Gorgeous fabric

The first week in Ghana is taken up with necessary In Country training. This allows for some initial preparation for living and working in a completely new environment.

While it must be taken as a given that I will take all sessions seriously and use the time sensibly, during yesterday morning’s workshop I was slightly distracted by the beautiful dress worn by the trainer, a volunteer from the UK called Irene. She was wearing a locally made, tailored fitted knee length dress, cut in a “western” style but made from a fabulous African print fabric, and she looked great.

Happily, the later part of the afternoon was scheduled for a visit to the market. Irene urged the new volunteers to take the opportunity to browse the many fabric stalls and possibly choose some material. Clothes can be made up, by a tailor, using local patterns or a design printed off the internet.

After cutting through the chaos of the open market we found the quieter area of fabric stalls and garment making booths, and each of us made our purchase of gorgeous fabric.

(This picture shows a mother working at her sewing machine in one of the booths while her children look on.)

After cutting through the chaos of the open market we found the quieter, covered area of fabric stalls and garment making booths, and each of us made our purchase of gorgeous fabric.

 

Buying fabric in the indoor market.

We were somewhat amused by the comedy poster at a main public location, Circle Nkrumah. (Named after Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of independent Ghana)