Two days in a row. Pretty good, I must say.

I'm proud of me. How about you?

Herro.

Last night Doudou's (my teacher here in Gambia) group played at one of the hotels in Senegambia. That was nice. I sat in with them for a few songs, blathering away with my tasty white man, country boy from Australia chops. They were pretty happy with my playing – I am having the realisation that I am actually good enough to, to a small extent, hold my own here. I also had a short period of madness/confidence where I decided that I should rate my playing a bit more highlyer and perhaps take myself more seriously as a player. I generally don't feel like I'm a real musician but am just dabbling – I have a feeling that is changing. Being here and being able to play in a way that is as good as some of the locals is good for me.

Hang on, I just realised that music is why I've travelled across the other side of the world. Maybe I do take it seriously. It was an interesting feeling, nonetheless – to think of myself as a player rather than a student. I generally see this travel as semi-academic study from which my chops benefit. But really, in Australia, I don't play as much live music as I probably could. Perhaps one day I will.

Clear? Good.

Sorry for confusing you with my rambling search for inner truth. Maybe it is interesting to you, maybe not.

Today I didn't have any lessons – Doudou and I decided to have a rest day. Instead I went to the internet cafe in the morning, which was closed. I then waited around the internet cafe for about an hour and then left to meet Doudou. I then hung around with him, sat under a tree, drank Ataya (sweet green tea) and watched some guys play draughts. We then went to Doudou's house, had some rice and fish then went somewhere else and sat and drank Ataya. A lot of people's time here is spent sitting and drinking Ataya. I've generally been a bit antsy since being here but today it was great to just hang around. I also went to the bank. I am rich now. On the way home from the bank I went to the internet cafe. Then I starting writing a blog post. Then I got stuck in a self-referential feedback loop. Then I stayed in the loop. Then, whatever.

Yesterday I bought this:

I should have known better and should be more mature, but I couldn't help myself.

Yes, it tasted terrible. I really should know by now that food very rarely tastes as good as its name is funny.

That's all for today.

Love from Jacob

The internet is HERE!

I can feel my powers growing stronger.

Hello. I am at the internet cafe, using wireless on my laptop and everything is working wonderfully. After a few days of trouble and mucking around, the network seems stable. Hooray. On an internet-cafe note, Fatou (not Patu as I guessed earlier) who runs the internet cafe read my blog. If she is reading this, then hello. It was by reading my blog that she found out that I got her name wrong and corrected me. That was nice.

I've been having a couple of hours of lessons each day and Monday to Wednesday trained with Doudou's group. This has been good – they're pretty loose with people learning parts and mucking around a bit but are still at a level above anything in Australia. As such, this means that they are good to play with but are not so good that I can't keep up at all. Generally they get me to do some djembe blathering in what they're doing – it's really good practice for working on short, tasty djembe bursts. So, that's going well. Today I have organised to have lessons from 2.30 to 4.30 – the group doesn't train on Fridays. Also, they had a gig last night. It was good – it was too dark to take any video though. Sorry. You should have been there.

That's taking up most of my day – I've been having a lesson at 9 or so, rehearsing with the group until about 2 then having another lesson in the afternoon. This means that I'm pretty stuffed most of the time. It's been hot too. Really hot. Also, with the power going off at least once every day it can be hard to cool down. A couple of nights in the week there was no power or breeze and I could barely sleep.

Boo hoo for me.

Last night I had a lizard in my bed. It was under my pillow and then it was on my shoulder. It was alright – a good deal nicer than the cockroaches I had to deal with last time I was in Ghana. I chased it around the room for about 10 minutes and then put it outside. 

I wasn't just chasing it for fun, mind, I was trying to catch it. 

Just wanted that to be clear.

Anyhow, I'm aware that this is a pretty babbly post without the lucidity and poetry of my usual musings but you will deal. I am frothing on having internet and that is enough. 

As per usual, thanks for reading, please subscribe to the Fat Gold Chain Podcast and thanks for reading.

The internet will hopefully be working fine now so I will be able to post more often.

I'm BACK!

Thanks for reading.

Love from Jacob

I've started lessons

Hi. Still no proper internet connection. Still paying a bunch to connect through my phone. Just so I can write here. For you.

Good lord I am lovely.

