Off to Rome-Summer 2011

Sorry for the lag

2011-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lag in posts. School finished well and I was off with my sister Kate and her son , Chris, on a trip to Venice and to Florence - with a stop in Pisa, of course. Kate and Chris left this AM and Joanne P arrives tomorrow. Time to do laundry! More to follow.

I think I gained weight!

2011-06-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

If I thought I ate a LOT when AMY was here I must say I have eaten the BEST here with Angel and Eric. Not only did they prepare two wonderful meals in my apartment but we also seemed to find some of the best (local) food in Rome. This includes a new place for the Jewish/Roman Artichokes I so love...

A & E were a lot of fun and they enjoyed exploring on their own; they get the award for mastering key elements of the transit systems (making up to Orvieto one day, then out to the Appia Antica another day (no Archeobus for them!), and finally out to Ostia (beach) and Ostia Antica.

They left his AM and I already miss them (although we had a little "issue" getting them a shuttle to the airport and ended up putting them in a cab) but I take comfort knowing that Kater and Chris arrive Monday AM and we're in for a whirlwind. Doing Laundry and sweeping up the inevitable dust balls which accumulate in the apartment because I have the windows open 24/7.

Classes are going very well; 14 very bright students, but they are different from each other and that has worked well in class discussions. They finish up this coming week (final quiz Monday and the final portion of their projects due Wednesday).

Also had lunch with the Dean and with Aldo at Aldo's home in San Lorenzo out near Station Tibertina last week (I need to go back and explore that neighborhood more) and enjoyed checking in with Aldo.

Three nephews have birthday's this wee: Happy 22nd Birthday to Nick Griffiths, Happy 21st (really?) Birthday to Bob Walter, and Happy 6th Birthday to hip-hip Harry Conran! Miss you all. Love

Half-way (that's sounds negative but it's not meant to be)

2011-06-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

I was officially in Rome for 1/2 my time on the 18th (I arrive 5/18 and leave 7/18) but I do feel settled in and comfortable.

Angel and Eric arrived Thursday AM and we have had a lovely visit; they are a laid back set of travelers so not a whole lot of hustle (although we did do the Vatican Museum - by night - THE ONLY WAY TO GO - and the Basilica - even climbing the 320 steps to the top of the cupola!) but very enjoyable.

Angel and I made a couple visits to Campo Dei Fiori and then Angel and Eric made the BEST RISOTTO ever along with a Grouper (in honor of Eric's Dad) for dinner Sat Night. Eric does love his gelato and his favorite saying is "in an emergency I say 'due gelato per favore' - right?". Wonderful guests and great visitors.

Back to school and a lovely lunch with Dean Strommen and Prof Aldo Patania; a great way to catch up on things. Angel and Eric are in Orvieto to day so will head home to do laundry (blue Monday) and catch up on some grading.

A & E leave Friday AM and Kate and Chris arrive Monday so will be busy. Joanne Packer has booked a visit from the 8th till when I leave on the 18th so I may hike Cinque Terre yet (although I think she'd like to do a night or two on Capri too)!

People on the bus!

2011-06-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

I consider myself pretty open-minded and flexible; up for an adventure. Amy and I had few on the buses (she commented that people smelled differently). My adventures are that I seem to get about the STINKIEST people sit next to me or some old man standing next to me while I sit (and he keeps bumping into me)! Queenie Folks knows all my stories about adventures on the philly trains and transit system...seems these have followed me here. She once offered to buy me a fake spilled McDonald's milkshake to put on the seat beside me...I should have taken her up on it. Oh well- part of the experience (at least that is what I told Amy). Angel and Eric arrive tomorrow!

A nice weekend

2011-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Did some work (finishing up a position paper for a Sept conference) and (finally) went up to Ravenna on Saturday- the trip was pricey but worth it. I believe the Roman children are getting ready to be out of school - they were jumping in all the fountains on Friday. Angel and Eric arrive this week.

