Well whats changed. Nothing as far as i can see. We are slowly rising up now 1154. But at the weekend the President removed the Lock-down sighting 'good' reasons that the numbers looked better etc etc.
Seems the local Medical profession had different thoughts, didn't share his view but made theirs knows....... and they mentioned it might instead have something more to do with reopening parliament and the upcoming Presidential Elections. Personally I cannot see a connection with letting people get on with their lives unrestricted and some upcoming election ? Can you ? I could of course be wrong.😍
I asked "Well whats changed?" For me not much if anything at all. Still going into work same way and returning back home the trips take longer, more cars, but whats really noticeable in only the last few days is how the dust has risen and the place beginning already to feel a bit grubby. Amazing what a few days without cars did and how quickly we get back into our old habits. Will look back with nostalgia to the "good lock lock down days". Never know this might turnout to be true. Have less time now for Netflix ........
Well whats changed in real terms. For me directly. A lot. No flights so cannot get back to Thailand by end of May when my annual retirement/long stay visa runs out. So I'll have to get a 30 tourist visa. Then after that I cannot get me driving licence renewed. Might not sound much but dealing with authority I hate at the best of times, then add in the Thai administration factor and it turns into an absolutely bloody nightmare senario...... Enough I've got myself resigned to it. Pissed off but resigned to it.
Only real activity this week has been building an aquaponics system, I know yet another one, this time for a colleague. Should be full of fish by Saturday. Hardly a life changing activity but... when not much else is on, you go for what you can. Bar B Q Tilapia is clearly a few months off.
Thursday, 23 April 2020
Friday, 17 April 2020
Ghana 60 Lock Down Day 19
Left out yesterday Day 18. Only so many repeats are possible.
Today we hit 641 confirmed cases and yesterday it was 636. Numbers are receding. Everyone getting to see if lock down gets extended this weekend. Sunday night as things stand it gets lifted. Two schools of thought. First lot, being sure it will be lifted, but this is only naive optimism by a few..... most believe the lock down will continue and be extended week by week. If they announce a 4 week extended lock down at one time there would be huge public outcry and anti social reactions so best they drip feed, seems the way to go. Me, I reckon the latter as well.
Anyway far more importantly I went shopping yesterday for some bits and pieces. As one does. And outside the supermarket I did a double take. A Yamaha Bolt. Just like mine. Made my day. As they say its the little things that count. God I miss the open roads and ......................
Today we hit 641 confirmed cases and yesterday it was 636. Numbers are receding. Everyone getting to see if lock down gets extended this weekend. Sunday night as things stand it gets lifted. Two schools of thought. First lot, being sure it will be lifted, but this is only naive optimism by a few..... most believe the lock down will continue and be extended week by week. If they announce a 4 week extended lock down at one time there would be huge public outcry and anti social reactions so best they drip feed, seems the way to go. Me, I reckon the latter as well.
Anyway far more importantly I went shopping yesterday for some bits and pieces. As one does. And outside the supermarket I did a double take. A Yamaha Bolt. Just like mine. Made my day. As they say its the little things that count. God I miss the open roads and ......................
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
Ghana 59 Lock Down Day 17
Well we've had the Easter Holidays, apparently. Hence no postings. Busy dong nothing. I survived, passed through it without noticing much going on. Not sure anyone else here really noticed either. And currently sitting here reminding myself I had promised some Blog posts. Now new excuse forget Corona, all a bit passe, new one, it's called writers block ! In fact a better excuse as there is F;*^ all to write about. Difficult to write about "not much". 😁
We are up to 636 cases here in Ghana. Been jumping up about 10% daily. Assuming these figures are true. And yesterday, big shock, a guy on the adjacent work site to us was reported positive. Pretty close to home if you ask me ! He apparently according to their Company Public Relations Department, and you've got to love this...... worked, fortunately for the rest of us, on his own in almost total isolation on a crane. Yeah Yeah Yeah !!!! So if they say so must be true right ? But seriously it is now becoming a bit more of a concern as it is so close. Real problem is it is all so intangible.
And I've given up watching the news on TV. Well frankly there is no real news anyway just corona virus and more corona virus and some statistics and of course inevitable interviews with Prep school teachers or some nurses or others who claim to be experts in this or that. All bullshit to fill up time. To cap it off, on DStv my cable channel they have stopped showing the rugby. Thing is awash with crappy football and other none important sports and reruns of films. I've seen Bourne Identity 5 times in as many days but whose counting !!1!!! There managed to get my rant in.