Anyhows, I have started lessons with my new teacher, Doudou. He seems good. So far I am enjoying myself – I'm learning sabar drumming which is very nice. The technique is also completely different from anything else I've played. Quite stupid of me really, wanting to learn it. However, it is a new thing for me to conquer and I am feeling a little conquerous, which is good.

So, things are going well enough. Lamin/Kala (King Marong's brother) is looking after me – showing me around, feeding me and generally checking up on me – which has been great. I hope I am not too rude or needy.

Oh well.

That's about it for now. I'm pretty stuffed. I've had a few hours' worth of lessons yesterday and today, haven't had much sleep and will start again at 9 or so tomorrow morning. I think Doudou's group has training from 11 until 1 or something, so I will probably hang around for that. I hope to also go and visit my friend at the no-internet cafe. Maybe I will actually get some connection tomorrow –shhhh, don't jinx it.

That's about it. It's really freaking hot.

How are you?
Ok bye.

Another day.

Hi.

Today was hot. I woke up again with no power. It wasn't too hot in the morning though, so this was ok. It had poured with rain for most of the night which, while making it oppressively hot and sticky during the night, had eventually cooled everything down.

As my phone and computer were flat from there being no power since the day before, I headed out to visit my new friend at the internet cafe. It was on my way there that the eeriest of coincidences occured. I was stopped by a guy who 'knew' me. He commended me for stopping and talking to him and not being rude. He told me that he had just gotten married yesterday and I should meet his wife before he goes on his honeymoon tomorrow.

Hmmm.

Interestingly, he said he got married in the same mosque that Wally did – the very place I went to yesterday and saw no sign of any marriage. It was pretty quiet really. Anyhow, in the spirit of idiocy, I decided to go along with it for a while – I decided to go and see his place. On the way there I told him that I knew it would be 'customary' for me to give something to his wife but that I didn't have any money. I wanted to see what would happen. This plan backfired like all hell – he discerned that I needed to go to the bank to get more money, so rapidly changed course. All of a sudden his wife, who we were going to see, was miles away – right near the bank!

The coincidences just kept stacking up.

Anyhow, I told this guy that the reason I was going out was to go to the internet cafe and I had to talk to Penelope there and she was waiting and I didn't have time to go to the bank now and maybe another day perhaps but hopefully not. He said ok, his wife was getting her hair done just on the way to the internet cafe and I should stop and see her on the way.

I am an idiot and I hate myself sufficiently.

Turned out 'on the way' was about a kilometre past the internet cafe, right near the bank. I met his 'wife' and stole some groundnuts from her – I had to get something out of the shanking I was receiving. At this stage, I knew I was too far gone – I figured I would be better off just giving him money and pissing him off. This guy had already arranged with someone in a shop to give him some milk powder (which I was going to pay for) on the condition that I was going to the bank to get the money. I then told him I didn't have any money in the bank either – I had to go to the internet to get money in my bank. Aha! Great plan.

So he followed me to the internet. Shit plan.

The internet cafe I go to (it has wireless and I have paid for access whenever I want) was still not working. I made out that I was just going to wait hoping that this guy would go away, but he had already taken the milk so was in for the long haul. Additionally, we bumped into my close personal friend Wally (whom I met yesterday and got married the day before and had left for his honeymooon... today?). He didn't so much as blink at the apparent inconsistencies in his life but just came up and was my friend. He told me later he saw me with this other guy and knew he was no good so he wanted to look after me. Anyhow, we went to another internet cafe. Once there I pretended to do internet banking on dodgy African computers. Like I'm actually going to put my password into a computer sending out Nigerian scam emails. I mean, I'm obviously pretty naive and out of my depth, but sometimes I know.

So, after my several efforts, I was thoroughly beaten by desperate African scammers. We went back to the bank (it's not a small walk, probably about 1km each way) my new friend Lamin (the name for every first born), Wally and I. I drew out just enough money to pay for this guy's thing – I didn't want any extra on me to be 'needed' and a bit to give to Wally to piss him off as well. After trying to talk me into taking a taxi (I told him he could go and I wouldn't be offended. Please.) he followed me back, scamming all the way. We bumped into some guy he knew (I think he was some guy in the fire brigade) who needed two 50 dalasis notes as change for a 100 Dalasis ($4) note. I opened my wallet in an empty display of generosity, thinking I didn't have any money, to find two 50s staring back at me. It's wonderful being rich. So, I gave him the 'change' but didn't receive the 100 in return. Instead I had to go to his shop with my best friend Wally and get it from the manager who wasn't there and maybe I'll get it later.

