I have to say things have been really good in Kumasi-here lately. The power and water have been on 95% of the time. Ramadan is over so those long evenings of zombiesque Muslim moaning have subsided. The weather has been cool and dry with just enough rain to keep the dust down and green up the lawn. The house is staying clean. Life is good.
It’s 7am on Sunday and I’m sitting at my computer savoring a steaming cup of Ghanaian cocoa. Vodaphone has consistently provided us with enough internet connection to look into the windows of the world with the exception of the occasional banned video. A recent clip of Bill Moyers discussing the decline of the American family comes to mind.
We are eating well, perhaps a bit too well. Avocados and mangos are still in season. Beets and cauliflower continue to make their way to the corner markets. The gardens are keeping us stocked with herbs and greens.
Our expat friends have begun to return from their summer holidays. The last of our summer interns will soon leave and we’ll roll forward with a new core group of house mates which will remain static for the next three months.
But you know me. If there’s a turd in the punch bowl, I’ll spot it. And since you’re waiting for the punchline, here it is. Life is very good these days until someone, anyone who can afford a car battery and a loudspeaker and feels they have something to say, decides to blast their message to the world in the wee hours of the morning.
And so, we were awaken today, as we are on many days by some garbled, angry ranting madman shortly before 5am. Raging about god only knows what – Jesus maybe. After half an hour, I got up and did some yoga to the Beatles. I looked for “Blackbird” (singing in the dead of night) and settled for “Sun King” to drown out the blood thumping tirade. And scrubbed the toilet.
2 replies on “All the Comforts of Home”
Dear Camille and Bob,
My name is Rebecca and I am writing to you from an American television show about people buying homes abroad. I came across your blog and I thought I would get in touch to tell you a bit about our program and see if you might be interested in being on our show.
House Hunters International tells the story of people who have picked up their lives and moved to foreign and exotic locations to pursue a new life. Being on our show is a lot of fun for our participants and a great way for them to document their exciting search for a home and new life abroad.
For this particular series we’re looking for people who have moved “Off the Grid” in a foreign country. We’re currently looking to cast people who have bought/rented or are currently looking for a home in a remote or unusual location abroad. If you fit this qualification or know anyone who does, I would love to tell you more about the project. You can contact me at househunterscasting@leopardfilms.com.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Rebecca,
I’m honored by your invitation but unfortunately we are not currently living off the grid. Will forward your request to other expats who may fit the bill. Can’t wait to see our friends Chrissie and Bill when their segment airs.
Camille