weekend in Ghana

Easter was especially memorable this year.

No, we didn't go to church or share communion. We, but, spent a much-needed weekend away in Ghana. We celebrated in our togetherness, in our inner moments of quiet reflections, and in the rest of our spirits. We experienced another African country. And we made new memories...

After we were cleared by immigration and crossed the border, we were immediately bombarded by locals asking us if we wanted to exchange money, and get a taxi. They wanted our business. And it didn't help matters that our white skin screamed "foreigner" and "money." It was a little overwhelming. But, my wise and calm husband took over and we were able to exchange money (even though they discreetly tried to cheat us 6 CD's) and we piled into a car taxi with three other locals for the first leg of our journey: a three-hour drive to the capital city of Accra.

This brings me to our first-hand experience of African driving. Not that we haven't been out in the 15 months we've been here. Its just that its either been in the form of walking, or in a landrover where Tim or another of our crew is driving. And of course, observing their driving on the streets. Big difference. Number one, they drive FAST. Number two, they don't slow down if they are approaching another vehicle or pedestrian. Instead, they honk. This is their way of saying, "I'm coming, get out of the way!" And number three, they pass each other despite oncoming traffic, expecting the oncoming vehicle to slow down when they see you coming in their lane. We were never in any real danger, but I said many quiet prayers for protection :-).

Aside from the bumps and potholes here and there, the scenery was beautiful. It was refreshing to be off ship and in the city, to be "among," and enjoy the countryside and villages we passed through. I was surprised by the city of Accra. It appeared to be much more developed. It had paved roads and street lights. Billboard advertisements and some western-style building structures. It also appeared to have a lot of Christian influence. Many vehicles had Christian expressions on the back, like "Heaven Helps," or "The Lord is King." Tim's pretty sure our bus said "Meet Jesus" on the back :-). Most of the street-side businesses were named from Scripture like "The Lord is My Shepherd Hair" or "God Will Provide Enterprises." I was pretty intrigued by this and enjoyed reading the names (Ghana is English-speaking).

Here in Accra, we learned the art of bartering for transportation. The taxi drivers see the white skin and simply try to rip you off. I share this not to portray a negative light on the African people. Please, don't misinterpret me. I love these people. Its just simply part of their culture; a business interaction. Its expected. And they expect you to barter down (even though they hope you are gullible enough to pay the ridiculous price). You really can't blame them. Tim had this skill fairly mastered by our return :-).

After another three-hour bus ride to Cape Coast and a short taxi ride, we arrived in Elmina to our resort-like hotel off the beach. We stayed in the "African Village" section of the hotel in a mud hut with a fan (2/3 the price!). It was warm of course (we didn't even have to dry off after a shower), but the fan made it tolerable and allowed us to sleep. We spent very little inside, except to sleep.

The next day was the highlight of our weekend and worth the seven-hour drive! We spent the first few hours of our morning at Kakum National Park where we hiked up to the top of the rainforest. Here we walked across the 350 meter long canopy walk over the rainforest. We walked over seven bridges, the longest being about 70 feet long. Once we recovered from the initial nerves of what we were actually doing and looking down at the drop, we took in the spectacular view of the tree tops and the lush vegetation/surroundings. It was indeed a life-time experience!!

From the canopy walk we rode to a nearby hotel that is built over a lake full of over 4o crocodiles. Here, we got to touch a tame crocodile just like that! Its mouth wasn't even tied shut... we were only inches away. :-)

We then visited an old, historic slave-trade castle that was only a few miles from our hotel. Ghana used to have over thirty such castles back in the day. These castles were where the slaves were taken to and held while waiting for the ships to come and take them away, never to return. It was very moving to hear the stories. A couple I won't forget, like how each slave was marked with their owner's initials on their hand, chest, or back with burning metal. Or how they were chained to a cannon-sized ball and forced to sit in the hot sun for hours without food or water. We went down to the "room of no return" where, from there, the slaves passed through a key-like hole off the shore onto a slave ship. They were never seen again.

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening off the beach, relaxing in the sun, in the pool, in a book, in the sound of the waves, and in conversation. That night we enjoyed a delicious meal off the beach, and watched an African dance and acrobat show.

We spent our last day back in Accra at an air-conditioned hotel where we spent the afternoon walking the street in search of Fanmilk, playing pool, and a "day-in."

Ghana was just what we needed. We were blessed.

Thank you for all of your sweet comments, encouragement, and prayers. I returned to learn that the patient who was dying, passed a peaceful death that morning. He left this world peacefully and loved by all who cared for him.