Going to Ghana!

[lychee_fruit]

Hello guys. =}

I just got my invitation to Ghana! Advice? Tips?

Just checking out the packing list...and some suggestions are good but some others don't seem terribly practical...like why do I want to bring a sweatshirt to a equatorial country that is 85-95 degrees year round? I've heard that the PC recommendations tend to be outdated. Has anyone

Comments

[whenthelight]

At least one sweatshirt is needed... there will be a couple surprisingly cold nights. You'll adapt to the temps and anything below 70 will feel chilly, too.

[lychee_fruit]

Well, I've lived in the desert where it gets 110 in the day, then plummets at night, and I haven't had that problem. Not denying that being in a completely different latitude and humidity level might make that different though. =O

[kalayo]

Also, a sweatshirt is handy to have when you go places that might overdo it on the air conditioning.

[pc_2009]

Akwabaa!

Actually, you eventually will need a sweatshirt. Your year-round temp is about right, but during Harmattan (from like December to February in the northern regions), it gets pretty chilly at night - down in the 50s. By that time, you'll be acclimated and it will feel incredibly cold. That being said, if you're education and coming in June, don't bring one. You'll have plenty of time between then and when it gets cold to buy a used one, so save the space and bring me some Twizzlers and Reese's Pieces. :) If you're Agric coming in October, bring one.

Check this page out. It's got a lot of useful information. I fell somewhere between the backpacker and the traveler categories and I've used everything I brought and what I didn't bring, had sent to me no problem. You can literally buy anything here if you're willing to pay for it. The only problem is in training, you don't have the money or opportunities. My suggestion? Bring enough clothes for three weeks - after that, you will buy them on the streets and get them made. The

[lychee_fruit]

Hmm...LJ listed your comment as suspicious, but I know I've seen you around here before! Isn't LJ weird?

Really? You've never used a raincoat? I know it's drier in the north, but isn't it tropical in a good portion of the country. I guess I learn something every day. =}

[pc_2009]

Yeah, I don't really know why. My comment was screened and everything and I've been a member of this comm since early later 2008. Odd.

Never once have I used a raincoat. People don't go out in the rain here - they use it as an excuse to stay in doors. And, quite frankly, if it's raining and you have to be out in it, you'll probably want to get wet to stave off the heat. The northern savannah is about half of the country - from mid-Brong-Ahafo Region northward. Then there is coastal savannah which runs about 40K north from the coast all along the southern coast. Then rainforest/forested area is in the middle - they're the ones who get the most rain. If you're a teacher, maybe bring one so you can set a good example and show up even on rainy days? :)

[lychee_fruit]

By the way, is training still in Techiman? I heard a rumor it was somewhere else, but most sources I see say Techiman.

[namibiacoco]

You will probably travel to other countries with different temperatures too :)

[namibiacoco]

Oh and facebook has a few Peace Corps Ghana groups that might be helpful in finding out what you really need :) good luck!