Missing Amy

2011-06-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Amy left this AM and I already miss her terribly, I may have put on 5 pounds because that girl can EAT and loves to go out to eat. To her credit - she did quit smoking a few weeks ago and EVERYONE Here in Rome seems to smoke. Really, we had a wonderful visit and now I will prepare for Angel and Eric who arrive the 16th. All is well here.

Enjoying Rome with Amy

2011-06-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I really don't see Amy after 930-10PM; her friends from San Diego are in town and she has enjoyed spending time with them but the big news is - we thought today (Monday) was her last full day in town - we kept saying she leaves Tuesday, June 8th but the 8th is Wednesday! We got in our tour of the Appian Way (Quo Vadis?) and had a great dinner (in the rain) up at the Colosseum - what a treat to see it at night.

School is going well; I think most of the students are used to me by now and learning to work with me on an interactive learning model with a heavy reliance on discussion. They have the first part (and the most work) of their semester projects due tomorrow. They are building a country Notebook wherein they are profiling an EU country and providing all the vital statistics and relevant historical, geographic and economic background. In part II of the project the students choose a company operating in that country and profile their operations; in Part II they make a set of strategic recommendations to this company for enhancing/improving operations based on their critical analysis. I'm still getting some questions like "how long does it have to be?" and when I answer "as long as it needs to be to answer my critical questions but about 5-7 pages" they ask - "what if we're over/under?" Students are students all over.

Amy has kept me busy!

2011-06-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

From her early arrival Monday AM (which went well despite the fear of the havoc caused by a daylong transit strike) to Saturday afternoon where we were finally able to nap - Amy has kept me busy.

We, of course, did the typical stops on Monday (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Navonna, Campo-dei-fiori even dinner on the Via Veneto with, of course, gelato!). Tuesday AM, while I went to school, Amy explored Castle St Angelo and then went shopping - doing a good job of retracing our steps of the previous day to shop on the Corso. We then went to the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum and more sight-seeing - even a visit to the Colosseum at NIGHT.

Wed AM - she went out exploring and we came back and tried to go to the Cappuchin Crypt - but her shorts were too short! So we went to the museum of musical instruments instead - a delight. Thursday we went to Florence for the day - saw David as well as Michaelangelo's home! We toured around selections of the Pitti Palace and Boboli and also visited the pharmacy museum. Home again and then off to Sorrento and then Capri on Friday - hot, hot, hot but we survived and ate very well.

Today we started slowly, back to the Crypt (where the woman "guarding" the entrance invited "blondie" back in) and then a leisurely walk through the Borghese gardens then home for laundry and a nap - after a nice lunch of course.

So-she's kept me busy, likes to eat-n-shop - but doesn't like to wear old-lady shoes - as a result - her feet look so sore! I'm having a lot of fun with Amy and even finding new gems in Rome as a result of her curiosity and willingness to try something different.

Amy Arrived!

2011-05-31T01:52:00.000-07:00

I was so worried about Amy (I keep forgetting she's not a little kid anymore and has been living in San Diego alone for 2 years) but I needn't have worried. The bus strike was mid-day and so I was able to catch an early bus to Termini - take the Leonardo Express to the Airport to wait for her. I made a little sign which said "AMY ROSE" and she was delighted. We then took a shuttle from the airport to about 3 blocks from campus - she got a bite to eat and I taught my class. Then back to the apartment to refresh and head out on a walking tour...dinner on the Via Veneto (under those little glass dining rooms - very posh) and then a trip to Trevi fountain and some gelato and an evening view of the Castle St Angelo.

Today - she's exploring the Castle and we will grab a light lunch and do the Vatican (museum and Basilica)! It's fun to have company.

Sunday wandering

2011-05-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Walked the river - east side today down a few bridges and crossed to pick up a bus to Porta Portense. I picked up a few duvet covers for the apartment (used but I washed!) and a screwdriver I had needed. Then up to the Knights of Malta for the secret view...charming. Then a nice walk through the park ( I saw three brides) and then down to the rose gardens which were blooming and lovely. Then a quick stop at the Cosmedian Church (it was being restored years ago when I stopped) this is where the Bocca de Veritas is located...the mouth of truth.

