The Lowdown - Our final Training session at Ford School, Nungua 4th October

It's our last full day of Project, which means this is our last blog post about Training. We had our last Training yesterday and it certainly was one of the best! Read below for more details!

The High's

• When we arrived at Nungua School, we were ushered onto a bus full of Rangers! We promptly led a massive and very loud version of "Everywhere we go" which went down a storm. Even the boys wanted to be Girl Guides (what's new??)
• After our song teaching, we were taught some amazing songs including a song about Free Being Me which Mhairi loved! 
• Once again the sun was shining for GOLD Ghana 2016 so we took some of our Training outside. Suntan and training at the same time? WIN!
• We met our first lot of Rangers - and they did not disappoint! Once again, we had a great PR radio chat show complete with the most Scottish radio presenter....
• Fake magnums coupled with competent TroTro navigation. We even had to change TroTro. We. Nailed. It. Can we get our TroTro badge and Ghana Citizenship yet?

The Low's

• We might have forgotten Henry at our Training! (Or he might have been kidnapped like Paul the penguin!) We are very sad GOLDies; losing your mascot is never fun. 
• Yesterday's TroTro was very low on our TroTro rating list. It had a rusty floor we could see through, no space for tall people like Terri, the doors did not close, and we were stuck in traffic. A weak 1/10.

The Funny's

• After we trained, we decided we needed to treat ourselves (obvs). We proceeded to have Rolo ice cream with 100s&1000s. Adulting is only a daytime thing....
• On the subject of food, we had a makeshift sandwich making sweat shop, where we sat in a circle, made a mess of crumbs on the floor, and made the weirdest and most basic sandwiches ever while everyone watched. We then had Kenke (similar to both Banku and Fufu) where Alice ate a full handful of chilli. We laughed. A lot.
• Mhairi has mastered the "Tsss" of attracting attention of TroTro vendors. She proceeded to buy two bags of plantain chips. 

GOLD Ghana 2016's Guide to the "Tss"

The "Tss" is something we have became experts in (Much like TroTro's and Jollof rice). The "Tss" is for attracting attention and can mean various things including:

1. "Tss" = "Hello, I wish to purchase something from you please Sir/Madam"
2. "Tss" = "Hello Sir/Madam, would you per chance like to purchase something from my head or market stall?"
3. "Tss" = "Will you do me the honour of marrying me you beautiful lady?"
4. "Tss" = "I wish for you to come closer (Cat)"
5. "Tss" = "Excuse me, you seem to be lost. Would you like to come in my taxi or TroTro?"
6. "Tss" = "Please move out of the way, I am carrying a large piece of Latex Foam on my head and I may injure you."
7. "Tss" = "Can I have your attention? Not for anything in particular, however I would like it just for two seconds. Thank you."

GOLD Love

XOXO

The Lowdown - Training for Accra Leaders at the Training Centre, Achimota 3rd October 2016

As it is our last full day on Project, we have a lot of stuff to share with you! Read below to find out about our Training on Monday, and keep on checking back today for another blog post about yesterday's Training!

The High's

• We had the largest turnout for the Training Centre, and the largest amount of Leaders in this training! Thank you to everyone who attended and for being the loudest group!
• The sun was shining again, which meant spirits were high and we could hold some of the session outside! Yay!
• We finally managed to do "Make New Friends" successfully with the arms. Its harder than it looks ok......
• As part of our PR session, we include a radio chat show to practice shouting about our key Guiding messages. On Monday, we had lots of volunteers to be interviewed and lots of laughs at Mhairi's ridiculous Scottish accent! 

The Low's

• We went to our favourite place for dinner, and our best friend and waitress was nowhere to be seen. GOLD Ghana were very sad to not see her before we depart. (If you are reading this, you are fabulous!)

The Funny's

• Jennifer. Just Jennifer. If you are in Ghana and meet Jennifer from Accra, you will know what we mean.
• Alice, Laura and Terri bought a cake and may have set the world record for cake eating. One second it was there, the next it was gone! Gluttony is a deadly sin girls!

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out about our travels home and our last full day on Project!

Twitter - @GOLDGhana2016

Facebook - www.facebook.com/GOLDGhana2016

GOLD Love

XOXO

The Lowdown - Ashanti Region Training 1st October

On Friday we left a sunny Achimota for a rather rainy Kumasi. We really enjoyed travelling to another Region within Ghana and can't wait to share what went down in Kumasi (apart from rain)

The High's

• During our five hour bus ride to Kumasi, we were treated to an air conditioned bus! What a great change from the TroTro breeze! - For more info on TroTro's see our previous blog http://goldghana2016.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/a-gold-ghana-guide-to-riding-trotro.html
• Believe it or not, we had the best Chinese we've had in a while in Kumasi. Paired with Alvaro (Mhairi's new favourite drink) it was easily one of the best meals we've had!
• Terri is now standing!! Well done Terri for getting back on your feet - no pun intended - so quickly!
• We got the chance to visit Kumasi Palace! It was really interesting 
• All of the team are getting more confident in training, and it shows! Well done GOLD Ghana for being confident trainers!
• While on our bus, we were treated to a movie. Most of these movies were not very good, however, Carpenter Love was different. Laura and Mhairi were engrossed for the entire journey and all of the team were excited that a film was finally in English!
  

