting Human Rights education online course and call for participants to apply for scholarships. I pondered on the idea, read about the course and applied. I was aware that it is lead in cooperation with multiple institutions, but did not know that lead professors and couches would come from AU.
I got it. I got accepted last night and in the welcome letter I recognized the AU logo! ;) So after almost 3 years of thinking about AU, I accidentally am studying in it! hehehe Not for long, but long enough for me to power up my brain with some 'brain food', challenge myself and people around me and dive into something new. It is an intense 5 weeks course online on Global Education with focus on how to teach Human Rights. Despite all my twists and turns, I believe I will always stick with Intercultural and Global education, one day being the power woman of a big international NGO! :) (keep sending me the job offers, if you see any! )
Life is full with mysteries and surprises, when you least expect something, this is when it hits you! I love it!
Keep dreaming and wishing, and one day all of it will become a reality! :)
Natural disasters
I sit here in Ghana and every week, mostly via my friends' updates in FB, find out about new natural disasters, that strike the world. Every week a new region is hit with something and people are killed. Where there are no natural disasters (Australia, New Zealand ), there are protests. Where there are no protests, and idiot decided to kill someone for chewing the gum too loud (in France) or eating popcorn too loud during a movie (in Latvia). Lives are taken away and people are left in sadness, sorrow and pain.
I am very lucky in that matter, I come from a country that has a pray incorporated in it's anthem and many people believe that it protects our small country from natural disasters, that we are safe (unfortunately nothing will ever protect us from idiots leading the country). And here in Ghana, which is considered to be one of the safest and friendliest countries in Africa, I feel safe and blessed. Even when at night a taxi driver is taking me home in his hardly-moving, self made car. Cause he droves me up to gate and makes sure I get in the yard, only then one would pull away. (Of course there are occasional idiots, that complain that my street is too wobbly to even enter it, but in that case I enjoy the night walk pass the lit gates and palms on our street, wondering if the stars and moon look the same in Latvia. It is all good.)
And yet, what is happening around me in the world leaves me wondering what is going on in the world. It is not like I just started to think about it now, simply have been a bit busy and lost in the admiration of Ghana. But what is going on? Is there more we can do?
I am worried, mainly because I am very aware of the fact that I do not live in a small community, but the world is my home and a lot of these things are personal to me, since many of my friends come from the countries mentioned above. I sat through the revolution in Egypt, I prayed during the tsunami in Thailand in 2005, I read updates on Australia every day... it is no longer a far far place for me, it is something that means. It is personal. And yeah, sometimes I wish it wasn't, and I could just not care... but I do.
I am very lucky in that matter, I come from a country that has a pray incorporated in it's anthem and many people believe that it protects our small country from natural disasters, that we are safe (unfortunately nothing will ever protect us from idiots leading the country). And here in Ghana, which is considered to be one of the safest and friendliest countries in Africa, I feel safe and blessed. Even when at night a taxi driver is taking me home in his hardly-moving, self made car. Cause he droves me up to gate and makes sure I get in the yard, only then one would pull away. (Of course there are occasional idiots, that complain that my street is too wobbly to even enter it, but in that case I enjoy the night walk pass the lit gates and palms on our street, wondering if the stars and moon look the same in Latvia. It is all good.)
And yet, what is happening around me in the world leaves me wondering what is going on in the world. It is not like I just started to think about it now, simply have been a bit busy and lost in the admiration of Ghana. But what is going on? Is there more we can do?
I am worried, mainly because I am very aware of the fact that I do not live in a small community, but the world is my home and a lot of these things are personal to me, since many of my friends come from the countries mentioned above. I sat through the revolution in Egypt, I prayed during the tsunami in Thailand in 2005, I read updates on Australia every day... it is no longer a far far place for me, it is something that means. It is personal. And yeah, sometimes I wish it wasn't, and I could just not care... but I do.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Awsome foursome
Last Friday I went out with my girl-friends in Accra. It was such a great night - to eb surrounded by inspiring, independent and confident women.
We met at 9pm, some dressed in black, small dresses, some in other small dress - ready to experience a night out in Accra, without our boys and much clue as to where the night will take us. I am happy I manage to surround such people and experience new adventures with them.
Louisa is young professional from Britain, with backgroud in Sustainable Banking and future in documental film making in Africa. She was my 1st girl friend here in Accra and my closest person, through a lot of happy and rough times.
Victoria is dynamical, with an aim and clear action plan on how o sucseed. She is urban developer from USA, with roots in Nigeria. She is up to date with 'brina food' events in Ghana and always feeds my mind with some interesting topics.
Beija is my newest gem, French - Morroccan woman, currently looking for a job in banking in Accra. I found her on my sofa one evening, since she was my new housemate. And now, I can not imagine how it would be to live without her. She is a bunddle of fun, confidence and 'witch-bitch' advices, when it comes to 'how to kik a boy's ass!'.
Love them all, every and each of them brings a lovely touch to the crowd and if I could have my 25th borthday once again, I would love to have celebrated it with them last Friday!
