Holidays

Indeed, the holidays are here in Ghana. It's been a surprising couple of days so far. How? Let me use a list (as always) to express the surprises:
A. Remember all those Christmas songs in the US that play when its cold outside? they still play here; its odd to be sweating in 85 degree weather outside and hear "Chestnuts, roasting on an open fire..."
B. I am staying with a Ghanaian family for Christmas and New Year's (I stayed with them last NY as well). Let me say: I am being spoiled with fans, a Wii, and a spectacular house.
C. I've thought about staying (extending) for another year, but I don't know if things will come to fruition. Even being in Accra for the holidays, people I've never met pleasantly shock me and come to talk to me about being in Saviefe and the work I'm doing there (nice/rewarding); but its one more year.
D. I am going to the beach today! Outlook: ~82 degrees, slightly hazy, and I'm not sure if I want to swim in water so close to Accra (sewer drainage from the big city).
E. There were some little kids (Ages 12, 8, 7, & 4) that were here: its an impressive thing to hear children that small speaking excellent English after living in the village where even kids at 15 have a hard time expressing simple thoughts and actions.
F. I received a small box of Ferrero-Rocher for Christmas (two thumbs up).
G. Some other Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) and I started a book club. Our first book was East of Eden by John Steinbeck - recently completed by Mike Shoup and book #101 finished since Sept. 15 2010.
H. I think I'm really going to miss Ghana whenever I leave - the people are extremely friendly and will go out of their way simply to ensure you are salubriously comfortable and verily relaxed. Examples: I was offered the nicest seat from a person while riding on a tro (the person got out of the seat to offer it!); at the house in Accra, all of my whims are thought of (drinks? food? [I didn't realize I was thirsty, but since you ask..]); "Do you want breakfast, Mike?", "Ye..", "Let me make you something!".
I. Everyone is my mother - "Mike, eat more food and feel free. I want you to be happy" (happy is sometimes equated to being fat and large, a symbol of wealth and beauty).

Anything else? I suppose a happy New Year's is in order... ok.
Oh! We PCVs in Volta have a girl's camp coming up on January 9-13. Its a leadership camp for girls in the equivalent of 8th grade (here, JHS Form 2) to educate them about leadership, HIV/AIDS awareness, career options, and to motivate them to study hard and succeed in their schooling.