the volta region, part 2

we danced one dance for chel-bell's 22nd birthday

we had amazing kenkey for dinner, off the street in the town of ho, where we stayed for the night.
(kenkey is a sort of fermented corn dough, served in balls. you eat it with onions, sometimes fish, tomato/pepper sauce, and shito, a hot hot sauce. sounds a bit strange, i know, but you'd like it.)

we visited an authentic kente weaving place. they even let us try a hand at the loom.

the market in djemenie (i totally made up that spelling), a fishing village we visited

giant fish mouth!

in djemenie we learned about the fishing culture, and how the livelihood of the people here has been endangered by the changes after the damming of the volta river. many men travle further and further upriver to find good fighing areas, and many of them never return, leaving single moms to raise children. we also saw a government-run health clinic. i cant say i was surprised to find the place quite tiny and sparse. the head nurse said if people are willing to come, she'll take as much help as she can get.

...

tangent: i've been thinking about midwifery. my friend corrie has a friend who is in "midwife school" right now, and has been telling me all about it. when approached in a holistic manner, it seems like a very noble profession. it's about a relationship, a meaningful, trusting experience...i dont know. its still on my mind. maybe ill just add that onto my large large list of life aspirations. comments?