Art All Around Me

It is sometimes difficult to remember what to write about because each day is so Full! On Friday after Twi lessons half of our group went to learn about African sculpture, and half learned how to do Batik, and we will switch on Monday. I went to this sculptor\s house, his name is Kofi Setordji and he is a well known African sculptor and artist. The land upon which he resides in Ghana is one of the most peaceful, serene places I have ever been to.  Immediately upon entering I felt as if I had dropped into meditation, and as we all sat down listening to the quiet around us, we discussed what we believe comprises our identities.  Then we painted all together on a large canvas to create a collective piece responding to this question.  Kofi built his house and his art studio, and he created art all around his house, even up in the trees that he planted on his land! It would be incredible to somehow work with him for my ISP... so many ideas already! On Saturday our group decided to go to an Art Market in the morning, which was extremely chaotic because all of the artists there follow and try to bargain with foreigners.  I love to be friendly but sometimes this works against me, because by the end of our time at the market all of the artists knew my name, some whom I hadn\t even met... I\m not sure why but it was really funny.  Afterwards we went to the beach where everyone dances in the water, plays soccer, and plays music... enjoying life.  A few of my friends and I went to dinner after the beach, and laughed until out stomachs hurt. Today we are going to a funeral, a celebration of life, and Papa Atah (our Papa in Africa) told us that we should try the gin we will be given, but he told us not to take more than 2 shots or else we would have to sleep there! The sense of humor of most people here in Ghana creates a really wonderful energy in this beautiful place.
The Tro Tro rides have been a bit difficult, squished like sardines and sweating in traffic while riding on bumpy roads, sometimes without traffic signals. I almost passed out the other day in the Tro Tro, but thankfully my friends helped me to get water (people sell water to Tro Tros that are stuck in traffic through the window).  The water situation here is difficult, bucket showers and no electricity have been a wake up call for me to appreciate what I have in the states.  However, going with the flow of life here is very easy for me, so it\s all good without these things (drinking water is not too hard to find, just water to bathe is).  I think this go with the flow attitude has allowed me to meet very interesting people here, like the sculpture artist I talked to for almost 2 hours on the Tro Tro the other day.  Just opening myself up to the flow of experiences that are coming towards me and flowing through me, the Universe seems kind if you remain open and free of judgement. That seems to be the key to enjoying life here!