Note to self:

Cockroaches can fly.

I don't know if this is common knowledge or not, but cockroaches can indeed fly. I found this out just last night as I was going to switch off the light in the bathroom. There, staring at me with his ugly shining eyes, waving his long skinny antenna at me, was a the biggest cockroach I've ever seen. Maybe it wasn't even a cockroach. But it was a disgusting bug that resembles a cockroach and as soon as I was going to try and sneak away quietly to grab my camera to prove to all those in disbelief, he flew away into some dusty, dark corner of the house.
I am never going to leave my door open. I don't think I could stand waking up with that big sucker on my face, trying to get into the dark cavern that is my mouth. When I first thought of Ghana I imagined heat and humitidy. Lots of spicy food and obviously living conditions unlike those of the united states. However, when I pictured those living conditions, bugs were never a part. Maybe it was just my naivete, but they just never crossed my mind.
But now. All I can think of is where they're lurking. The majority of them that I've seen have been in the bathroom, so if I have to hold my pee until I get to the univesity, you know I do it. I hate waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom because I feel that these dark creatures are probably nocturnal.
Now of course, a lot of this information is just what I assume. I really don't know that much about these insects except that they're gross and they weird me out.
And keep in mind that I am not one easily irked by bugs. The spider from Annie Hall wouldn't even cause me to think twice. But these roaches. They're something else. Maybe it's all the movies and tv shows I've seen that have portrayed them with the creepy crawling sound they make. I'm not really sure. All I know is that they can fly, and I will try my best to avoid them at all costs.

Despite the bugs however, Ghana is wonderful. People always ask me "how is your time so far in Ghana" and when I say I love it, they doubt me. Yes it was a little tough the first couple of days, dealing with the culture shock and the homesickness, but I love it now. Everyday is literally, a new adventure. I have learned that I cannot expect too much out of this developing country because the organization that I am used to is just not present. Registering for classes was a scavenger hunt and even after I was officially registered for a course, I didn't know when it was going to be taking place. In fact, I didn't really start most of my classes until the second week of classes because of the lack of organization.

As my host brother Kwabena constantly says, "You need to feel free". I need to just enjoy my time here and not worry about the lack of organization and the constant chaos. I should just do what I want and really make the most of this chaotic but very welcoming country.