The Low's

• Despite Carpenter Love, all of the other movies were rubbish. They also prevented us from getting our beauty sleep (which on our final week of Project, we probably could use!)
• We discovered that some of GOLD Ghana are still kids at heart, when we heard thunder and lightening. But with 3 in a bed, snuggles were easy to get to cheer scared GOLDies up!

The Funny's

• We had lots of "Ghana Moments" during our trip to Kumasi. From standing brushing our teeth on the balcony while watching the thunder and lightening, to going to a restaurant to find the chef has disappeared and then having to compliment the waiter on his paintings for fifteen minutes. Definite GOLD moments!
• We attacked Alice and Mhairi and drew faces on their knees. Apparently this is becoming a trend in our Team!
• GOLD Ghana were cold. Yes, you heard that correctly, cold. Are we acclimatising???

We're now doing back to back trainings until we leave, so from a tired but excitable team,

GOLD Love

XOXO

A GOLD Ghana Guide to riding a TroTro

While being on Project in Ghana, we have experienced a lot of Ghanian culture. From Banku to FuFu and everything in between, we have been thrown into Ghanian life - and as we have figured out, no experience in Ghana is complete without a TroTro!

So what IS a TroTro?

A TroTro is a way of getting around. Think of a van with around 16 seats inside (Some of which fold ooooh). Not every TroTro is the same, some being kitted out with the latest TV's and sound systems, and others being......let's say basic. TroTro's can go anywhere you desire, and have no timetable which can be shocking for the average Brit!

How do I go about riding a TroTro?

TroTro riding is a skilled process, so we have come up with a few easy steps so you can be experienced TroTro riders like GOLD Ghana 2016.

1. Figure out where to get your TroTro from - sometimes it can be complicated to find out where a TroTro stops. However, if there are enough of you at the side of the road, a TroTro will stop! 
2. Choose your TroTro- When you find a TroTro station or stop, chances are there will be 6/7 TroTro drivers trying to get you into their TroTro. Choose wisely, and set your price. Great for practicing your bargaining skills! 
3. Hop in! - After paying the Driver's Mate (A guy that half hangs out the window shouting the destination and who also collects the money) relax and enjoy your TroTro ride. During our Project, we've travelled all over Ghana, from Keta in the East, to Takoradi in the West, we've certainly travelled far and wide to train Leaders! TOP TIP: If there are four seats in a row, sit on all four seats. You don't choose your seats, you just fill up the TroTro. If someone needs to get off on your row, you all get off and pile back on again. That is the way of the TroTro.
4. Buy some TroTro treats - GOLD Ghana have sampled many of the delicious treats that you can buy via the TroTro window. Our favourites include plantain chips, toffee, toilet rolls and pillows - yes, actual pillows! However, any TroTro treats that you buy will have to sit on your knee amongst all of your other luggage. TroTro's are not made for bags.
5. Take a (sweaty) TroTro selfie or Trelfie - No TroTro ride is complete without a Trelfie to mark the occasion. We've taken a lot during our time here on Project, here's some of our favourites!

Our first TroTro

TroTros can cause tiredness

6. Try and get off at the correct stop - TroTros can change their route and it can be difficult to find the correct stop. But fear not, the Ghanians are super friendly and helpful and will help you to find where you need to go.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have now reached your destination and are now an expert in TroTro riding!

GOLD Love

XOXO

The Lowdown - Greater Accra Training 28th/29th September

Hey again!

We've had a busy couple of days doing trainings for the Greater Accra Region back to back - proving that GOLD is not a holiday!

So here's the lowdown on our two days of training here at the Guide Training Centre!

The High's

Terri's pose of the day!

• We've had some amazing responses from the Buzz Words and Key Messages activity! Check these out over on our Twitter @GOLDGhana2016 !!
• We ran crocodiles (the classic team building activity) for the first time! And it went down a storm! Well done Alice for fantastic team spirit and leading of the activity!
• Mhairi tasted the most delicious watermelon ever - 4 whole pieces were consumed. (There's also another half portion of watermelon for tomorrow's breakfast. YAY!)
• Sarah D and Laura made amazing fajitas last night. We love traditional Ghanaian food, but it does feel good to have some home comforts!
• Terri has progressed from bed-chair-walking! Well done Terri!!!
• We went to the Street Girls Aid and got measured for our dresses! Watch this space

The Low's

The kidnapping victim!

• Although we had a delicious dinner, we were extremely disappointed with the cake. It was so hard and tasteless. What a sad occasion for Team Ghana.
• Sarah H getting told she could get a dress and a skirt out of the same piece of material, only to be measured, and told she could not for her bum was too big! Beyonce aint got nothing on you Sarah!