Then back to the apartment - stopping for a sage and raspberry gelato - to clean some more. I think the students who had the apartment before were quite messy and I have already been promised a free cleaning upon departure because it was so dirty! Now out enjoying my evening walk. Maybe one more gelato...

Amy arrives tomorrow AM - very excited.

Cleaning and walking

2011-05-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning doing laundry and cleaning - the apartment is almost the way I would like it - but just not yet.

While cleaning I heard this loud noise - bikes honking and bells ringing - it was some type of demonstration and everyone was having fun. A nice break.

In between loads of laundry went to see a great exhibit at the Quirinal. Just checking email and calling around for Amy.

Off to check out via Veneto. M

Tivoli and Villa D Este

2011-05-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

A great day to head out of Rome; students in a few of the Art History Classes needed to take a trip out to Hadrians Villa and Villa D Este (sorry - I am working from a commerical internet point - still no internet at home). It was sunny and hot and although I was there with Kate and Kyle a few years ago - it was great to hear a different take on the history - quite fascinating. Prepping for Amys visit Monday and (of course) there is a transit strike scheduled for then too! Will make it work - also got some good ideas for travels with Angel and Erik who visit on the 16th. Ciao.

Visitors!

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful visit with friends of Angel's - the Armsby's! I met Priscilla, Lee and their daughter Ashlee who has spent her Spring Semester in Paris. They were only in Rome for a night so we did the GRAND tour of Rome - we met at the the Piazza del Popolo and then walked to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon (a quick stop for Ice cream at Giotto's), the Piazza Navonna (a bathroom break and a chance to show off my apartment), then the Campo dei Fiori, Largo Argentina (they were charmed by the cats who live there) and we wrapped up with a quick tour of the Colosseum. I left them having dinner outside the Colosseum - what a view - and headed back to school to do some work.

I then realized they might want to meet today too so I arranged to meet them at Rome Termini (left luggage - a marvelous feature of travel on the continent - so you don't have to haul you baggage around all day you leave it a Termini - for a fee). Then we took the Metro to the Vatican (we cut the line) and toured the Vatican Museum as well as the Basilica; then a quick view of the Castel St Angelo and now there on their way to Florence for a few days.

It was nice to have visitors and to show them around - Amy visits next week (arriving just in time for a one-day schedule bus strike!) and Angel and Eric arrive on the 16th. Then Kate and Chris for a few days at the end of June into July.

Tech troubles continue

2011-05-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

Still can't connect to the wi-fi at the apartment, but I did get a phone (which, of course, I can't use well)...poor Kate - I called her three times and the connection didn't hold. Oh well.

There have been some fun moments:

I went out walking before dinner last night - my neighborhood is full of small streets and byways; I was walking up behind a cute old man out walking with a cane...slowly maneuvering over the cobblestones; he stopped a moment as I approached - I thought he heard me coming up - and then let out the largest gasser I've heard in a while - just as I was saying Buona Sera! Hmmm-not the greeting I was expecting.

Then this AM I got on the trolley to school (not the old 23...but like it - this is the 19) and was promptly joined by a young mother with her three toddlers (probably aged 4, 3 and 2) and they had a blast screaming on the trolley like it was a roller coaster. Of course, in Italy, children are revered - no one seemed to mind their antics and I actually enjoyed it - thought of mom getting Angel, Billy and Liz on a trolley...

Off to try (again) to fix the internet connection.

First day of Classes

2011-05-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

It is the first day of classes and I'm down to 13 students (10 females and only 3 males)...I know one took an internship but I don't know where the other one ended up. No worries - it's a good group of students and they seem ready for the challenge of studying International Business in Rome! Each student profiled one of the EU countries as a way to introduce themselves and this helped break the ice a little.

I also got an Italian PHONE so I'm feeling less detached (although I rarely use a phone). School has undergone some enhancements so I'm sitting in the FACULTY lounge with all new pcs and listening to all the traffic on the road...Will try my internet at the apartment again - hopefully this will work as it has been quite inconvenient to be without the internet (as well as NO TV)!