Maybe I should consider to celebrate my 25th n two months b-day, this Thursday?! :P heheh
Life has a whole different meaning, when you have inspiring people around you!
Thank you girls, for bringing the good memories of girlfriend hood back to me!
We met at 9pm, some dressed in black, small dresses, some in other small dress - ready to experience a night out in Accra, without our boys and much clue as to where the night will take us. I am happy I manage to surround such people and experience new adventures with them.
Louisa is young professional from Britain, with backgroud in Sustainable Banking and future in documental film making in Africa. She was my 1st girl friend here in Accra and my closest person, through a lot of happy and rough times.
Victoria is dynamical, with an aim and clear action plan on how o sucseed. She is urban developer from USA, with roots in Nigeria. She is up to date with 'brina food' events in Ghana and always feeds my mind with some interesting topics.
Beija is my newest gem, French - Morroccan woman, currently looking for a job in banking in Accra. I found her on my sofa one evening, since she was my new housemate. And now, I can not imagine how it would be to live without her. She is a bunddle of fun, confidence and 'witch-bitch' advices, when it comes to 'how to kik a boy's ass!'.
Love them all, every and each of them brings a lovely touch to the crowd and if I could have my 25th borthday once again, I would love to have celebrated it with them last Friday!
Maybe I should consider to celebrate my 25th n two months b-day, this Thursday?! :P heheh
Life has a whole different meaning, when you have inspiring people around you!
Thank you girls, for bringing the good memories of girlfriend hood back to me!
Be thankful, but do not expect
I am still amaized every day, when people are kind to me. There are mean people and generally every one has their own problems and worries. And no matter where on earth are you, it is all the same - we all look out for oneself. And then there are few acts of kindness and pure love.
Recently more and more people step into my life with kind hart, will and power to help me. And I am still amaized by the fact, I am honored and touched that there are so many of them that want to help and do not ask anything in return. I had forgoten how nice people can be after when person had hurt me. It shouldnt be that way, one person should not poison the beauty of human race! :)
Today a friend of mine, sorted out my PC - called his mate, arranged it to be fixed. Another friend in the office gave me a hug out of nowhere. My best friend - once again, managed to make me smile, helped me to realised that I am an idiot when it comes to relationships and left me feeling, that I will learn from my mistakes one day and it all willbe true.
I am blessed with people around me, thank you, God.
Recently more and more people step into my life with kind hart, will and power to help me. And I am still amaized by the fact, I am honored and touched that there are so many of them that want to help and do not ask anything in return. I had forgoten how nice people can be after when person had hurt me. It shouldnt be that way, one person should not poison the beauty of human race! :)
Today a friend of mine, sorted out my PC - called his mate, arranged it to be fixed. Another friend in the office gave me a hug out of nowhere. My best friend - once again, managed to make me smile, helped me to realised that I am an idiot when it comes to relationships and left me feeling, that I will learn from my mistakes one day and it all willbe true.
I am blessed with people around me, thank you, God.
Reminder to myself in the pursuite of happiness
The five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from God.
Friday, 18 February 2011
When there is no electricity in the capital city.
When the whole capital has no electricity, cause the main power station is doing some servicing, people live on generators, do not go to work and/or do not feel that it is a big problem. I mean for once - it is not their fault, they cant do much and for the second - if it is hot and there is no electricity, it is perfect excuse no to work! :)
Luckaly for you (cause you are getting this blog entry), my office has generator and I can even power a BIG fan, that is blowing my hair, curtains and everything else that does not have a phone or a stone on it! Lovely.
I am just a bit concern - in Europe if such thing would to happen, A. it would be done at night, B. IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN! C. If it happens by accident, due to storm or something like that - well, then we all lit candles and buy batteries. hahah But Ghana is Ghana. It is unique in all possible ways. At least now I have one more topic to talk about with the lady selling me lunch! :)
Friday is here, which means - Ediite is about to relive the moment of Sex n The Town with 4 girls, hopping 5 bars tonight! Excited!!!
Luckaly for you (cause you are getting this blog entry), my office has generator and I can even power a BIG fan, that is blowing my hair, curtains and everything else that does not have a phone or a stone on it! Lovely.
I am just a bit concern - in Europe if such thing would to happen, A. it would be done at night, B. IT WOULD NOT HAPPEN! C. If it happens by accident, due to storm or something like that - well, then we all lit candles and buy batteries. hahah But Ghana is Ghana. It is unique in all possible ways. At least now I have one more topic to talk about with the lady selling me lunch! :)
Friday is here, which means - Ediite is about to relive the moment of Sex n The Town with 4 girls, hopping 5 bars tonight! Excited!!!
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Various celebrations in Ghana - life is all about parties. It is!!!
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| Latvian Independence day on Nov 18th! |
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| 25th b-day! An adventure on its own! |
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| Kate visited me for a few days and we celebrated X-mass together! |
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| New Year in style with new friends!!! |
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| 1St weekend of 2011 spent in a 4star BB - I deserve good things! |
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