5 vaccinations and a cholera drink done, 4 vaccinations and a cholera drink to go

Had 2 vaccinations today and a cholera drink. I'm having a lot of vaccinations as mine and family's view on it was better to be safe than sorry. 43 days left, it just scares me how unreal that sounds. I mean I've written about it in my previous blogs, but deep down I've only really been feeling excitement about going. Then a friend's mum said to me: I'm going to miss you. And it just makes you realise.. wait.. I am leaving soon to a different country, to not have these people in my daily life anymore. Although that obviously does upset me, don't get me wrong the excitement still stays! It's strange though, because Ghana is like such a big thing that I'm looking forward to, that I nearly forget I move afterwards, and start a new phase of my life in Holland. So it's hard to get my head around doing both things, so I don't think i will realise how big of an impact the move will have on me until I've been in Ghana a couple of weeks.
Started my exams yesterday, and for all of you who know me well, you'll know this stresses me out. I can study for as long as I want and I'd never get an A or B grade and so I sometimes lose my motivation. I usually lose sleep the night before an exam and will definitely have a bit of a cry before an exam that I know I'm going to struggle with. For you who don't know, I do English Language and Literature, Biology and Maths. Biology I struggle most with as I might get it in class and then don't understand what they're asking me in the exam. Or I just don't get it full stop. Had a biology exam yesterday and studied a lot for that, and seemed to understand it pretty well, so I'll be satisfied with a C. Maths exam tomorrow, and then a month later I have another 3 maths exams, 1 english and 1 biology. Should be fun! not. I just keep telling myself that 5 days after my last exam, I'll start a very exciting start to 6 and a half weeks in Ghana. The dates are the 29th of June to the 15th of August, by the way! Yes, meaning I spend my 18th birthday over there, which should be interesting to see how they celebrate it there!

Apart from my information on my placement, I've also been given a predeparture information booklet, which some of you might find interesting, so once again I'll just copy and paste:


About Ghana 
Republic of Ghana is located in West Africa. It is bordered by Ivory Coast to the West, Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The word Ghana means “Warrior King”. Ghana was the first country in Africa to attain independence from United Kingdom.
Country Facts
Capital Accra
Population 23 million approx
Government Constitutional Republic
Currency Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Religions Christians (63 %), Muslims (16%), African beliefs (21 %)
Official Language English


The following are some of the basic rules of social conduct in Ghana. Ghanaians are very tolerant and forgiving, especially with foreigners, and will often not point out mistakes. However, repeated errors and offences will create an uncomfortable atmosphere with negative results. Just remember the old adage: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
1. Learn the uses of the right and left hands. Eat and greet with the right hand only. Do not give or receive anything with the left hand. Above all, do not dip your left hand into a dish of food shared with others or take the Lord's super with the left hand. Remember that the use of the left hand is considered disrespectful in most settings.
2. When eating and someone comes, always offer them some food or invite them to join you. When you are so invited, you may decline respectfully or join as you wish, but make sure you wash your right hand before joining. When served food, never refuse. Eat at least some. Make only favorable comments about food. When you are asked what you would like to eat, feel free to make suggestions within limits of availability. Be careful of facial expressions or comments about food, as this is a sensitive area. Regardless of if you like a certain type of food, please refrain from using words such as “disgusting”. This is seen as very offensive and does not help in building rapport with your Ghanaian peers, volunteers or host family. Always share, and always be appreciative and willing to join in.
3. Greetings are important. Always greet and respond to greetings properly. Whenever you pass a group of people, especially elderly ones, always give them a greeting. To fail to greet is considered an insult, and not easily overlooked. When you walk up to a group of people, always speak a greeting and shake hands if possible. Time is always made for greeting and it is not seen as an interference or waste of time.
4. Be careful with humour and teasing. Ghanaians love to laugh and have fun, but humour is usually non bi-cultural, that is, it does not cross cultural boundaries easily. What is funny in one language may be insulting in another. Teasing, especially, can be misunderstood. Do not attempt jokes unless you catch on the style of humour. Do not compare people to animals (cute as a monkey, "dirty as a pig,"etc.)
5. Private matters may be "not so private”. Your physical size, marital status, etc., may prove to be enticing topics of conversation, so do not "wear your feelings on your shoulder." Do not be overly sensitive to personal remarks made about you or to you. For example to be called "fat" is a complement. They are probably not meant in an insulting way. However you should be very careful about making any comments about anyone else.
6. Showing affection in public between men and women is not acceptable in many rural communities, even husbands and wives. Men may hold hands (no sexual implications) or even hug, but male/female relationships are much more strictly controlled. Hugging is not commonly done except by very dear friends, especially between men and women. For example, American insistence on hugging is often very embarrassing to many Ghanaians.
7. Be careful in taking photos. Always ask permission and do not let your zeal for photos become a distraction or disturbance, especially in church services or public gatherings.
8. Always use tittles of respect when addressing someone. Anyone older than yourself must be addressed as "brother" or "sister" at the very least. You will hear terms like "senior brother, elder, mother, father, uncle, auntie, "etc. Elderly people should be addressed with tittles of respect like "father, mother, grandfather", etc. 9. Be very careful of words like "fool, stupid, crazy" etc. Avoid judgements, strongly worded language, for many words have different meanings here. Do not take offence when certain terms are used that normally are considered profanity in your home country. Sexuality is not a topic treated in public easily unless you are conversant with the culture, so be careful on delicate issues.
10. Do not shout or display loud, boisterous behaviour. Shouting is considered in poor taste, especially for women. Whenever you are in public, be cautious and careful, normally exhibiting a quiet, friendly attitude. It is not considered polite to eat while standing or walking in a public place.


I thought this was all really interesting to read, so basically as most of you know, I'm loud, sarcastic and  have a little appetite... so I'm screwed... haha no it should be a good challenge to try keep my voice down, not to make a joke out of most things and to finally eat proper meals! I think one of the main things I'll struggle with is greeting everyone as (no offense to English people) but when I now come into a room full of people I don't know I just kind of smile shyly, but I think I have to literally give everyone a personal greeting, so that should get interesting (and tiring).