A day in Todi and Titignano

2011-05-22T02:52:00.000-07:00

A fun day with the students; off to Todi, a lovely hill town about 2 hours north of Rome. There was an interesting Techno exhibit of Raffello (Raphael) paintings - these were no the painting themselves but reproductions projected in the exhibit - which was billed as the Impossible Exhibit (as it would be impossible to collect all of these in one location). It was fun to visit and to see the beautiful countryside.

We then went to Titignano for a long (long) lunch and quiet afternoon - the event is designed to get students into the rhythm of Italy - that it is not about "feeding" but savoring. Lots of fun (one of the professors brought a Frisbee and students even went swimming).

Today, catch up on work and notes for class. Pirates is playing here, but I can't find a theater!

Getting to know Rome - Again

2011-05-20T03:40:00.001-07:00

Spent yesterday getting re-aquainted with the city; took a few different buses - walked around and did some shopping (guest sheets, towels, sugar, tea...just the essentials). The internet isn't working (yet) at the apartment so I'm visiting school again to do work. Hopefully, the connection will be fixed this weekend. There's NO TV at the apartment, there is a media player, but I forgot my DVD collection! Angel and Eric have booked their flight (6/16) but Amy will be my first visitor. Students arrive tonight and then a weekend of orientation and some side trips to the hill town of Todi. Off to check out some more of Rome.

Arrived and trying to settle in!

2011-05-19T04:13:00.000-07:00

Arrived safely and took and adventurous ride from the airport with my new friend Riccardo - he "fishes" for clients heading down the escalator for the train - he had already snared a few tourists and offered to get me from FCO to my door - with that damn suitcase for a reasonable fee so I went for it. He was quite amusing and sweet and I think it was worth it not having to lug that suitcase up and down. The apartment is located RIGHT in the middle of Centro Storico (historic center of Rome) - is a few blocks from Piazza Navonna, the Pantheon, Torre Argentina, Castle St Angelo, etc. I walked around my neighborhood and then unpacked - again, I can't help but exclaim "what was I thinking" when I realized I brought so many clothes and shoes!

Visited school this AM to say hello and check in on my email (the internet at the apartment isn't working). Off to shop for bath towels and pillows!

At PHL Tuesday 5-17-2011

2011-05-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

OK - so I'm not as "seasoned" as I would like to think; I packed TOO much (even though I'm heading out for two months). I realized this as I tried to cram stuff into my smaller bag and then realized I needed the larger one (I clearly thought I wouldn't even fill that one!). Anyway - there I was trekking down Gravers Lane to the Train Station - grunting and groaning - in a few hours I'll be doing the same - but this time down around Piazza Navona. I packed lots of books and class notes but too many tops and shoes - Oh well - maybe I can ship some back. Cleared and sitting at the airport waiting for boarding. Buona Fortuna!

2010-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

A great end to our visit was a performance by Students at University of Ghana arranged by Dr Williams; the dancers and drummers did a great job providing us with stories and beats. This dance was one designed to have women encourage the gods to bring rain - to protect the women the warriors dressed as women and did the dance (I'm not sure if the gods were fooled but we were entertained by the men dancing in bras!). The performance ended with our students being invited to join in! A final Thanks to Sonny and Martin (and gifts of Cedi) and then back to hotel to prep for final travel. A great ending to a wonderful adventure.

Friday in the Mines and the Kumasi Central Market

2010-01-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

A trip to AgloAshanti Gold
Mines; we started out with a great lecture on the efforts made to ensure environmental sustainabilty and then a trip 800 feet down the mine! Even Uncle Martin joined us for this adventure. The trip down wasn't bad, but coming back up was a little chore - tiring but not impossible. Sorry, no souveniers, we were unable to remove ANYTHING from the mine.

Then a trip back to Kumasi (lunch at BonJour...pizza) and then a quick visit to the Kumasi Central Market (here are some palm kernals) - we were greeted with fist pumps and cries of OBAMALAND! I'm pleased we were able to squeeze in a visit, even at the end of the day, this is the second largest open market in Africa.