God I feel better now for writing this Blog all about nothing !!!
Enjoy your day, please safe and keep away from any known crane drivers you never be too careful !!!! If you are really bored I can recommend Bourne Identity as a good watch !
We are up to 636 cases here in Ghana. Been jumping up about 10% daily. Assuming these figures are true. And yesterday, big shock, a guy on the adjacent work site to us was reported positive. Pretty close to home if you ask me ! He apparently according to their Company Public Relations Department, and you've got to love this...... worked, fortunately for the rest of us, on his own in almost total isolation on a crane. Yeah Yeah Yeah !!!! So if they say so must be true right ? But seriously it is now becoming a bit more of a concern as it is so close. Real problem is it is all so intangible.
And I've given up watching the news on TV. Well frankly there is no real news anyway just corona virus and more corona virus and some statistics and of course inevitable interviews with Prep school teachers or some nurses or others who claim to be experts in this or that. All bullshit to fill up time. To cap it off, on DStv my cable channel they have stopped showing the rugby. Thing is awash with crappy football and other none important sports and reruns of films. I've seen Bourne Identity 5 times in as many days but whose counting !!1!!! There managed to get my rant in.
God I feel better now for writing this Blog all about nothing !!!
Enjoy your day, please safe and keep away from any known crane drivers you never be too careful !!!! If you are really bored I can recommend Bourne Identity as a good watch !
Thursday, 9 April 2020
Ghana 58 Lock Down Day 11
Same o same o.... day 11 seems like day 111..........................
Today has drifted along as if I was in a trance. Been to work but slow and I mean slow. Nothing seems to be happening and all the talk is about numbers of cases, deaths, the situation in other parts of the world . Places I've never even heard of. Good point !!!!!! Think about it, a positive, the virus is good for learning geography and statistics.
But seriously here the Chinese are under immense pressure and they are seen and the original carriers. One told me he dreads the thought of having to attend a local hospital of any reason whatsoever let along a high temperature !!!!!!. He'll get attacked is his major worry. Pretty frightening. And I hear in China they are making a lot of the Africans go home. So not much love going on at the moment.
I did write yesterday that we are coming up to Good Friday. So in an effort to cheer myself up I've gone and bought some fresh cray fish for the Bar B Q. Share them along with red wine with a work colleague who lives in my block.
And that my friends is all I can tell you.
Today has drifted along as if I was in a trance. Been to work but slow and I mean slow. Nothing seems to be happening and all the talk is about numbers of cases, deaths, the situation in other parts of the world . Places I've never even heard of. Good point !!!!!! Think about it, a positive, the virus is good for learning geography and statistics.
But seriously here the Chinese are under immense pressure and they are seen and the original carriers. One told me he dreads the thought of having to attend a local hospital of any reason whatsoever let along a high temperature !!!!!!. He'll get attacked is his major worry. Pretty frightening. And I hear in China they are making a lot of the Africans go home. So not much love going on at the moment.
I did write yesterday that we are coming up to Good Friday. So in an effort to cheer myself up I've gone and bought some fresh cray fish for the Bar B Q. Share them along with red wine with a work colleague who lives in my block.
And that my friends is all I can tell you.
Wednesday, 8 April 2020
Ghana 57 Lock Down Day 10
You've got to wonder how people in solitary confinement cope particularly in prisons ? God only knows.
Bad enough just going from room to room with internet, cups of coffee etc etc. And of course the ever present cable TV. I know, and I am still going to the office for a few hours each day. Which is a welcome break but whatever, I'm still getting pissed off !!!!
And to top it all, (hysterical laugh, lots of it) ... you could not write this stuff, we've got a long weekend coming up. Whow didn't plan for that.... Should have seen it coming. If I had not been so busy doing nothing I might have picked up on it. Bummer.
Bad enough just going from room to room with internet, cups of coffee etc etc. And of course the ever present cable TV. I know, and I am still going to the office for a few hours each day. Which is a welcome break but whatever, I'm still getting pissed off !!!!