Good day so far.

Anyhow, $4 is worth having something to hang over these guys – I can now tell him that he owes me 100 dalasis if he ever asks for anything. It's worth it.

Wally also seemed to have sort of organised for me to play at a club with the guys I met yesterday – apparently they liked my white jive and wanted me to play with them. I have to do that about 9pm tonight. I'll give it a bit of time but am expecting to find it to be shit and leave early. In my naivete and against my experience I am still holding out hope that it may be worth doing but we'll see. Maybe tomorrow I will be famous. Or mugged. I am not taking my phone or any money with me. I think this is the best way to avoid having anything taken or given from me. Yay Africa.

So, after all this farting around, I went back to my favourite cafe with a sign saying 'internet'. It still wasn't working. The girl there is lovely though and keeps putting on Youssou N'Dour DVDs for me. She offered to refund the money I had paid for wireless access which was refreshing too. I got a drink from the bar next door and sat with her for a bit waiting for the technician who was coming in '20 minutes'. Since yesterday. I then went to the bank again, with no friends in tow, to take out as much money as I could – I was actually broke. I managed to get a couple of hundred dollars' worth before the ATM ran dry. I'll have to make a bigger trip into Serekunda next time I need money.

On my way to the bank I ran into a guy named Omar who lives at the place at which I'm staying. He is actually ok – he has helped me with a few things, hasn't ripped me off yet and hasn't asked for anything. Allah bless him. I've been bumping into him a bit and telling him I'll come and see him at his friend's music shop – he knows I am here for music and had been sizzling this place for a couple of days. I went to the shop and it is actually really good. A lot of 20- and 30- year-old vinyl – African music, old jazz and soul, old reggae. The guy says he charges 500 dalasis for a record (about $20) but might work out a deal if I buy a few. He actually seemed pretty straight up, but was used to dealing with tourists/rich white people. I will go there some day and listen to a bunch of stuff. I'm not sure that I'm rich enough to buy much. We'll see.

Then, I went back to the internet cafe and found it was still just a cafe. I told the girl (whose name I cannot remember – I think it's Patu or something) that I was going and asked her to call me if the internet came back on.

Then I went home. And ate this:

Which was awful but made me slightly happier. I did have to open it by stabbing it with a knife and breaking my multitool and digging in with a spoon. I didn't cry though.

Much.

Also, as promised yesterday, I bought some toilet paper of which I took some photos:

I decided to go with 'Clean' first, maybe work my way up to 'Trendy' as I make some more friends and save 'Kissy' for when I am lonely and realise that my friends are all scammers.

If you play your cards right, I might be able to work out a way to bring some of this back home for some lucky, lucky people. Maybe some creamed rice as well.

Ok. That's it for today.

Thanks bye.

I'm in Gambia

Hi there. Sorry for my absence. The reason I have been absent is because I haven't been here.

Ok? Good.

I am in Gambia now – I got here on Tuesday night. I couldn't do a post on Tuesday morning before I left because the power was out at the guesthouse. In the spirit of continuity, when I got to my accommodation in Gambia, the power was also out. It was also about 32º and dead still. I barely slept because it was so freaking hot. The power came back on at about 2am and the fans kicked in, but then was off again in the morning. It didn't bode well.

That was a couple of nights ago. Yesterday I pretty much spent the day wandering around. I got a couple of sim cards so as to be contactable and to be able to call back home but discovered that international call rates here are really expensive. In Ghana it's very cheap (compared to Australia) to call international mobiles, in Gambia the price seems to be about the same as in Australia. So no go there as a regular means of communication. Additionally, I don't have the luxury of an internet connection here where I am staying so getting online is difficult. I found out that one of the telcos here has a 3G network which can be accessed with a USB stick for about $120. I went into the shop in Serekunda and they had run out. Maybe they will have more next week.

Great.