Thursday-Kente Cloth, Adinkra designs and Beads

2010-01-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

A colorful day; first stop was the village of Bonwire to see the manufacture of Kente Cloth. I found out that most people were expecting a factory but what we encountered were about a dozen looms in a small workshop. The students were able to try their hands (and feet) at the looms and I did some bargaining and picked up a few really nice cotton pieces and one really nice silk one.

Then onto a village which uses dyes and stamps to crate akindra design; we watched the process from start to finish using traditional (and not so traditional) Ashanti symbols. When we first arrived the students ran from school and elsewhere and came to see the people from OBAMALAND; one boy was so excited he tried to get our attention by cartwheeling - constantly - really, he did about 25 cartwheels in a row. The real treat was when Kenya and Ken bought treats (candy, pencils, notebooks - like our "blue" books at school) for the kids and they just swarmed to try to get one.

Then onto a village which makes traditional glass beads for a demonstration; they use recycled glass which they collect and grind down into a powerder and with the use of some clay molds they design and fire the beads right there. They use a kiln which has been in continuous use for over 60 years although it is made of local clay - they've virtually abandoned the gas fire kiln given to them as they can't afford the fuel.

Lunch at the Cultural Center and a nice visit to the Jubilee Museum and a little shopping.

Another late afternoon lecture on the attempts to regulate Forestry use and to assure sustainable forestry. Many students were curious about "legal" aspects and found the discussion very useful.

Wednesday-the road to Kumasi

2010-01-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

A long, long ride (over 5 hours) to Kumasi...most roads were ok but some...were unbelievable (there's a scandal recently reported about road contractors not being paid which explains why the road suddenly just disappears!). Lots of traffic and warm bread on the way; all the students in pretty good spirits but unsure of what Kumasi will bring.

We stayed at the Treasure Land Hotel and checked in, grabbed some lunch and then headed for the Palace. Here are a few of the students. It's a quaint museum with lots of character and "stuff". We were fortunate to have the curator of the museum be our personal guide through the collection.

Then a late afternoon lecture on the Land Tenure System in Ghana; students (and Kenya and I) were all impressed with the knowledge and depth of understanding demonstrated. Land is owned by "the people" so the idea of private ownership is relatively new and never absolute.

Tuesday back to Accra

2010-01-16T14:49:00.001-08:00

A long trip back to Accra (now affectionately called "home" by the students); back in time to go change some money, grab some lunch and head out to the school in Nima.

When we first passed through Nima on our introductory tour the students were struck by the poverty. I had asked students to bring school supplies in anticipation of getting to visit a school and Aya Center (fantastic) was able to arrange a visit for our students to a local school.

They were about 55 students who prepared for our visit to their school by putting on a show for our students. They recited poetry, dance, sing, and just had a wonderful time entertaining our students. The students made gifts of the supplies (and had pooled their money to raise about $100 cedi as a gift to the school). Dan was hit giving out GUSHERS...the kids started calling him yellow man (the gusher's box was yellow). All students were visibly moved by sharing time with the students are we're pleased we were able to offer them an opportunity to get close to children who are so passionate about their learning! A great way to spend time (and money) in Africa.

My (obligatory) African sunset photo.

Monday at Vii Falls

2010-01-11T10:48:00.001-08:00

Up early and out to the monkey sanctuary and an hour hike through the bush; the students had so much fun feeding the colubus monkeys it was a shame to leave. Our tour through the jungle ended at the village that hosts the monkey sanctuary and we met many wonderful children and their mothers. Here is KWAMI who really enjoyed seeing his own photo.

Lunch at Vii Falls (Veggie Sandwiches for me) and then an hour hike up to the fall; FANTASTIC - a real highlight of the trip. Most of the students went in swimming and had a blast. Everyone agreed it was a wonderful adventure and the group enjoyed shopping in the village. Our gift to our guide was a FOX School b-ball cap.

Back to Chances hotel for an early night and back to Accra tomorrow.

