26. This little piggy goes to market

In each larger town that has a village center with vendors, there is usually a market day. On this day the regulars display their best products and set up larger shops in hopes of making larger profits. Vendors from other areas will also come to take advantage of the influx of shoppers flea market style. Most vendors are niche sellers- they have a stock of similar things. You'll notice walking through the markets there's a housewares shop, a tool shop, food shops, fabric shops, etc. Very simple, very easy to navigate. If you can't find something it's easy to ask around and usually you get pointed in the right direction. Usually around the market center is also a taxi and tro tro station. As obvious foreigners- it's pretty easy to catch a ride, as many drivers offer to take you where you need to go. 

It's important to know though how much the ride should cost, because they WILL try to take advantage of your naivety. "Te so" ("lower the price") is a great Twi phrase to pull out of your pocket. They'll take you seriously and respect you a bit more. This also works when bargaining for items in the shops. Most of the time I find the prices pretty reasonable and fair. Especially since the conversion rate is 4:1. It's all relative- some things that seem expensive here really just a dollar or two in U.S. dollars.  I feel good about supporting local economy- so I usually don't bargain unless I know they are giving me an unfair price.   In Kumasi, there is the largest open air market in Western Africa. I have been once- It was nuts! There's hardly any time to stop and buy something because everyone is hustling by walking so fast. It's easy to get lost or fall behind. My normal walking pace is already fast. I managed very well to follow the flow, forsee change of direction, and navigate the route. Some other members of our group not so much. For those of you reading that wonder, my son/daughter!? Oh gosh! Don't worry- we all made it through safely and with a really awesome experience to boot. I'm looking forward to going back because I think a smaller group will be easier to work with and we will each have a more pleasurable experience since we won't be worried about staying together as much. I enjoy going to the different towns to visit them and their markets... In some areas the whole town center is basically a market because most residential areas are on the periphery- very familiar urban organization. 

My favorite town so far is Effiduase, a 15 minute car ride from my home base. Even on the Sunday  market day, I've found It's the perfect balance between bustling and lively, but not too crazy where you don't feel comfortable to browse and stop to talk to vendors. Here I have found some beautiful fabrics, fresh coffee grounds, some second hand clothes, and corn flakes! The little things excite us and the cereal was definitely one of them.   

Fabrics are a big commodity and many of us have bought fabrics and have brought them to a tailor to have custom clothing made.  I may or may not have gone overboard with beautiful and intricate fabrics and I will most likely be sporting many Ghanaian styles back in the states.