So, I got a sim from the company that has the 3G network and am using my iPhone connected to my computer to get online. Sometimes it's good to be a nerd – it's cheaper to use skype on my phone (about 2c a kilobyte) than to call internationally.

How interesting for you.

So, yesterday I found this out, found a bank and generally got lost around Bakau. Not generally lost, actually lost. I had no idea where I was. It worked out though. Good for you.

The power just went out, by the way – one benefit of using internet on my phone is that it keeps working when the power is out. Again, how interesting for you.

Gambia is quite nice – I haven't really seen enough to fully review it, ask me in 4 weeks. It is a lot smaller and poorer than Ghana. Where I am staying here also seems to have a lot more hustlers than where I stay in Ghana. Luckily I've had a fair bit of practice and can mention that I've been in Africa for a while so they don't froth too much at the mouth when they talk to me. The food is good. I have had a couple of helpings of Domodah so far which is rice with meat (chicken for me) and a peanut-based stew. A bit like groundnut soup for those of you who have eaten that. Very nice. Things can also be quite expensive here, relative to Ghana – the area I am in turns into a full-blown mass tourism resort in a few weeks, that could explain it.

Today I made my way out to an internet cafe that I used yesterday that was good. I had talked to the girl running it and she said that I could pay a one off fee of 400 dalasi ($16) and come and use the wifi with my laptop whenever I wanted over the month. First things first for nerds.

Anyhow, I was on my way there this morning and some guy called Boubacar/ Wally stopped me. He annoyed me at first and I was thinking of brushing him off – he was saying that he knew me and didn't I recognise him and I said I don't remember him where did he meet me? He couldn't answer my question (I'm pretty sure he hadn't met me) which made me suspicious of him. Anyway, I ended up talking to him for a bit, just chatting and keeping him at arms' length, when he offered to take me to meet his wife, whom he had married yesterday. Whatever. So I went.

He took me wandering through the market and some backstreets which was slightly anxiety-inducing but mostly interesting and we ended up at his house. Then came the catch. He explained to me that it wasn't polite to give or accept money as gifts but that I should go to the shop with him and buy some powdered milk to give to his wife as a gift.

At this stage I had a bit of a bad feeling but decided to ignore it.

So we went to a nearby shop where Wally told me that a big packet of milk cost 450 dalasis ($18). I decided I wasn't feeling that generous and gave him 150 dalasis ($6) which was still more than I was planning to. I also didn't have much money on me – I knew I was going to have to give 400 to the girl at the internet cafe. So after a bit of back and forth I made it clear that that was all I was giving and that I hadn't expected anything and maybe next time I would know and so on. He was fine – I'm sure he was more than happy with 150 but just decided to go for a bit more. Anyhow, I met his wife who seemed nice. I sat in his compound for a bit, talking shit, hearing about how he was going on his honeymoon tomorrow, giving him my email address and repeatedly telling him that I already had a wife and didn't need his sister in law, thank you. He offered me a coke and insisted I take it which was nice. I had a coke. So, he was fine really.

Then he found out that I was here to learn drumming and said that he would take me to some friends who played. I thought it couldn't hurt, so followed him. He asked me about what I knew and for how long I'd been playing – he got really excited when I told him I had been playing for over 10 years. He decided that he wanted me to play for his friends and surprise them. No pressure at all.

So, we went there and I played a bit of djembe blathering with these guys. They were pretty good but not as good as guys I have played with in Ghana. Well, different, but from what I saw, I don't think they were as good. Anyhow, I think I blew their mind a little bit and they wanted me to come and play with them on the beach and when they perform and stuff. I got some phone numbers and we'll see how that goes. I don't think they will be ones I want to learn from but any playing would be good. They also asked me for some money at the end – I told them I didn't have any with me and didn't plan to go there. They were fine, which is a good sign.

Then I went to the internet cafe where the internet wasn't working and sat and watched Youssou N'Dour DVDs and talked to the girl who ran the place for about 3 hours.

Action-packed.

So, that's about it for now – I just wanted to let you know that I got here ok and am alive. It's pretty full on and hard not knowing anyone, but all seems to be ok. I am getting the hang of this 'white man in Africa' thing.

As a note, I'm aware the photos I uploaded don't work. That's because I didn't upload them. Because the internet was crap. Maybe later.