Sunday on the Dodi Princess

2010-01-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

About and out early to the Volta Region for a 5 hour boat ride (and lunch) on the Volta River aboard the Dodi Princess. We had a rockin' time with this great Ghanian Band (about 10 people) and got to stop at a remote island to visit the children...who all wanted "Pens". We got to see the Dam, but not to tour it. A great day and a good chance for everyone to just chill. Then on to the Chances Hotel in Ho.

Saturday - a "free" day

2010-01-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday was scheduled as a free day, and after changing money (stories about AMEX Travelers' checks will have to wait...just good new here) we headed back to the Cultural Arts Center for shopping. The students are beginning to get the real hang of bargaining and they've learned to walk away. We had first visited the market late Wednesday afternoon and it was frantic - it was later and the vendors surely wanted to finish the day with a sale and so were very aggressive and the students found today that the pace was much easier and they demonstrated more self-confidence. I did pick up a few things I hadn't seen before as well as the "obligatory" African Mask.

A later lunch with some students (some went to the beach, others back to the hotel to rest) and then I headed off to James Town to see the lighthouse and to walk through the town and onto Ussher Town. The light house was cool - I got a private tour and then walked back to Independence Circle by way of the promenade through James Town and Ussher Town. I ran into these cute brothers and sisters. Their mother asked me to take their photos and the children were very pleased to see themselves! I gave them some stickers I had and they were pleased.

A great dinner with live music at Chez Afrique and then some students are heading out as I head up to bed...we've got an early start tomorrow for Volta Region and the boat ride.

Friday in Elmina

2010-01-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

What an incredible day Thursday was for everyone; lots of exhausted students but off to Elmina Castle in the AM. Our guide, Lawrence, was thorough and very thoughtful; he made sure that everyone had a clear understanding the personal stories associated with the castle. In speaking with several of the students who were incredibly moved by the stories we agreed that the Cape Coast Castle tour helped us to understand the emergence of the Slaving Systems and how slaves were interred and then transported but that the Elmina Castle tour was the STORY of the slaves in their journey. Very moving and quite disorienting for many, but a healthy look at the impact of the system.

At the end of the tour, Lawrence reminded us that although we may hate the past, it is past and can't be changed and that is through this system that we have now all become one.

Back to Accra for dinner and the some students went out to a club with our Aya Center Guide, Sonny...I don't want to know what time they got back but they were all raving about the fun that they had.

The REAL CROCS

2010-01-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Up and out early...well a little later than expected...to Cape Coast a 3 hour ride from Accra on a good day. Lots of fun stories and laughing on the bus, but our guide, SONNY, was good about trying to help prepare the students for the day ahead. About half-way, we took a little rest stop and were met by lovely children...one had on these great shoes...real CROCS!

On then to Check into our hotel - Saana Lodge and off to Cape Coast castle for a late morning tour of the castle (perhaps too late morning as it was HOT but our guide was able to keep us in the shade for a large portion of our tour. The students were astounded at the information they heard and many were visibly moved by the information but ALL of us were grateful for the chance to visit the castle with our guide, MORGAN - he allowed all of us to travel through "the door of no return" and then to return through it as a cleansing gesture. This was a fantastic, provocative experience for all - lots of photos and remembrances.

I was amused at the end of the tour when our students presented Morgan with a TU Aluminum water bottle and some cedi as a thank you. After the students left he called me back to ask "Madam, what is this? What is it for?" When I explained that in Philadelphia we're able to drink the tap water (I didn't begin to explain BRITA) and explained that many of the students use bottles like that he just said "WHY?"... I handed him another 10 cedi and suggested he could put BEER in there too. As we left the castle...he and his friends were tossing the bottle back and forth - likely thinking - crazy Americans!

On to Hans Cottage for lunch - it's a tough call to choose the HIGHLIGHT - the crocodile the students could pet (for a cedi, of course- this is SARA HANSON getting her money's worth) or the PINEAPPLE ICE CREAM! A real treat.

