Beautiful Ghana

I woke up with the sun this morning and enjoyed a beautiful fresh breakfast by the ocean. I was greeted with so many Ghanaian smiles, which alone would have made my day worthwhile.





It started to rain as we travelled to the Cape Coast Slave Castle that morning. I knew that visiting the slave castle would be an emotional experience but no amount of mental preparation would have made it easier. Our tour guide took us in to the slave dungeons. To experience these inhumane conditions first hand was tremendously overwhelming. To add insult to injury, the slave owners had the nerve to build their church on top of the slave dungeon, further showcasing the hypocrisy of it all.





We also stood at Dalzel’s Tower where the Governor resided. His room was conveniently placed above the female dungeon, enabling him to summon, rape, and dispose of the African women at his whim. I can only imagine the horror that took place there. And to imagine, all of these merciless and cruel occurred because of man’s ruthless desire for gold.




As I walked thru the “Door of No Return” towards the Atlantic Ocean, I could only think about the thousands of slaves who were forced thru that same door years ago. I wondered if some distant grandparent, aunt, or cousin walked that very path. I was able to take some comfort in walking back thru the door and returning to the land my ancestors were taken from.




After we left the slave castle we made our way to Cape Coast University and lunched at Sasakawa Restaurant. The chicken and joloff rice was so delicious.





After lunch our trip advisor, Janaan, introduced us to Samuel, a man she met during her last trip to Cape Coast. He was very warm and welcoming. Him and his friend Steven, took us to their neighborhood to meet their families and friends. Although the majority of the people we met spoke very little English, their smiles were worth a thousand words.





As we walked through the neighborhood, children and adults greeted us. We shouted to them using the little Twi language that we knew and they couldn’t help but to laugh. Even in the harsh conditions that these people lived in their spirit continued to shine through it. They continued to find happiness despite their circumstances, which not only inspired me but made me realize I AM fortunate.

Akwaaba! Welcome!

I AM in love with Ghana... and it’s only been one day!

We arrived in Accra at about 10:30AM and hit the ground running. We had a delicious lunch consisting of grilled chicken and rice. Then we got a chance to walk around the city, which was an experience all in its own. Accra is surprisingly modern, however there is still poverty around every corner. Being able to see the reality of Ghana has proved to be quite exciting but emotional as well. There are many people here who are well off financially and at the same time there are many who must beg for money just to survive. In a way, we’ve been conditioned to view poverty as a matter of fact, but when you see desperation staring at you through the eyes of a person in need, it becomes impossible to ignore. I can only hope that during the upcoming weeks I can make a tangible difference in the lives of the people that I meet.

During the afternoon, we traveled to Cape Coast, approximately a two-hour drive south of Accra. We arrived at the beach resort and once we settled in to our rooms we took a walk down to the beach. Running on an African beach and into the Atlantic Ocean was such an exhilarating and surreal experience. Hearing the sound of the waves crashing down as the wind blew against my skin I felt heaven on earth. I could have spent the rest of my life on that beach.






Barack Obama will be visiting Cape Coast on Friday. Unfortunately, this is the same day we’re set to fly to Tamale but we are going to try our best to see him. To be honest, the Ghanaian people are much more excited for his arrival than we are.






The people of Ghana have been nothing but a delight. Their hospitality and generosity is unparalleled. One observation that can be made is that the Ghanaian people love to take their times. Slow and Steady gets the job done is not just a quote here, it's a way of life. It is not uncommon to wait an hour or two before your meal is at a restaurant and another hour or so for the check to arrive. It's definitely a culture difference. I do however enjoy how everyone is so relaxed and down to earth here.







And even though things have gotten a little messy at times, I'm still having a great time!





I AM looking forward to these upcoming weeks in Ghana.

Arriving to Ghana

The time is now 9:19AM – making that 5:19AM in the United States, on July 7th and I AM at this very moment traveling over African airspace, Cote D’Ivore to be exact, placing me approximately an hour from my final destination: Ghana.

There are so many emotions that I am feeling right now, excitement being the most dominant. I also feel very fortunate. The adventure that I am about to embark on is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Even though I’m already starting to miss my mama, and we haven’t even landed yet, I have a great feeling about the upcoming weeks.

Frustration has also been a major emotion for today. Our flight was delayed three times! However, while waiting for Delta airlines to get their act together, I met a girl named Jessica who happened to be carrying with her a travel size guitar. A jam session was soon underway. :] It was so cool singing and playing the guitar in the middle of JFK International Airport in New York City. I also had time to practice playing Blackbird by the Beatles, a rather fitting song given the circumstances.

The song “Blackbird” has always had a special meaning to me. This makes more sense if you recognize the fact that the term “bird” in British slang means “girl”.

“Black bird singing in the dead of night.
Take these broken wings and learn to fly.
All your life you have only waited for this moment to be free.
Black bird fly…”

Which is exactly what I am doing right now.

So what exactly am I expecting once I arrive? I still have no idea and I believe it’s better that way. I believe that my lack of expectations will only allow me to appreciate my experiences further.

Although my mind is racing and I can’t stop thinking, I am ignoring all thoughts of doubt and worry. I am ousting any “what ifs” from my mind and completely submerging myself into this moment because this moment is promised. This moment is what I have for certain. And at this moment, I AM in Ghana.