I also took some photos of some toilet paper today. I will upload them sometime soon – I'm just sizzling them at the moment. Getting you all excited.

Please forgive the blurty, rambly nature of this post – I'm doing it quite quickly in the dark. I really do care about you.

Ok bye. Thanks for reading.

Leaving tomorrow

Hello to you. And you too.

I'm off to Gambia tomorrow. Have pretty much just spent today farting around, getting packed, getting organised and other such excitement. I didn't train with Kusun today. Oh well.

So, nothing to report really. Kanchana says that life is only as interesting as I am – that must be why there doesn't seem to be much going on.

I'll post again when I'm in Gambia.

Thanks for reading.
Bye.

Today's afterthought

By the way, I have uploaded most of the photos I mentioned in my earlier post. You can view them by clicking on the link down there on the right or by clicking here.

Also, to my Jewish brethren, I know I know. I'm just trying to be hip with the Christians. Don't worry, I'm still kosher.

Also, also, have I mentioned the Fat Gold Chain podcast? It's got a pounding remix of our song, Lazy Ways, in it – I think it is going to smash all the dance clubs.

Bye.

The Sabbath

Hello. Today was Sunday, hence the title of this post. Well, it still is Sunday.

OK.

Today Tettey, Jane, Theofo, Adotey, Rita and I had arranged to meet an old friend of Ray's who has just recently started working at the Australian High Commission here in Ghana. About 15 minutes before we were meant to be there a group rocked up in a bus and I found out that I had to take publicity photos of them for some reason. So, I spent half an hour farting around with them – photographing them with 25 backseat photographers giving me lots of irritating advice ("Oh, shoot there"). Eventually, they seemed satisfied enough so we left for Robin's (Ray's friend) house, where he and some friends were jamming. Tettey, Theofo, Adotey and I joined in. It was kind of awkward initially and was rad at times. We played Afro Blue. We also had lunch – spaghetti and meatballs which was FANTASTIC. I have been craving spaghetti for a while. I think I have a problem. It was doubly fantastic because Theofo had to eat white man food – he loves giving white people shit for having trouble with African food but doesn't like eating white people food. It was nice to turn the tables.

The dinner tables.

Then we came back and hung out for a bit. Theofo and I ate some fish and pepper that Theofo cooked – we were both full but ate anyway. We talked some shit for a while and that was pretty much it.

In other news, to pimp Fat Gold Chain some more, the first podcast episode is up. GO HERE to subscribe in iTunes.

As per usual, that is a command, not a request.

Thank you so much for reading and making me feel cool and loved.

Well, for reading anyway.

Also, I posted this yesterday, but just so you know for SURE, I am leaving for Gambia on Tuesday now – my Monday flight was 'cancelled'.

This means I should be able to post again tomorrow.

Cool dudes.
Bye.

Subscribe to the Fat Gold Chain podcast in iTunes

It's done! There aren't any episodes up yet, but I have a button for you to click which will take you to iTunes where you can subscribe to the Fat Gold Chain podcast. This means that each week, when there is a new episode, it will automatically download into your iTunes library. Sick!

Here is the button:

Hoorah!

On another note, I got an email from my travel agent today. Apparently my flight was cancelled. I fly out on Tuesday now, not Monday. 

Oh well. At least I found out a day before.

Bye.

I'm going away.

On Monday, for four weeks. I bought my ticket on Thursday.

Hello.

So, on Thursday I took a trip to Accra Mall to pay the travel agent. That was pretty much my day. I also bought the downloadable copy of the Lonely Planet guide for West Africa - I needed to book some accommodation for when I got to Gambia.

On Friday I made a few phone calls and booked some accommodation – I think I booked a place for the first 3 nights. I hope so, anyway. I didn't get a confirmation number or anything so we'll see how I go. I'm sure it'll be fine.

I'll be staying in Bakau and trying to get some lessons in sabar drumming. I'll keep you posted.

I've also spent a fair bit of time doing computer music work, getting some things ready for the upcoming FAT GOLD CHAIN PODCAST. It will be very exciting for you. Kanchana is currently putting the first episode together – it will be up before Monday. Every week we'll have a new episode available with some interesting tidbits – music, news, repartee and such – so you can follow what we're up to. It will be like having me and Kanchana in your ears, whenever you want. Also, we're going to set it up so that if you like any of the music you hear in the podcast, you will be able to buy it here.

