Ghana Triathlon Take Two

 After the first triathlon organised back in February we have had a little more time to get used to the heat and humidity, time to borrow some mountain bikes and most importantly go for a few little runs.  This time I lost my team mate to go it alone.  As expected it was hot, sweaty and a lot of fun, all rounded off by a marathon of eating and drinking at the BBQ (although I think I was too tired to take any photos of that part - sorry!)

 

Everyone loves triathlon!

 

OK I am still getting used to this mountain biking - where are the nice smooth roads?

 

On the home straight!

 We made it - time for a beer

5 Months In - What is Ghana?

Just today I got a WhatsApp message asking me 'How is life in Ghana?'  This is a question I get asked a lot by friends and family back home.  But ‘how is life in Ghana’ is a question I am still grappling with myself.  Beyond the wide range and rollercoaster of emotions you can go through in one day (from being deliriously happy at making a new friend or learning some Twi, to feeling like crying at your desk when nothing quite goes to plan, or often spectacularly off plan...) But it is just hard to sum up how life is on a daily basis, what do you see, who do you speak to, what are the challenges, what makes you laugh.  So here is a selection of photos from the past month to give some Ghanaian flavour!

 Ghanaian signs are great!  After climbing the largest hill around (it was sweaty) we were greeted by a sign at the top informing us all we needed to get fit was some pineapple and watermelon juice.  Duh!  We have been doing it wrong all this time...

 

Although apparently cat and goat are also a good combination, as offered at the chop bar near my office.  Don't be confused, chop bars have nothing to do with chops...

 

 

On the topic of food - COCKROACHES.  They love our apartment block, and they really really love our neighbour's kitchen.  After seeing around 100 of the little blighters in on his floor we decided to get the full exterminator kit out (improvisation with tea towels) and blitz the place.  I still think the cockroaches might have one over us though.

Cycling fashion has hit Accra!  Who knew you could pick up such a stylish piece of kit.  Surrey hills watch out.

 And the style continues in the office - Xavier's birthday present was a local made shirt for traditional Friday.  When in Africa!

 

Ghana can be full of surprises - some of them good ones such as a guy selling cinnamon croissants on the beach - yummy!  And yes, life in Accra means being an hour away from some beautiful beaches, bonus!