Then onto Kakunda National Park and the Canopy Walk - ALL of us did at least one leg and 18 of us did all of it - WOW. A real experience - I just wish we could have taken it slower so I could take advantage of the view of the forest canopy. I spied No monkeys sittin' in the tree but I did see butterflies the size of birds! A truly memorable experience for sure.

Wednesday - the Stock Exchange

2010-01-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

A great adventure at the growing GHANAIAN STOCK Exchange; we got to meet with the PR and the Director of Marketing for the exchange as well as several others (Deposits, General Manager, Director of IT). What was most impressive was the most of the directors are WOMEN!

The students got a good overview (and reading material) on the structure of the exchange (there are currently about 24 firms listed and there's a goal to attract 7 in 2010) and how the exchange addresses the dual role of attracting COMPANIES to LIST as well as INVESTORS! The students were totally engaged and although trading wasn't going on - it's limited - the students did get to get down onto the floor and see the BIG Board as well as to hear of the recent development of the exchange.

We then had a wonderful visit to Nkrumah's Mausoleum; a fantastic visual history of Ghana's first president.

Lunch followed at the National Theater (designed and built by the CHINESE for GHANA) and then went off to the Ghanaian Industrial Policy Committee charged with the responsibility for attracting foreign investment in several core areas. The students were very impressed with the presentations and they had many thought-provoking questions (we may have exhausted our host - but he was totally engaged too).

The "tailor" stopped to get everyone to order outfits and there was lots of fun and tons of oohs and aahs. Here's Menaka modeling some fabric she bought at the market with plans to shape it into a dress for herself and Ally!

Dinner back at the hotel...Pizza and french fries - a treat for students tiring of Joloff rice and chicken and/or fish. Up early Thursday for the Cape Coast.

2010-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday was a wonderful day; we toured the University of GHANA and had two wonderful speakers who shared their perspectives on the cultural and economic history of Ghana.

Professor Kofi Asare Opoku was kind enough to share with us five key Ghanian Proverbs as well as to explain the naming procedure for Ghanian babies (babies are named for the day of the week and are ascribed certain, postive personal characteristics).

The Five Ghanian Proverbs were:

*One must go out of one's house to be trained

*If you haven't been out of your house, you can't say your Mother's soup is the best

*Truth (Wisdom or Knowledge) is like a balbab tree; one person's arms cannot embrace it

*However big the eye may be; two eyes are better.

*Hunt in every forest for there is wisdom and reward in all of them

The students were thrilled with the presentation and didn't flinch when the lights went off (power outage). The professor was charming.

We had a nice luncheon at U/G dining room and we were fortunate that Kenya and Gifti (our associate from the AYA Center) were persistent, patient, and convincing in getting the Manager of the University Bookstore to open up so we could spend some Cedi (and we DID!). We cleared them out of their U/G sports wear (look for students sporting Tee's, tracksuits, and hats with U/G logos...except Doug decided to buy the hat with RUSSIAN Writing).

I was (unecessarily) worried about the afternoon session With Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso Don Diego; the students were FULL and I expected some to fade in the heat of the afternoon session but our presenter was energetic and passionate in giving the students a fantastic overview of the recent economic history of Ghana. He tried to provide a context for the African slave trade as foundation for understanding the recent history. The students had many questions and comments and were fully engaged (rewarding for both Kenya and I).

We ended the day with a nice meal at an upscale restaurant (Buka) to celebrate Maria's 22nd birthday - complete with cake and singing!

2010-01-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Day two; everone is doing well and ready to roll. The morning was spent at the US Embassy where we got a chance to meet with the Directors of the Economic Mission, Public Affairs, USAID, Peace Corps and Second Millenium Corporation (An NGO). The highlight (for me) was when Ambassador Teitelbaum who spent about an hour with the panel answering the students' questions. The students then got a chance to interact with young Ghanians seeking opportunities to study abroad; the US Embassy has an Education Commission which helps the students locate and apply to study in the US. Our students really were excited to offer their "expert" advice on getting into, and managing to stay in, college.