What a plan!

The podcast is a way to force ourselves to write a bunch of new music – over the next four months or so we are hoping to create several themed albums worth of material – the podcast will be a sort of record of our progression. I hope you subscribe and enjoy it. There will be an iTunes link shortly – it's coming. For now, click here to subscribe. Alternatively, you can check the Fat Gold Chain website on Monday mornings.

Thanks. Have FUN.

A few days' worth of delicious post.

Hello, my good friend. It's been a while. Here's a quick, day-by-day sort of account of what I've been up to until you last heard from me on this blog on the internet.

On Saturday night I went to bed fairly late – about 2am. This was because Pen (my lover) had been running in the marathon and I got to talk to her while she was running and then again after she had finished and that was exciting for me and she ran the whole way what a good girl. 

Then I got woken up at 4am by Theofo who wanted a talking drum and some shakers that were in my room for some fetish thing. That was mildly unpleasant, but I went back to sleep.

Only to be woken up again less than two hours later – the 'fetish thing' that Theofo needed the drum for was now happening outside. Great. At the time I didn't know this for sure, but could hear fetish drumming and singing and suspected it was a bit too much of a coincidence. All the same, I stayed in bed and hoped it would go away. 

It didn't.

Instead, someone came and said I had to go outside. I told them to go away. Then, someone else came and told me I had to go outside. I could sense the inevitability of a pattern emerging, so gave in, got dressed and went.

Outside, Theofo appeared to have been possessed by a spirit who had a message for someone in the house. There were about 6 or 7 other guys around him, playing drums, clapping, singing and pouring gin everywhere. That's about it. Theofo did a lot of spinning around, yelling, hitting himself quite hard and miming messages. It was interesting, but not at 6 in the morning.

How foolish I was for thinking that I was lucky I don't have to go to church every Sunday morning. Instead, church came to me. Hooray for that.

This all finished at about 8 or so – I fell back to sleep for a few hours and then… can't really remember what else happened that day. I know I was tired and grumpy. For a change. I think I had a nap during the day.

On Monday, Theofo was still feeling sick from the stuff the day before, so I didn't have a lesson. I went into town and bought some cups, bowls, plates, cutlery and a washing tub to make myself more self-sufficient. That was exhilarating. For dinner, I went to a chop bar with Theofo and had rice with tomato stew and chicken. That was ok I suppose.

On Tuesday I pretty much organised my travel to The Gambia. I have a plane ticket booked to leave Accra next Monday the 18th of October. At the moment, my return flight is booked for the 14th of November – this gives me four weeks in Banjul. I'm not sure what my internet connectivity will be like but I will try to keep this wonderful blog going if possible. If not possible, you'll just have to wait. With bated breath. 

Eww.

I still didn't have a lesson with Theofo – he still wasn't feeling good. I had chicken and fried rice for dinner.

Today, I don't feel like I've done much. I did a fair bit of computer music work – I did a rough remix of one of the songs that Kanchana and I released (coming soon) – but that's about it. I've still been rehearsing with Kusun each day and doing a bit of practice but am looking forward to moving away for a bit. No lesson today either.

I haven't had dinner yet. I have had really bad indigestion for the last 4 hours or so and don't feel like eating. But I will. I'm not sure what though – I'll be sure to let you know.

How interesting for you.

I hope your life is fantastic and that the spirit is looking after you.

By the way, Kanchana and Arun made some really good tracks. You can listen to them here. I think they're going to be selling them soon – I didn't ask permission to link to them so HURRY!

Here's a sample for those of you who don't like clicking on links:

Village by CreaturesMusic

The end. 

Okay, it's been a week. Or should that be 'OK'? I'm not sure.

Hello. Haven't spoken to you for a while. Or written at you. Or whatever.

Basically, the internet and power here has been extremely shonky over the last week. This is why I haven't posted. Not because I don't care, because I do.

Very much.

So, here's what I have been up to in the last week. Briefly.

Early in the week I didn't feel that good. Emotionally. This happens to me because I am a sensitive guy. When it happens, I have to shut down a bit and hide, so that's pretty much what I did. It all worked out though. Now I am happy. You too are happy to hear this. Because you care.

