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...... 🙏🙏🙏
Saturday, 4 April 2020
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.
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Ghana 50 Lock Down Day 2
49 posts and adding this the day before April fools day. Well I had almost given up writing and found myself just thinking one day I'll get back to it. Whow last couple of months been quire a roller coaster. And yet could not sum up the energy or interest to write.
What with work on go slow and now the Corona Virus. I found myself sitting with Wanna whats best, should she deciding to go home and stay with Mum and Dad and leave me here or wait and see what transpires. She made the right choice and left for home. Two later airport was closed. That was 2 weeks ago and now here i am at home. Well isolation in my Condo. Ghana government passed a decree that starting 01.00 am this last on Monday morning no movement of people between districts etc. Not an absolute no go everywhere but good enough for me to want to stay in. Site work cancelled and its strange how you adapt. Genevieve already in lock-down in London, Simon my nephew caught the bug in Singapore and stayed for weeks in hospital. Sarah in Seychelles running out and about, abet the kids are off school.
Me confined to my place and doing work through the internet. Amazing what you can achieve. Technology. Think about it. There I am sitting in West Africa talking and video conferencing guys in France, Germany, South Africa etc. Quite something. I image more of this is going to happen as time goes on... In fact I suspect it will become the norm.
I decided on the first day to make and effort with some discipline. Get up time and SHOWER. Yes correct, not get up drink coffee, scratch myself and then turn on the TV. And maybe later in the day put some shorts on etc. Me in my wrap round towel not a pretty sight I can assure you.
The streets are almost empty and there is a strong wind. Whats is really noticeable is how clean the air has become. Street dust seems to have disappeared.
Its sunny and about 32Deg. So early morning swim is the way forward. More a wallow and going slowly up and down a couple of times but it does feels good. Followed by a shower etc and a simple breakfast. All before 7.30am. Then call family on Watts app. Another great invention. Can even have three way conversations. Clever....
Then I have to turn to work, emails etc till round lunchtime. Have to try hard not to stop early for food. Always a temptation when it is in line of sight !!!!!
This I am telling myself is already turning into a good routine and I'm only on day 2.
Talking of time I'm due my afternoon tea. Another bigger temptation is to catch up with a colleague who lives in my building in a condo a couple of floors up. Catch up is a euphemism for drinking cold beers and chatting !!!!
Is that him at the door ? Must go.......
What with work on go slow and now the Corona Virus. I found myself sitting with Wanna whats best, should she deciding to go home and stay with Mum and Dad and leave me here or wait and see what transpires. She made the right choice and left for home. Two later airport was closed. That was 2 weeks ago and now here i am at home. Well isolation in my Condo. Ghana government passed a decree that starting 01.00 am this last on Monday morning no movement of people between districts etc. Not an absolute no go everywhere but good enough for me to want to stay in. Site work cancelled and its strange how you adapt. Genevieve already in lock-down in London, Simon my nephew caught the bug in Singapore and stayed for weeks in hospital. Sarah in Seychelles running out and about, abet the kids are off school.
Me confined to my place and doing work through the internet. Amazing what you can achieve. Technology. Think about it. There I am sitting in West Africa talking and video conferencing guys in France, Germany, South Africa etc. Quite something. I image more of this is going to happen as time goes on... In fact I suspect it will become the norm.
I decided on the first day to make and effort with some discipline. Get up time and SHOWER. Yes correct, not get up drink coffee, scratch myself and then turn on the TV. And maybe later in the day put some shorts on etc. Me in my wrap round towel not a pretty sight I can assure you.
The streets are almost empty and there is a strong wind. Whats is really noticeable is how clean the air has become. Street dust seems to have disappeared.
Its sunny and about 32Deg. So early morning swim is the way forward. More a wallow and going slowly up and down a couple of times but it does feels good. Followed by a shower etc and a simple breakfast. All before 7.30am. Then call family on Watts app. Another great invention. Can even have three way conversations. Clever....
Then I have to turn to work, emails etc till round lunchtime. Have to try hard not to stop early for food. Always a temptation when it is in line of sight !!!!!
This I am telling myself is already turning into a good routine and I'm only on day 2.
Talking of time I'm due my afternoon tea. Another bigger temptation is to catch up with a colleague who lives in my building in a condo a couple of floors up. Catch up is a euphemism for drinking cold beers and chatting !!!!
Is that him at the door ? Must go.......
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