Ghana Google

A few blogs back I was lamenting about the lack of my access to Google and how was I going to get anything done. Well, that problem isn't solved, but I have discovered Ghana Google which I can see already I'm going to miss when I leave. How do people elsewhere get by without Ghana Google?

Are you scratching your head yet? Just what is Ghana Google? It's how you get around and find EVERYTHING here. It's much better than Google because you don't have to weed through tons of results – it is simple and direct information. It is generally step by step with a constant feedback loop. And it is sometimes so intuitive, it gives you information you want without even asking.

Here's how it works. Let's say, you want an egg sandwich for lunch. Just walk out the door and say to the first person you see, "Egg sandwich?"  They will point you in a direction and you can just start walking. After about 50 yards, you ask another person who will keep you on the right path. This continues until you are at the egg sandwich lady's stall.

It also works for traveling, and I've even discovered if I LOOK slightly confused, someone will present themselves to ask what I'm trying to do and offer guidance. It's quite reassuring, really, knowing you can go anywhere and look for anything...smart-phone or not.

This previously unappreciated tool became most apparent one day when some friends and I were going to a German heritage party nearby. I Googled the Goethe-Institut where this was being held and drew a small map for us to follow. When we arrived at the supposed destination, it was nowhere to be found. So then we reverted to Ghana Google...”Go down there and turn left.” [at the left turn] “Keep going that way and turn right, then down and go left – you will see it” [at next turn] “Yes go left there – you will see it.”...and on until voila! We arrived, albeit a bit hot, tired and thirsty.

Hmmm, I think there could be an opportunity to model a new search engine tool.

-Charlotte

PS - I REALLY wanted to post some Ghana pics with this blog but I just could not upload them...even after reducing them to <500kb.  Aaarrrggghhh!!!!