There’s a blackout in my neighborhood right now amidst this freakishly warm windy weather. It’s made me remember one thing about life in Ghana: people almost always have a Plan B.

When I was living there on a year abroad, I don’t know if I ever got over my frustration with the power suddenly going out for a whole day, or not knowing if the taps would be running when you get home. But most people just adapt – you buy a giant Polytank to save up water when it’s running, or stock plenty of candles in case there’s homework and dishes to be done.

Me, I’m huddled around some cold nachos between the fistful of candles I scrounged up around the house, hoping my phone/alarm clock/email connection will last til the morning. I guess maybe I should stop using it to write this post.