Tuesday, I headed over to the South Campus to await my ride. Frank was with me. We had walked about half way when my telephone rang. Our ride informed us that he would be about 40 minutes late. Frank and I decided to go on to the Department office and take advantage of the Internet. When we arrived, the door was locked, but we had just passed someone who was heading off to get the key. We waited and when she returned we headed back up the stairs to the office. The wi-fi was pretty iffy.

Our ride arrived and we headed over to the North Campus to the clinic. We went in and met the Administrator, who said that the visit would have been much more expeditious had I gotten my chest x-ray done first. The x-ray could not be done at the clinic. Since we did not have it, I could start by going to the lab and then to the nurse’s station. First, I paid my 50 cedis (about $15 American) for the exam and began the exam. I have to admit that the facilities were not the most promising I have ever seen, but the medical staff were pleasant and professional. Once I had done the usual tests and the male nurse took my vitals, I headed off to get the chest x-ray.

We decided to stop at the bank first, because it was on the way. It turns out that one needs a work permit or a residence permit to open an account. I have a business visa, but not one of those permits. I should have gotten them when I went through Customs at the airport in Accra. How did I miss that important step before arriving here? I will check on that when I go to the Embassy and then go to the airport and back to Customs.

The x-ray lab was off campus and across town through Tuesday Market Day – very busy streets with people hustling through traffic horns beeping in warning, constantly. We arrived at the lab where I was told that the technician had to go to the hospital and would not return for 45 minutes and would I like to wait. I said that I would wait. We sat. Lots of very ill people came in and out. I hoped and prayed that they were better after their visit. Once the technician arrived, he quickly took me in, did the x-ray and sent me on my way. I paid my 35 cedis (or about $10 American) and we headed back to the clinic. It was after 12:00, so I figured that I would have to wait until after lunch. I was so relieved to find that the doctor would see me. She reviewed the lab results, my vitals, the x-ray, listened to my heart, finished filling out the form and sent me back to HR. The cost for both the exam at the clinic and the x-ray were extremely reasonable.

We decided that based on my experience the previous day, breaking for lunch might be the better choice, so off we went to the Home Economics Restaurant on campus. Frank had jollof rice and chicken, while I had plain rice, fried plantains, and beans (black-eyed peas). I also had a Pineapple Juice, so sweet and refreshing!

We finished at 1:30 and headed over to HR. We went directly to the Director’s office, presented my medical form, filled out the registry, and then received two forms to complete in triplicate, another to complete in duplicate, and a fourth on which I should get the Department Head’s signature. He is out of town, so I will get that on Thursday. I also need several passport size photos.

We went to chat with the Director of International Affairs about the work permit/residence permit issue. We agreed that the Embassy would be a fine place to inquire into that issue and then head over to the airport and Customs on that same day. As we exited the building, I met a linguist from Texas A&M who is working on documenting an endangered language. There is one deaf man living in the village who is learning how to read. He said this is rife with opportunity for someone to come and document his story. If anyone is interested, let me know!