Very much.

Mid week I had a chat to Mr Ray who gave me a few instructions, some motivation and direction. This helped me pull my finger out, which is what I did. Over the last couple of days I have had a few hours' of lessons with Theofo and have done some rehearsing with Kusun. I feel like I'm finally getting into doing what I'm meant to be doing. I'm also getting my sleep pattern sorted out a bit more – trying to go to bed earlier and get up earlier (and stay healthy, wealthy and wisier).

Today was Saturday (it still is, if you ask me). I started the day by going to Theofo's and having some fish, kenkey and pepper. It was delicious. Then, after a fair bit of waiting and stuffing around, we went back to the centre and recorded another of his fetish rhythms on my computer device. That's about it. Things move slowly here.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. The answer is probably no.

So, that's all I can really be bothered with right now – sorry for the wait, I'm trying to keep this blog as up-to-date as possible – it serves as my replacement for a 'HI! IT'S ME!' group email, just to let you know that I'm alive and what I'm up to. Hope that's ok.

You're awesome.

Bye.

A lot of movies

Hello there. Feeling a bit crook today so I haven't left my room. Except to get some phone credit. And some two-minute noodles.

Last night I watched The Matrix. It was good.

Today I watched Shooter, Twilight and The Godfather Part II. They were mildly amusing, more enjoyable than I had expected and really quite good.

That's about it. I hope I am feeling better tomorrow. So do you.

Because you care.

Bye.

Hello from Jacob

Hello. From me. Jacob.

Today I got woken up by Afotey wanting some money. A good start, I thought. Afotey was one of my teachers last time was here and I plan to do some more stuff with him this time. Thus, I thought it would be prudent to give him something, if not as much as he was asking. So I did. And I was up. So there.

Then, after talking to my mother on Skype, I went to Theofo's. He had cooked jollof rice (rice with fried chicken and a tomato and onion sauce – really nice). As I mentioned just now in the parentheses, it was really nice. From there we went back to my place and got set up to to record Theofo playing some fetish rhythms. He saw my 'studio' setup here in the room when I first got here and decided that I should record him. I thought it would be interesting and easier to comply than to try and avoid him, so today we started.

This meant borrowing some monitors that I noticed Tettey had lying around, sorting out power transformers and such, getting the mic, headphone monitoring and drums set up and generally acting all techy. After a bit of stuffing around, fixing things and testing we recorded most of one of the rhythms he wanted to do – when it's finished I'll put it up here for you to hear. The whole process was actually pretty enjoyable – I knew I brought all this gear for a reason.

Oh, here's a picture:

That's my laptop on a box of water bottles, with some speakers behind and all sorts of other goodies. I even brought my trackball. Sometimes it's good to be a nerdy boy.

Anyhow, that was pretty much my day. Right now I'm listening to music through real speakers rather than headphones (which get uncomfortable after not-too-long) or my shitty computer speakers. That is nice. I'm listening to the Allman Brothers Band – I like them because two words in their name make it very clear what gender they are and the other word lets you know that they're a band.

And their music is ok too.

Ok bye. You are special.

Bye.

Here's a couple of days' worth of blog post.

For you, my special reader person.

Nothing very much has happened that I can remember or is relevant. I have written parts of a fair few songs since I've been here – the last couple of days I fiddled around with a very sample-heavy remix of Rihanna's song, Rude Boyz. That is coming. Look forward to it.

I've had a few lessons with Theofo and have been training with Kusun. Nothing too much there – it is good to actually start playing and learning a little bit as I have been pretty lazy so far.

Uhhhhhhhhhh.

Last night I went to a concert at the French Alliance which was part of the Accra Jazz and World Music Festival. The concert was free and totally packed out – it was a tribute concert for Mac Tontoh (one of the founding members of Osibisa) who has died recently. I didn't stay for long – too many people and too loud. The music was good though. The festival looks like it will be pretty good and I hope to go to a few more shows. Exciting. At the concert I had a sausage.

Tonight I had fish and chicken in light soup with fufu for dinner.

Sorry I didn't post over the last two days – the internet and the power were out. At different times. Right when I wanted to post. To you. Darling reader.

Goodnight.