And to top it all, (hysterical laugh, lots of it) ... you could not write this stuff, we've got a long weekend coming up. Whow didn't plan for that.... Should have seen it coming. If I had not been so busy doing nothing I might have picked up on it. Bummer.
Tuesday, 7 April 2020
Ghana 56 Lock Down Day 9
Tuesday already, and yesterday we were are 214 cases but over night jumped to 287. Bt unsettling to say the least.
Government announced yesterday at for the next 3 months water would be provided for free. However those not on a mains supply are no better off as they still buy from private tankers. Causing a lot of stress when people are told its free but the delivery drivers are still charging. Private enterprise. So they need to make money to run the tankers etc etc. I get that but the locals don't. Been a few scuffles already.
Some however are enjoying it.
Government announced yesterday at for the next 3 months water would be provided for free. However those not on a mains supply are no better off as they still buy from private tankers. Causing a lot of stress when people are told its free but the delivery drivers are still charging. Private enterprise. So they need to make money to run the tankers etc etc. I get that but the locals don't. Been a few scuffles already.
Some however are enjoying it.
Monday, 6 April 2020
Ghana 55 Lock Down Day 8
Gave Sunday a day of rest. No Blog.
Well after all there is only so much you can write about doing nothing !! So I gave myself a day off !!!! I did get up early, not by choice just worke up, shitty really but could I do. No way I was going back to sleep. Had a decent lunch and played the old guitar and keyboard but motivation. Whow thats hard to find when you know after 30 miutes or so when you finished some short piece there is still another 12 hours before bed !!!
But here the government system seems to be holding together with still only 214 cases and the death toll has sat unchanged at 5 for a few weeks now. Might be that in a couple of weeks the country will open up again. I said before the place feels differenct, air so clear and the general feel of no dust and absence of wind swept plastic is a welcome change. I still don't know where all the street sellers have gone nor the beggars. Suppose they are managing somewhere else.
It was reported on the local radio yesterday that a soldier shot a civilian apparently by mistake. Seems the local guy tried to argue with a soldier and in the scuffle his rifle, not agun went off and killed the guy. Why oh why does a soldier amonsgt his own people need to be carrying a loaded weapon? Bit scary. Some investigation is apparently going to happen but sure it will all just fizzle out.
Would be good if dear old coraona virus would do the same thing. Just F@#$^&* off. 😀
Well after all there is only so much you can write about doing nothing !! So I gave myself a day off !!!! I did get up early, not by choice just worke up, shitty really but could I do. No way I was going back to sleep. Had a decent lunch and played the old guitar and keyboard but motivation. Whow thats hard to find when you know after 30 miutes or so when you finished some short piece there is still another 12 hours before bed !!!
But here the government system seems to be holding together with still only 214 cases and the death toll has sat unchanged at 5 for a few weeks now. Might be that in a couple of weeks the country will open up again. I said before the place feels differenct, air so clear and the general feel of no dust and absence of wind swept plastic is a welcome change. I still don't know where all the street sellers have gone nor the beggars. Suppose they are managing somewhere else.
It was reported on the local radio yesterday that a soldier shot a civilian apparently by mistake. Seems the local guy tried to argue with a soldier and in the scuffle his rifle, not agun went off and killed the guy. Why oh why does a soldier amonsgt his own people need to be carrying a loaded weapon? Bit scary. Some investigation is apparently going to happen but sure it will all just fizzle out.
Would be good if dear old coraona virus would do the same thing. Just F@#$^&* off. 😀
Saturday, 4 April 2020
Ghana 54 Lock Down Day 6
Its Saturday and I had no plans to write anything today. That was fine until I got a WattsApp from a Mate telling me there is an extension is for another while, Stay Home Another decree from the President.
Only on day 6, image what my rants are going to be like in a few more days. The streets are again very quiet and even the few shops that are open have little trade.
It made me think of all the bars and restaurante etc. Closed. No customers, so I started thinking, no customers means no business means staff not getting paid, suppliers have no buyers etc etc. The links go on and on. And its having knockon effect at work in simple ways as well. We have dispensation to work which is fine, but, of course special arrangements are needed to transport and feed the workers. Street side places which sold food are nearly all closed. Public transport is non exitant and as I said earlier taxis are not really allowed out. All just a big hassle.
