An ongoing list of things to know about Ghana

Whether you plan to travel to Ghana or just want to know more, this list should answer some questions.

• There are no covers on the gutters. This may seem like a small difference but on my way to class i usually cross over ~20 open gutters. --> *Photo shows open gutters
  
• The left hand is consider unclean. You should not eat with your left hand.
  
• If you invite a Ghanaian man into your room it is expected that you have sex with him, in fact it is almost like a contract that guarantees sex. If you do not want to have relations with a man you must tell them firmly or otherwise they will keep trying. It is important to match your face with feelings. So if a Ghanaian male asks you to marry him (which is pretty common) it is easy for us to smile or laugh at the gesture but to save yourself some time, show a firm "No" face.
  
• There is no toilet paper or soap in any of the bathrooms so carry them around in a purse or bag.
  
• The showers are cold but with the warm weather it's not too bad.
  
• Since the International Hostel building is in the shape of a hollow square you can hear almost anything, anyone, anywhere.
  
• The color of dirt is a reddish orange. It's pretty but it dirties you up fast.
  
• The people here talk very softly, so even if they are speaking English its hard to understand. I started to feel like I was going deaf trying to understand people. Though the official language is English, most speak Twi (pronounced Chwee). It would be helpful to learn basic sayings before arriving here.
  
• Ghana is very homophobic. However, it is perfectly acceptable for two guy friends to walk around holding hands and dancing with each other.
  
• For the most part there are no street signs and they don't use North, South, East and West. Instead, landmarks are used for directions and locations.
• There are no laundry machines in the hostels. I hand wash my clothes 1-2 times a week. Drying time takes about 1-2 days depending on the material. However, Some of my clothes never feel completely dry. The air is so moist here, especially in the wet season, that papers on my desk will start to fold over from being damp.