Some of the following may be obvious, others lifesaving, while others you may deem ridiculous. Judge for yourself if you ever venture to this neck of the woods.
Mosquito repellent and net - Unless you want to suffer from extreme fever, loss of appetite and the feeling that your life is about to end prematurely, then it is worth keeping a good eye on your mosquito net, ensuring there are no wholes nor minor gaps for one of the little terrorists to enter and suck on your sweet blood. The evening anepholes mosquito are particularly nasty so cover up head to toe. If you're taking a break on the beach, do likewise. Many volunteers letting their hair down make this mistake and come back with a parasite in their blood and an empty pocket with all the treatment they require. Some of the medication to combat malaria may cause stomach problems, possibly due to the aspirin content. Get advice from the doctor how to alleviate the problem, Injections against malaria cost a bit more but are a quicker solution. Oral medication can take at least 5 days to effectively work and may suppress your appetite despite the fact that it is essential for you to eat (light soup, non-fried food).
First Aid medical knowledge - Many private clinics just have doctors a few hours a day. Most public hospitals are full to the brim with patients. So remember, prevention is better than cure. Avoid going to clinics and hospitals by using common sense for common sicknesses. Don't take risks with unfiltered or unboiled water - your insides are just not used to it. Drink lots of water as a daily habit. Don't share water you have back-washed into, if possible - you are likely to either catch a bug or pass on one. Eat lots of fresh fruit. Avoid midday sun. Walk in the shade when possible.
If you need hospital care, ask for embassy and local advice. When you get there ask for everything (a bowl to puke in, balm to relieve muscular pains, etc.)as many times as it takes you to get it but be respectful to the probability that others may have been waiting prior to your arrival for attention. Be patient with what may seem casual attitudes from nursing and even senior medical staff. They will usually get the job done, just not in a way you are accustomed to.
Appropriate clothing – Yes all the guides say it. So though your pre-trip advisors and volunteering counsellors. But it sometimes just does not sink in. Nakedness, even if you are a hunk guys, is culturally disrespectful. Ladies, the less revealed the less hassle you will get – seems like a fair bargain. Yes, you may be boiling hot, but just get used to it and keep your pale, hairy chest covered. Trousers below the knee are (i) more attractive (ii) more respectful (iii) more practical if they have pockets. Nice clothes to wear on Sunday are also a good idea. You will be amazed how beautiful Ghanaians look for their religious services. No tracksuits, t-shirts, wellington boots, etc. Even if you are a die hard atheist or an a la carte Christian, it's best that you do not stand out like a sore thumb. Keep your shades, basketball top, Nike Air locked up. Smart and casual is also fine.
A sponge – They cost 1.50 Ghana Cedi for and will help scrub off the layers of dust that gather on you skin each evening. Washing yourself 5 times daily without one will not suffice. Get it, scrub like hell, and avoid being and smelling dirty (you won't see it from your own naked eye as mirrors are a rarity), looking tanned (it's actually dust). You will feel a lot better afterwards.
Small change - Traders often do not have change of 5 or 10 cedi. Therefore the water, ice cream, chocolate fix, newspaper, orange or banana you desperately want may not become yours unless you carry small coins at all times.
The ability to say 'Hssst' - This is how Ghanaians grab each others attention. I don't really know how a trader 40 metres away can distinguish the sound of a 'hssst' from a potential customer while she is walking in the opposite direction, but it is a quintessential part of his or her doing business. It's kind of 'one of those things you have to see and hear to understand'. It may seem rude to you, but it is perfectly acceptable for you to use this mechanism of communication also.
No comments:
Post a Comment