Enough ! Wait till I get excited on Monday !!!!!1
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe..... cough cough cough...... 🙏🙏🙏
Only on day 6, image what my rants are going to be like in a few more days. The streets are again very quiet and even the few shops that are open have little trade.
It made me think of all the bars and restaurante etc. Closed. No customers, so I started thinking, no customers means no business means staff not getting paid, suppliers have no buyers etc etc. The links go on and on. And its having knockon effect at work in simple ways as well. We have dispensation to work which is fine, but, of course special arrangements are needed to transport and feed the workers. Street side places which sold food are nearly all closed. Public transport is non exitant and as I said earlier taxis are not really allowed out. All just a big hassle.
Enough ! Wait till I get excited on Monday !!!!!1
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe..... cough cough cough...... 🙏🙏🙏
Friday, 3 April 2020
Ghana 53 Lock Down Day 5
TGIF means so more this time that usual. This weird week sort of working, but not really achieving and no people and lot hand washing and temperature measuring and huddled conference calls keeping distance and wattsapps and more and more bitty things going on and on has been driving me crazy all the week. Even me writing asentance is weird....... A cold beer tonight is looking really good.....
As I say TGIF.
The roads till empty going in.
Couple more days of this and it will be total boredom on my side not seeing any cars or people around.
As I say TGIF.
The roads till empty going in.
All changed on the way back. Fast ride all the way back to end of motorway. Then a 30 minute blockage while one, yes correct one policeman vetted everyone.
Anyone who should not have been there, mainly taxi's were turned round and the passengers left to walk the remaining 2-3 kilometers into town. And its hot. I mean about 30Deg+.
You've just got to love this virus.
Lets see what what weekend brings...
Thursday, 2 April 2020
Ghana 52 Lock Down Day 4
195. Big number. Yesterday I thought 161 was not to bad. Big jump in a day. Is it real? If so why? Are we doing more testing, telling more truths or what? And I'm travelling to work.... All a bit if'i. (not sure thats a word?).
But travelling to work I seem to be about the only one. Probably less visus on the street than in houses !!!! Maybe safest place to be... Theres a thought.
Took this at 7.00am this moring. Empty. Any other time you couldn't see the tarmac as its covered nose to tail with vehilces and street sellers. And the air is fresh, so fresh. I think Accra being on the coast makes a big difference but the actutual lack of movement by people makes you realize what a lot of devastation we cause. So jumping in the car and yes, there's no need to close all windows and put on the air con. Quite amazing. Great feeling. Poor street sellers, where they have gone and how they are coping, I've no idea.
Anyway here we are. Back in the office once more with very quite surroundings. Bit eirie. 😕
I plan to go out on site later today and see what if anything we can actually get achieved for the project in a safe manner. Wonder if in some ways if it is not all counter productve. I know we can in some places work at safe distances away from the local communities and away from other activities resulting in making us fairly self contained. But........... I say that, and only 100 meters away are loads of kids playing football. And if they are not playing contact sport on the pitch they are in their houses which are literally on top of each other. Eitherway they could not get any closer to each other. Seems a bit crazy to me. Maybe more just illogical.
Lets see what Day 5 will bring us..... I'm guessing the local population will start to creep out onto the streets and we'll see a slow build up on getting back to the 'good old' ways. Lets see.
But travelling to work I seem to be about the only one. Probably less visus on the street than in houses !!!! Maybe safest place to be... Theres a thought.
Took this at 7.00am this moring. Empty. Any other time you couldn't see the tarmac as its covered nose to tail with vehilces and street sellers. And the air is fresh, so fresh. I think Accra being on the coast makes a big difference but the actutual lack of movement by people makes you realize what a lot of devastation we cause. So jumping in the car and yes, there's no need to close all windows and put on the air con. Quite amazing. Great feeling. Poor street sellers, where they have gone and how they are coping, I've no idea.
Anyway here we are. Back in the office once more with very quite surroundings. Bit eirie. 😕
I plan to go out on site later today and see what if anything we can actually get achieved for the project in a safe manner. Wonder if in some ways if it is not all counter productve. I know we can in some places work at safe distances away from the local communities and away from other activities resulting in making us fairly self contained. But........... I say that, and only 100 meters away are loads of kids playing football. And if they are not playing contact sport on the pitch they are in their houses which are literally on top of each other. Eitherway they could not get any closer to each other. Seems a bit crazy to me. Maybe more just illogical.
