Day 31 in Ghana

Yet again, it is hard to believe that I only have eight more days in Tamale, and eleven more in Ghana. Next Monday, I plan to fly back to Accra and stay there until traveling to Cape Coast (by bus) to see some historical places such as the slave castles, and then travel back to Accra (by bus) and prepare to go home.
Yesterday I got to enjoy a festival that took place right here in the compound of the palace. The festival was a showcase of cultural dancing which was absolutely beautiful! It was an interesting, entertaining display with drumming, elaborate costumes, and of course dancing. The Ghanaians who sat next to me in the audience were able to narrate some of the different stories that are associated with particular dances. So at the conclusion of the festival, there is an opportunity for the drummer to call members from the audience up to dance. Of course, yours truly was called to dance. I caught on fast to the movements and was able to please the audience fairly quickly! Most importantly, I had fun doing it!
So today has been more of a relaxed day that has included me doing some reading and office work. A storm came earlier this afternoon for about an hour and has left the sky a softened gray. I noticed that since I have been here, I pay close attention to the color of the sky, what it looks like, the moon, the sunsets- and it is all very beautiful. At night, the stars are so visible, it looks as if one of them might drop down on your head. As the sun sets (which is usually around 6:30PM as opposed to the US in July setting around 8:30PM), the sun turns a red-orange color making its rays practically invisible. Sure, many of these images can be viewed in the States, yet when I'm here, I feel more inclined to take note of them. On the nights that I begin to miss home, I look in the sky and see the moon. I simply remind myself that in about four hours, my mom will be able to see that same moon just as clear as I can.
Distance really is a fascinating idea. Being over 5,000 miles away from the US is what really is. However, I am constantly reminded by all of these beautiful brown-faced individuals that I cannot just use these big bright stars to "walk home."