Day 1, Ghana Fablab, Almost...
July 7, 2004
Note from Lassiter

Woe hoe tea san! (phoenetic-- How are you?)
muh who yea (phoenetic-- I am fine!)

Need I state the obvious?  We're still in Accra.  But the paperwork is supposedly done and tomorrow is "let's-negotiate-through-customs" day. We did get a phone. Our cell number is:

011-233-244-122105

This is our own little cell phone which will be on Amy's person or my person at all times.  Try it so we know you can reach us.  

Unfortunately Emmanuel is still sick with Malaria and is stuck in bed somewhere in Accra. So Jake and Eric are helping us.  We had a great moment this morning when Jake called in a panic because one of our boxes was making strange noises.  Turns out it was only my shortwave radio, beaten into operation.  But it was a very funny panic all-the-same.  

The Minister of Education was slow but came through with the appropriate paperwork for us.  The Minister of Finance was more complex.  Apparently we have to return tomorrow to get 2 copies of the letter of approval to take to Customs and the Department of VAT.  Very interesting -- as the official explained this to me while standing in front of a xerox machine. When I asked if it would be easier for him if we took the copies this evening, he kindly explained that they don't make copies after 5:oo and that no one could verify that these were true copies if he gave them to me this evening.  I tried to look understanding,  but I may not have succeeded entirely!  Ah... the British legacy.  

Susan, try to make reservations for Neil at the Novotel in central Accra.  Much better accommodations and cheaper.  Might involve navigating a bit more traffic in the early AM, but I think he'll be happier here.  We are. 

Wish us luck  tomorrow!

And as they say in Ghana... meh da see  (phoenetic- means thank you!) 

Lass 
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