Okay, so I know it’s been a really long time since I’ve posted a blog and I’m sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, sorry… Mepa wo kyew!! (“I beg you” in Fante, the local language. You say it instead of saying sorry)
BUT in my defense, a little update on current life in Ghana? The power has been out at least once a day (3 times yesterday), the internet was down at ProWorld for at least a week, the phone lines have been screwing up, and best of all: there is a water shortage in the entire central region so we have no water (I even heard the water sachets-which are the only water we drink here-are gone, because there’s no water for the companies to make them from). That’s probably more like the image people have of life in Africa, although in reality, it’s not always this bad…
But anyways…I’m pretty far behind, so I want to share a bit about our trip a few weekends ago. We had an incredible time and a much needed break from day to day life. We travelled north into the Volta Region and visited a bunch of different places, which I mentioned in my last blog. On the map below on the right side, you can see the Region. We were mostly in the lower part: labeled on the map are Akosombo Dam, Ho and Wli Falls, all of which we visited.
I was worried about the driving, but it honestly wasn’t terrible, aside from the small amount of room we had…BUT THERE WAS AIR CONDITIONING!!! Which is pretty much unheard of in a trotro.
We left on Friday and stopped at Akosombo Dam along the way. Akosombo Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Volta River. Its construction flooded part of the Volta River Basin and created Lake Volta, which is the world’s largest man-made lake, covering 3,283 square miles.
We also went to the Cedi Bead Factory, which was really amazing to see. They make everything by hand and most of their beads from recycled glass. I will post more pictures on facebook soon. It was really incredible to see the process, and the skill the craftsmen there possess.
On Saturday, we went to Wli Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in West Africa, and hiked two hours to the top falls. It was one of the most difficult hikes I’ve completed, but definitely one of the most rewarding. When we arrived at the top, there were no other groups around, and we took off running into the water. It was incredibly beautiful and amazing to be next to something so powerful.
That night we drove up the mountain to a hotel called Mountain Paradise…and that it was. I woke up on Easter morning in the most beautiful area I could ever ask for…it truly reminded me of home…
I could not have asked for a better morning….the wind was blowing strong, the sun was shining bright, and Jordan and I had a lovely meditation together on the hill. It made me long for home, but also grateful for where I’m at, and for the friends I’ve made here, with whom I could share the holiday.
On Easter Sunday, we first went to the monkey sanctuary. At first, I was worried we would be going to a closed in room or cages, or I’ve even heard there’s a place here where the monkeys are on chains. But fortunately, this place fit none of those descriptions. The guide takes you into the forest where he calls the monkeys down, and they come to eat bananas from your hand….what a way to spend Easter (: (I’ve posted some pictures on facebook, but I’ll try to post some more soon! I have a few of them and a video) Our guide told us their traditional religion in the area, before the introduction of Christianity, involved the respect of these monkeys. They believed they were messengers, to be treated with great respect and honor. After the introduction of Christianity, this belief in the monkeys was seen as unholy and people started destroying the forest, or worse, killing the monkeys. Finally, an NGO came in and helped to preserve and protect the forest and its adorable inhabitants. Today, the sanctuary is doing pretty amazing things with the income it generates…
We also visited a traditional Kente weaving village in the Volta. Kente is a traditional type of cloth here and the village is devoted to the making of it. The families learn from a very young age and weave all their lives. We went to see the process in their building, which was donated. The material stretches across the entire length of the room from one weaver to another. It was a pretty incredible process to see, and the weavers there were very friendly and sweet.
Here’s our group with our drivers and the kente weavers and their work.
Our last night, we stayed at Jordan’s and my favorite place, called Roots Yard. It is owned by a lovely Rastafarian couple-a man from Ghana and a woman from England, who have two beautiful babies. They have a few different accommodations there, a lovely garden, and a VEGAN restaurant (talk about excited…) Everything was wonderful…we ended up getting a huge rainstorm that lasted all afternoon and night, which was a true blessing. Jordan, Julie and I ended up talking to the couple until three in the morning, discussing books, theories, ideas, and Rastafari. It was a beautiful way to close the weekend…as soon as possible, Jordan and I want to visit again. The couple was so inspiring and their family was beautiful…the location was perfect as well, settled amongst an endless background of green: trees, mountains, gardens…it was truly blissful.
We were greeted in Cape Coast by more rain (YES!) and the University of Cape Coast professors going on strike…which was alright since it meant no class for us, but after two weeks without class, we found there were some challenges with returning… (Both concerning our lack of a desire to be in school here, and with making up the work…) Regardless, this is our week of classes and I’ll just have 3 exams throughout the month of May, which I’m pretty stoked about…Not feeling entirely the same about the end of May, however…Ghana truly has a hold on my heart…
Sending my family and friends more love than you can imagine!! I miss you all so much<3
“Always have a thought…Always make it a beautiful thought.” (Hon. Marcus Garvey)
Wandering through Wonderland 