Home?

We are now in Kumasi. Initially we stayed at the home of one of the lecturers from KNUST who has been a friend to Clement. He took us around to see the housing options and we made a decision. Of course before we made the decision I had a few hours of panic. Flats are difficult to find around the University as most homes and buildings have been converted into hostels, which are essentially private dorms. We saw a very nice hostel within walking distance from the University and a lovely simple two bedroom apartment for the same price at a significant distance from campus. We chose the hostel. So, here I am 32, newly married and living in a dorm with my husband. We have a single room with an attached bathroom (which it seems we share with a family of small mice), we sleep in a single bed, share a “kitchen” - consisting of a sink and two burner hot plate - with four to six others, and wash our laundry in the shower. There is no common space inside, no garden outside; there is no place to sit with friends or breathing room when Clement and I need a few minutes apart. I keep asking myself, “How did I get here and what am I doing?” then I argue with myself for the underlying sense of entitlement. After each wave of panic Clement gives me the needed hug and reminds me that I am just going through culture shock and will adjust. I need to find a source for good chocolate and ice cream then I'm sure I will be able to live happily.