Update from Dagbamete...

It feels like we've been here a week already, although it hasn't yet been 48 hours since our vans pulled into Dagbamete. As we arrived in the village, there was a large welcoming committee in front of the Kathy Armstrong Lodge, performing a Bobobo for our benefit. After a few awkward moments, everyone joined in with the dancers.

Although our schedule calls for "typical village days", we haven't had one yet. Yesterday was market day in Akatsi, and it was sensory overload for everyone. Every product imaginable was available for sale. About two hours were spent doing some shopping. If you have ever been to the Stittsville Flea Market, you could imagine triple the number of stalls.


We attempted to get an internet connection yesterday in Akatsi, but the lines were down. Some time was devoted to drumming lessons later in the day yesterday (our first day in the village).

This morning we had a chance to visit with the village priest - Kwasi's senior brother, named Hunau. We were introduced as a group and all shook his hand. Then according to custom, we were presented with a gift, which, again according to custom, were invited to share before we left. A small amount of libation was made available to each visitor.



The kids are already integrated into the community. They are actively involved in football matches during the day, and after dark. The adults and kids are participating equally in the lessons, and we are working on a variation of Astiagbekor today.


All the youth and adults are adapting well to their new surrondings and the climate. The weather has been humid and hot, but overcast most of the time, with a nice breeze. We'll let you know how we feel after a hot sunny day.