Day 4 & 5 - A bit of the culture...and then the STREET PARTY!

On Tuesday, we visited the Osu area as they were preparing for a big festival.  We watched as they prepared several traditional dishes and got to try using a mortar and pestle to crush cornmeal.  In the afternoon, we went to a local market and bought a few souvenirs.

Wednesday was a BUSY day as we prepared for the big street party!!!!

The street party was wild!  We likely had 400-500 children show up!  Sherry, Mike and their volunteers had previously gone throughout the community to hand out tickets (for food) to children between the ages of 5-12. So, that day we handed out nearly 300 meals (2 types of rice with chicken and a drink box).  All the children also got a bag of freshly popped popcorn and a toy/treat. We did face painting, temporary tattoos, played games, sang songs, had clowns and a special appearance from Phil, our monkey mascot.  One of the favourite parts? The Dance competition between the Canadian team and the Ghanian children lol. A couple of the kids made it clear that Phil the monkey should win!!

We will let the pics tell more of the story...

Amber and Rebecca grinding cornmeal that's been steamed (with oil etc added) - part of our cultural experience Tuesday

Rolling out the carpet for the street party - right on the street in town!

Rebecca setting up chairs

Nicole and Rebecca setting up chairs

Dakota helping decorate

Dakota giving temporary tattoos

Gen - the face painting pro

We actually got most of them seated! A miracle lol

A pic showing a bit of the "chaos" as we tried to give out prizes - yikes!

The line up for face painting

Nicole and the volunteers getting the food ready in the take out containers

Rebecca in the clown outfit - doing face painting

Amber helping with face painting 

Most of the children LOVED Phil and gave him "high 5's" and hugs...but a few were afraid