Life in Accra

Wow, I can’t believe I have been here a week already! Time has flown by! 

Accra!

I started my internship on Monday and I have been keeping busy. I have been working with two other interns on a couple of projects. We have been redesigning the layout of the Global Mamas store. So far we have created new shelves to hang on the wall and display our shea butter. We have also rearranged the jewelry display, so it will now be more appealing to customers and make it easier for them to shop. Currently we are working on creating a new design for the packaging of our shea soap. We want to go with a simple look that emphasizes the simplicity of our product. All natural shea soap with only four ingredients!

The current shea display in the store. Stay tuned for a picture of the new display we create!

Accra is a very interesting place. If I had to describe it in three words I would use Busy, Colorful, and Loud. (If I could add a fourth word I would use Hot.) Since it is a third world country, there are not any sky scrapers or fancy modern buildings you would expect from a capital city. Instead there are streets lined with little brightly painted shops whose owners try to sell to any pedestrian or car passing by. I have seen everything at these roadside shops from cleaning supplies to home furniture! Also in a crowded city prone to traffic congestion there are many mobile sales people. They will come right up to the windows of stopped cars to sell water bottles, snacks, toilet paper, or anything you can think of! I am very impressed by some of these sales women. They will carry heavy packages or bowls on their heads – no hands needed! I think they must have very good balance. The streets are filled with the sounds of traffic, people, and music playing from shops. It is a very lively and friendly environment. Many people will greet you on the street, either to try and sell you something or just to be friendly.   

Some street vendors. Can you spot the sign for Global Mamas?

 Next week I will be traveling to Ho which is north of Accra. I am looking forward to getting out of the city and seeing more of Ghana! 

Me at the beach last weekend! It was so beautiful!