Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

Welcome to WWISH

There are lots of theories why women like me exist. Smart, highly-educated, beautiful, sexy, great cook. Also, Type A, neat-freak, no-nonsense, impatient, brutally honest. Unmarried and childless. By choice! They say we had strong female figures in our lives who over shadowed the male figures (if they were around). They say we are jaded because some guy in our past duped us. They say we are ‘apuskeleke.’ They say we hate men. They say we are lesbians. The list goes on. It never occurs to anyone that perhaps marriage is not meant for everyone, nor does it have to have a timeline, nor does the same timeline have to apply to everyone.

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

The Other Extreme

You know in much of the Western world, Sexual Harassment is such a household phrase that few people are ignorant about it. Most people know what it means, as well as the consequences of violating any portion of the law. In much of the Western world, people can compliment you, but as a colleague put … Continue reading The Other Extreme

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

Help! I have lost my Midas Touch with food and with it my compass to why I’m in Africa!

Is it any indication that I have yet to cook a decent meal in this house? I’ve been here a month today, and so far nothing I have cooked on the four-burner dual gas and electric stove has turned out like I planned it. Of course, it could be that I’m not attracted to cooking … Continue reading Help! I have lost my Midas Touch with food and with it my compass to why I’m in Africa!

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

Accents and Grounding

I just got back from Rhapsody’s, one of Ghana’s nightlife establishments and it was jumping or hopping, not sure which. However, except for the people in modernized versions of bright African print dresses, one couldn’t tell you were in Ghana. I felt very uncomfortable. For starters, I had on the wrong outfit—my Berkeley staples of … Continue reading Accents and Grounding

Author Kuukua Yomekpe reflections

Thoughts During the Long Layover (a week overdue (blame it on costly airport wifi))

Was it worth it all? What happens if I decide this is not for me, and I want out? What do I do with all these things I’ve shipped to Ghana? But what if I decide, I want to stay? How many of my contemporaries return to Ghana and stay this early in their lives,l. at age 34? I know of folks retiring there after they’ve acquired their “fortunes” or amassed enough wealth to live better than they used to live when they were there. I know these folks are around my mother’s age. But what would the country look like if my contemporaries all came home in their numbers and pushed for better functioning public service systems. New public restrooms. Dual-, better yet, multiple-carriage roadways that were built in the allotted amount of time with no contractor “chopping” the money. Traffic regulations implemented and thwarters penalized. Child labor abolished and perpetrators dealt with harshly. The status of women elevated and their well-being and thriving be of national concern. What if my coming home, our coming home would aid in this process? Would I have the patience to deal with the traffic, poor cell service, filthy public restrooms or lack of, and the superiorist attitudes of men?