Lets see what Day 5 will bring us..... I'm guessing the local population will start to creep out onto the streets and we'll see a slow build up on getting back to the 'good old' ways. Lets see.
Wednesday, 1 April 2020
Ghana 51 Lock Down Day 3
April the 1st and I've gotten permission to go back to work. Is this a joke ? Well actually no. The Mayor of Tema gives dispensation to several strategic companies and projects to carry on. Ours being one of them. I'm pleased in one way as I did not want to get stuck indoors but also slightly (read highly) anxious about being out and about when not strictly necessary. We jumped in Ghana from 152 cases to 161 today including 5 deaths. Not many in the scheme of things but still a statistic we don't need.
I am working on a port project so you could argue that 50% of my work space perimeter is the sea so my risk drops by 50% ????? Does that make any sense. Not really. Even as I write it, it sounds a bit crazy...... I can only assume..... Or pray.
I've got to take this time in the next few days as an opportunity. Seize the moment as it were. Its a chance for me to catch up with work and focus on how we move forward in a week or 2 from now when things get more back to normal. Or as normal as they will be. Do you think things will return to how they were? I somehow doubt it. We are going to see some new habits, different work practices and socializing will be considerably reduced. That's my take on it.
I'm taking a few photos more to show how empty everything is. Markets have all be sprayed and people only venturing out on an as required basis. Street vendors gone. Do hope we avoid social unrest. Any sign of that and I am locking myself away. Photos of our construction site, offices and surrounding areas. Note:- no one in sight !!!
Right so my driver picked me up at 7.00 this morning. He got to my place by motorbike. Was not stopped. We drove to work. Streets almost empty. Drive is normally 45 mins today easy 30 mins. At the motorway toll only 2 of 8 ticket booths open. And no holdup..... Some police around all assisted by army. My driver did observe the army guys were carrying guns "and why would they need those ?" was his question... I refrained from answering. Enough to concern me without AK47's added into the mix.
Well work... Place is deserted. Few guards on the main gate. Temperature check was made. Mine showed 31.2 degrees. At that I should have been dead , far too cold..... So maybe the batteries are not working or sensor s not calibrated or or ....... Just checked google. I have or an showing signs of hypothermia apparently !!!!!! Whatever the reason another cause for concern as it is clearly a perfunctory test for show.....
The office . Well only two expats are in. Rest staying home till Monday when we get things back up and running. Good side. It gives me time to write this 😊
More tomorrow.
I am working on a port project so you could argue that 50% of my work space perimeter is the sea so my risk drops by 50% ????? Does that make any sense. Not really. Even as I write it, it sounds a bit crazy...... I can only assume..... Or pray.
I've got to take this time in the next few days as an opportunity. Seize the moment as it were. Its a chance for me to catch up with work and focus on how we move forward in a week or 2 from now when things get more back to normal. Or as normal as they will be. Do you think things will return to how they were? I somehow doubt it. We are going to see some new habits, different work practices and socializing will be considerably reduced. That's my take on it.
I'm taking a few photos more to show how empty everything is. Markets have all be sprayed and people only venturing out on an as required basis. Street vendors gone. Do hope we avoid social unrest. Any sign of that and I am locking myself away. Photos of our construction site, offices and surrounding areas. Note:- no one in sight !!!
Right so my driver picked me up at 7.00 this morning. He got to my place by motorbike. Was not stopped. We drove to work. Streets almost empty. Drive is normally 45 mins today easy 30 mins. At the motorway toll only 2 of 8 ticket booths open. And no holdup..... Some police around all assisted by army. My driver did observe the army guys were carrying guns "and why would they need those ?" was his question... I refrained from answering. Enough to concern me without AK47's added into the mix.
Well work... Place is deserted. Few guards on the main gate. Temperature check was made. Mine showed 31.2 degrees. At that I should have been dead , far too cold..... So maybe the batteries are not working or sensor s not calibrated or or ....... Just checked google. I have or an showing signs of hypothermia apparently !!!!!! Whatever the reason another cause for concern as it is clearly a perfunctory test for show.....
The office . Well only two expats are in. Rest staying home till Monday when we get things back up and running. Good side. It gives me time to write this 😊
More tomorrow.
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