I am famous amongst my friends and
family for being an overpacker. I can easily pack two suitcases AND a
carry-on for a weekend getaway and STILL not find anything to wear.
But I'll tell you what, I’d give up my
entire luggage to have my girlfriends here in Ghana with me. My girlfriends are so much
a part of me that being apart from them makes me feel like I’ve left a part of myself behind, almost like a part of my personality is missing. My
girlfriends are my partners in sarcasm, and wit, with whom I could talk to about any and everything without an ounce of judgment...
My loves, to whom I can admit things that I'm sometimes embarrassed to admit to myself. I’ve always known the importance of having good girlfriends, as well as the importance of being a good one back. Being a good friend calls for a lot more than shopping trips and bottomless mimosa brunches. Although many laughs are shared between friends, having someone to share your tears and fears with is one of the best parts of having good girlfriends. My friends were very supportive of my move to Ghana. They may not know it but there were many times when I wasn’t very confident in my decision but because they had so much confidence in me I worked through it and rose to the standard at which they held me and for that I am very grateful. Although it may seem cliche, my girlfriends were the gusts of wind beneath my wings that helped me soar to Ghana.
My loves, to whom I can admit things that I'm sometimes embarrassed to admit to myself. I’ve always known the importance of having good girlfriends, as well as the importance of being a good one back. Being a good friend calls for a lot more than shopping trips and bottomless mimosa brunches. Although many laughs are shared between friends, having someone to share your tears and fears with is one of the best parts of having good girlfriends. My friends were very supportive of my move to Ghana. They may not know it but there were many times when I wasn’t very confident in my decision but because they had so much confidence in me I worked through it and rose to the standard at which they held me and for that I am very grateful. Although it may seem cliche, my girlfriends were the gusts of wind beneath my wings that helped me soar to Ghana.
Before I got to Ghana I was looking forward to finding my tribe. I was looking forward to finding community of
ambitious, like-minded young Ghanaian women to bond with, but it seems like I’ve only been
met with silent judgment filled stares and bottom to top sizing ups sharp
enough to cut through any hopes of friendship. I just know that somewhere in this country
there are communities of ambitious, like-minded women just waiting to be found, but I
until I find my tribe I am glad that there are still a few New Yorkers in
Ghana on holiday. So rather than building bonds with the women of Ghana I’ve been
building and solidifying bonds built via friend of a friend connections as well
as social media. One of the many things I miss about the states is female
bonding, the ability to receive a genuine compliment in a fitting room
without any underlying or underhanded insults attached.
For a dose of some much needed female bonding I met Rose
and Jackie for a trip to Bojo Beach, which quickly became one of my favorite
places in Ghana. The scenic, serene beach provided a quiet change from all the
noisy beaches I have encountered so far.
Despite a few hiccups like getting sand stuck in my contact lens (which later
created an ulcer on my cornea) it was a refreshing experience. Bojo beach is the perfect
place to catch up with friends, or a date on a quiet Sunday. It is also home to one the most
amazing sunsets I have ever witnessed.
