Bike Shopping

Yesterday we had quite the adventure shopping for a bike for Colt.  We did not ship his bike from the states because we had to use air freight.  The bike that fits him now from Walmart in the states was around $75 new. Great, basic bike. 

We've been getting tips from the missionaries here, who are extremely helpful, about various things, including bikes.  Benton, the other MK boy in Nalerigu, has outgrown his old bike and needs one, also. So, we looked at a new store a few days ago and saw that the adult bikes were about 125 cedis (exchange rate currently is $1 to GH1.10).  So whatever the price is here, it is a little under that in American dollars.  We didn't see any bikes Colt's size there.

So, yesterday we went out to a few outdoor markets.  The Esalas (another missionary family) said they buy used American bikes for their kids.   They get a better deal and the bikes last longer. It took us awhile to find the spot.  When we asked about the first set of bikes, Joel was told for each used bike that they were 700 cedis!  (Something under $700)!  Needless to say, we did not buy one of those.  

Later, Joel found more bikes and asked about the price.  The bike was too small for Colt and was quite beat up, likely not to last much longer.  The price started at 400 cedis.  Joel bargained and immediately the man said he'd give it to us for 35 cedis!  No prices in-between!  But, we decided since it was too small and not in good shape not to get that one.

We went back to the new store (Game is the name) and found one bike that was Colt's size for about 116 cedis.  It was very nice-looking and seemed to work well.  Colt rode it around the store a bit. Once back to the guest house, the chain fell off within minutes, though.  So, we went back to Game to return it.  No problems getting our money back.  So we are back to looking for a bike for Colt. He has had a good attitude about all of this, though.  It sure is more exciting and adventurous to buy a bike here rather than in the states.  

I'm making spaghetti for lunch so need to close now.  Love and miss you all. Let us hear from you.  

Here it is nearly 11 pm in Ghana.  The kids are still up.  Abigail fell asleep, then woke up after a short "nap."  Colt has not fallen asleep yet so we had him get up, too.  We are hoping they will burn off a bit more energy and sleep better tonight. Colt actually slept well last night.  

Abigail, on the other hand, wondered why Mommy and Daddy were playing the "Let's lie down and pretend to go to sleep in a dark room even though my body knows it's really time to play and eat" game.  Once it got to be bedtime in Texas, she did eventually fall asleep.  

We picked up the truck today, then used it to shop a bit in Accra.  They have a new indoor mall that is pretty nice.  We enjoyed the a/c while shopping!  They have many things you can buy in America here in the capital city.  However, they do cost a lot, lot more.  So, overall we are pleased with the choices we made of items to ship here from the states. 

We bought a Toyota quad cab truck (narrow model, not wide).  It's also an African model, not the same choices you have in the states exactly.  Joel was hoping to leave the capital city for Nalerigu over the weekend. But the car dealership wants us to put 1000 km on the truck, then bring it back so they can check it. Hhhhhmmmm. I don't recall doing that in the states.  I'm sure the truck is fine, though.  They just like to be thorough here, right?  :)  So going to Nalerigu is too far (Joel tried to work that out with them).  We may do a few touristy things here.  

We purchased a high chair today.  (A must-have in our book.)  We had a great one given as a gift with Abigail that we had to leave at home as it was such a nice size and cost a lot to ship.  We also bought a few Christmas items (like stockings) as we didn't bring very much of that.  

Some of you have asked about the grocery store.  Colt and I ran into the grocery store at the mall while Joel and Abigail waited.  We bought spaghetti, sauce, hamburger meat, yogurt, cereal, cow's milk (the kind in a box, not the refrigerated kind as they don't have that here from what we know), one cucumber, one small, round watermelon, cereal, a small block of cheese, some tape...

It was very much a western store in all accounts except the prices (typically much higher) and some of the quality of products (can be lower).  Keep in mind this is 13 hours away from where we will be living.  We will not have any stores remotely like this where we will be living.  

There are many people selling their wares all over the streets here.  You have to clearly let them know you are not interested in buying if that is the case.  

We took the long way back to the guest house (on accident).  The roads are not marked well and there are not many places at all to get off the highways here.  We ended up getting back to the guest house with time to spare before dinner, though.  

I will eventually get to pictures.  I have to say I'm not quite as eager to post photos of me in my 24/7 sweaty condition, though!  

We are doing well.  It is great to have wi-fi at the guest house now.  Since it is not in our room (and therefore I'm not in our room and it is late) I guess I'll stop here.  

Almost-I have to say it's a bit strange being six hours away from you all.  We love the comments and emails so much.  But realizing most of you are six hours behind us in your day does leave us (I'll say me, don't know about anyone else) feeling disconnected.  We'll get used to it, I'm sure.  Love you all lots.