The Funny's

• Yesterday evening, there was a bit of kidnapping going on in the Training Centre! Alice's penguin Paul, got kidnapped for a ransom! Fear not, he was safely returned!
• We discovered Alice couldn't care less about her stuffed toys or their whereabouts. THE SHAME!
• Terri broke another chair! Chairs broken by Team Ghana: 2!

GOLD Love

XOXO

The Lowdown - Alswell School, Winneba 26th September

We've moved! Hopefully now that we are in the Ghana Girl Guide Training Centre in Achimota, we'll have a more reliable source of Wifi and will post more regularly. We're having a bit of a chill day today before the madness of Training starts (and also to escape from the 35 degree heat outside!)

The High's

• The leaders were so...they were the most...they were really excited. (Alice's words. Top communicator of the group)
• Enthusiastic Leaders that wanted to learn as much about Guiding as possible, PLUS they wanted to open other units in the area - absolutely amazing!
• We had some ice cream as a starter, yum yum yum!
• Terri's foot is NOT BROKEN! Horrayyyy!
• Even though the unit at Alswell is practically a newborn, every girl had a Brownie/Guide Uniform and they knew some of our songs too! 
• A literal high: We walked 130 ft above the ground on Kakum's canopy walk! Alice was the most scared, and it was so wet Sarah H's contact lenses nearly were washed out her eyes!

The Low's

• In true GOLD style, we had to deliver our training in interesting circumstances. We had fifty children trying to peek through the windows at us, while builders were hammering upstairs. A training to remember!
• Halfway through our training, the 5:30am rise started to kick in, luckily, our hosts were at the ready with ice cold Coke.
• Apparently, trying to get something to eat on a Sunday night can prove difficult. We had to get a taxi to a service station to get something to feed our hungry bellies!
• Grace had some very disappointing Jolof rice, apparently not very spicy and from Nigera. We are grieving for you Grace.

The Funny's

Good Pose, Ter

• During our day at Kakum national park, we managed to find out the true meaning of RAINforest when we were soaked through the skin.
• On the way back from the national park, six people managed to squeeze into a taxi for four. Wet, cold, and smooshed, we certainly had a LOT of crazy conversations (not all of which I can remember)
• Mhairi has become the official group bargainer. She managed to buy Terri a pillow out of the TroTro window for £2, and got the taxi man down from 60 Cedi to 20. Go Mhairi!
• We had to eat our lunch outside of a petrol station. Ambience you say?
• During our TroTro ride home from Winneba, we were directed by Alice who said to the driver "Yes, turn here, I recognise that pile of rubble!"

GOLD Love

XOXO

The Lowdown - Ponty International School (Western Region) 23rd September

GOLDies at Ponty International School

Hi!

We have missed you! After five long days without a way to update the blog, we certainly have a LOT of stories to tell you! So we'll start at the very beginning with our first training in the Western Region. So grab a cuppa, and find out what we've been up to...

The High's

Six wet GOLDies :(

• What an amazing welcome we got from everyone in the Western Region! Not only were we welcomed by the Commissoners, but we received the warmest (and possibly the cutest?) welcomes from the kids at Ponty!
• We also visited Anksa National Park, which was absolutely beautiful! (However, see the Low's below to find out more about that trip!)
• Nom nom nom! We got fed traditional Banku and okra soup which was super yummy. Bonus points to the Western Region for feeding us! WIN WIN WIN
• Excitable Brownies and Guides are the absolute cutest! We trained over 60 Brownies and Guides at Ponty and their smiles were contagious.
• We ran a PR session that focused on key messages that we should shout about in Guiding. Responses included "Guiding impacts society in a unique way", "we bring transformation to young women" and "we help girls grow positively and confidently". AMAZING!

The Low's

Always a kid at heart!

• While we were trekking through the rainforest, Terri was busy falling. She now has a navy blue swollen foot, akin to the size of a large watermelon. However, after a fun x-ray, we have discovered it's just a sprain! So prepare to see lots of weird Terri poses on the floor.
• Alice, Sarah H and Laura were excited about the air con, only to discover it was broken! Sucks to be you girls.... (From an air con'd room)
• Breakfast: the most important meal of the day. Not to be ordered in a rush in Ghana, prepare to wait until dinnertime to receive said breakfast order. 

The Funny's

• ANGELINA'S!!! Big thanks for Auntie Regina, Cythina, Lydia and Alberta for such amazing gifts! We were lucky enough to be presented with colourful Ghana dresses called "Angelina's" and beautiful coloured neckers! Thank you!
• We found a PLAY PARK! We nearly broke the play park.....oops!
• Terri thought there were 24 letters in the alphabet. T,U,V not important 'Erri?



Aladdin or Angelina's?

• Laura took over the airwaves! She did an amazing job of representing us and sounded SUPER irish on the radio

Keep your eyes peeled for another blog all about our training in the Central Region, and our trip to Kakum National Park

GOLD Love

XOXO