A Fond Farewell

As the day of my departure draws closer, I’m experiencing such a mix of emotions that I literally can’t fall asleep at night. My mind keeps racing with thoughts of how things will be different back home at the States, worries about adjusting to my normal busy life, and, of course, about how I am about to leave this place that I have just recently become so comfortable in.

I don’t know what I will tell people when they ask me, “So, how was West Africa?” It would take years to explain my experiences and words don’t even begin to describe how I feel about this place, about living here, and about leaving. But, hey, I might as well give it a try.

I have learned so much in West Africa. Obviously, I have been endowed with a few superficial skills. I can do a number of traditional dances, I know how to drum, I can speak some Twi and a bit of pidgen English, I know what tro-tros to take to get to different parts of the country, and I know how to eat fufu with my hands. (more…)

EAB’s Copenhagen Blog

A group of 12 UCSB students are currently in Copenhagen for the UN Climate Change Conference, and they’re blogging about their experiences.

The Associated Students Environmental Affairs Board received $9,800 from student fees to attend the meeting, which runs from Dec. 11-18.  Check out their blog at eabatcop.blogspot.com.

The $9,800 allocation stirred up some controversy when it was first announced; see the Nexus‘ coverage at EAB’s Euro-Trip Leads to Funding Concerns and EAB Chooses Euro Team, and read EAB’s response to the original article, Group Says Euro Trip Article Misses the Point Entirely.

Teaching the Teacher

I find it somewhat remarkable that, considering my general aversion to kids, I found myself working with children during my stay in Ghana. Yes, the girl who declares that she will never be a mother and who finds it hard to get through a few hours of babysitting both worked at a refugee camp with orphaned children and, get this, taught once a week at an underprivileged school.

I hate to admit that I started teaching out of boredom. Nope, no great ambition to save the world or share my vast wealth of knowledge with those less fortunate. I simply couldn’t handle the lack of challenge that the University of Ghana presented me and, when my friend told me about the school program, I thought it would be an interesting opportunity.

Well, if I was looking for a challenge, I certainly got one. (more…)

Togo: Part Deux

As the taxi-moto driver encouraged the zippy motorcycle, also known as zemijohn, even faster along the quiet dirt road, I clung on for dear life with a single thought blaring in my mind: “I’m not wearing a helmet.”

The day before I found myself, once again, in Lome, Togo’s lovely capital city. My two friends and I had planned for a trip to see voodoo markets in Togoville followed by a guided hike in Kpalime’s butterfly reserve. However, when we spotted a flyer by the hotel restaurant for paragliding, all plans were off. The next morning, we braved a number of shared taxis to get to Adeta. We had no idea where we were going, exactly who we were going to meet, how much paragliding would cost, or if we’d even get there…but it didn’t really seem to matter. (more…)

Protesters Attack UC Berkeley Chancellor’s House

UC Berkeley – A group of protesters stormed Chancellor Birgeneau’s home last night, smashing windows and throwing torches in a violent demonstration against fee hikes and budget cuts. The attack ended with eight arrested.

According to a press release, about 40-75 people surrounded the chancellor’s house at 11:15 p.m. The crowd shouted “No justice, no peace,” hurled incendiary objects, scattered garbage and broke windows, planters and lights. No fires or injuries occurred.

The eight individuals – including two students from Cal and one from UC Davis – were arrested and charged with rioting, threatening an education official, attempted burglary, attempted arson of an occupied building, felony vandalism and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer. (more…)

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