Six of us wandered off to the nearby soccer field today. There were two teams of locals playing on a dirt field while several smaller groups of kids gathered to play their own small games near the school yard. Vendors rode by the crowd that filled the sides of the field. There was a referee, but no apparent coaches for the teams just lots of friends with plenty of advice to share.
While there splendidly nice locals overwhelmed us. They wanted to know everything about us. Our names, where we were from, our email addresses, and where we lived. A few told us that we were beautiful and many wanted us to take pictures.
It was lots of fun, but as it was our first experience with so many locals at one time we were forced to think on our feet. Flustered answers could lead to us giving away too much information.
Here’s what we learned to say when people ask you personal information questions:
1) We live at the University of Ghana (don’t give them your real address)
2) None of us have cell phones
3) If you want to say you’re dating you say that you’re double and not single.
-Neethu
It’s really smart to have thought through your responses when asked for personal information. For me, it’s always hard to remember that not everyone is trustworthy and that someone who seems friendly could actually be dangerous. I hope you share this advice with the other kids in your group.
Peace, Love & Joy,
Joyce