Off to a nice lunch (see photo) and then to the OSO region of Accra to change money; the students with Travelers' Checks had a difficult time...the students who just changed money had the great experience of being inside the bus when it was SWARMED by young men wanting to sell trinkets and curios (very much like India)...some students got great deals.

All is well; everyone seems to be adjusting to the group dynamic...it's Maria's Birthday tomorrow so everyone's out at the pool having a beer! More to follow.

Ghana's HOT-HOT-HOT!

2010-01-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

Our plane was delayed four hours out of JFK, but from there on out an uneventful, if cramped, journey. Delta did a good job keeping their humor and being positive. Arrived at around 1115 in GHANA; it was like being hit with a brick it was SOOOooooo Hot. The ride to hotel was mercifully short, and we had a nice orientation meeting with Professor Michael Williams of Aya Center. Students introduced themselves and shared their first impressions. I am too tired to notice much beyond the very happy faces and beautiful cloth used in all the "SUNDAY BEST" clothing we saw today. A brief tour of Greater Accra was followed by a wonderful meal at Chez Afrique and a nice walk back to the hotel. Most students are doing well, but it's early in the trip and we're all running on fumes...we'll see how everyone bounces back tomorrow. The photo is of a group of girls we met on our way home from dinner at Chez Afrique! They were so friendly and full of smiles for us.

2010-01-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

OK, less than a day away and I'm getting excited; we depart TU tomorrow AM and head up to JFK for a 410PM flight direct from NY to Accra in Ghana (about 8 and a half hours).

Note from the map that GHANA is located on the western coast of Africa - we'll be very close to the equator- hot, hot, hot.

I tried to pack lightly, but ended up bringing all sorts of snacks (my raisins, cereal bars, etc) along with a stash of crayons, pencils, markers, etc in case we visit an elementary school. Weather looks good, it will be dry and dusty, but hopefully not too dusty.

Most of the students have developed successful thesis statements and I know will be able to relate better to our excursions as a result of the research they completed PRIOR to departure.

Started my anti-malarial (Malarone)...I'm finding it is giving me weird dreams.

Off to do some final packing; the next post will be from Africa.

Getting the students (and myself) ready.

2009-11-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

The planning for the trip is getting hectic; we met with the students two weeks ago to get all their visa applications, to review the policies and procedures, and provided them with an overview of the country and the cultural forces (Thank you Dr Abarre!).

The students provided me with a brief "thesis" for grounding of their research. These were generally pretty good and reflected consideration of the background of the country and some thought about the impact.

Have been doing additional reading about the economy and economic evolution which provides a great framework for me in working with the students.

The itinerary is being finalized and we're trying to make sure there's that good balance between cultural and business but with adequate "adventure". We're working with The AYA Centre for Intercultural Awareness and Development http://www.ayacentre.com for the trip and they seem to have done a really good job balancing our needs.

Fabric, Facts and Innoculations (oh my)

2009-11-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

Getting very excited about the trip; I've been trying to build my base of knowlede on the country. Fascinating. I started by reading the CULTURE SMART series and then started reading about the economic history of Ghana.

I also got my YELLOW FEVER INOCULATION (ouch) but a shout out to TU Hospital for their flexibility in allowing me to get my shot.

Lots to do (besides picking up my malaria pills!), especially to get myself and students ready. I am looking forward to our meeting with the students tomorrow as they are to have their thesis "paragraphs" for my review.

Planning for Ghana

2009-11-03T20:51:00.001-08:00

I've been asked to be the faculty leader on the Destination GHANA 2010 program at Temple University and I think blogging would be a fun way to share my experiences.

http://www.sbm.temple.edu/ciber/programs/ghana

The program is designed to provide students with a variety of academic, corporate, and cultural experiences. We will travel from NYC on January 2 and return January 17th. The program includes a variety of corporate and industrial site visits which should provide our students with some first-hand perspectives on the opportunities and challenges inherent in emerging markets.

The cultural visits will include visits to traditional slaving markets as well as to the Lake Volta region.

This should be a phenomenal opportunity for our students to experience one of the most highly ranked emerging markets in Africa. Stay tuned for updates and my perspectives.