I just cant get over how amazing the markets are, so full of life and so very overwhelming. My USAC group took a tour of the city today and we stopped at the craft market and a large market called Medina market. The craft market is just filled with crafts...drums, dresses, purses, jewelry, painted canvases, wooden sculptures, etc. I don't think i've ever seen so many vibrant colors in one place.
As soon as we opened the door of the van we were attacked by traders trying to sell us something. Traders will do just about anything to get you to buy something, especially at places that are more touristy, like the craft market. If you make eye contact with them or their crafts for more than two seconds they typically take your hand and drag you inside to show you more crafts despite your no's. Ghanaians are very personable and very touchy-feeling. Something that is unusually to Americans, where individualism in the norm. At the markets, especially the craft market it is essential that you bargain. I'd say the rule of thumb is to start by asking for half the price they've stated.
*The picture above is from the Madina market on the outskirts of Accra.
About a 5 minute cab drive away from campus but what feels like worlds away is the Accra Mall. I've been told it was built a couple years ago. This mall looks like a small mall you would find in the states. It's filled with stores like the Apple computer store, a Puma shoe store and food places where you can buy pizza, french fries and ice cream. This drastic difference feels unsettling to me. Also, as I was walking into the mall there were young children begging for money. One grabbed my hand and made a gesture with the other that meant she wanted food. Situations like this are very awkward and heartbreaking. For the most part though, I've heard that Ghana has a low rate of beggars compared to other African countries. It is very easy to see that the people here work hard to make a living and while they may beg that you buy something most don't beg for free hand outs.
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