Second Week in Ghana

January 26, 2007

“Better Late Than Never”

We paid $4.00 each for a chartered bus ride to Cape Coast to visit the slave castles, forts, and dungeons. The bus showed up two hours late! We departed the bus station around 9:30am; two hours late.  We arrived in Cape Coast around 12:30pm. I am so excited to be in the town where the first slave ship set for the Americas. We had lunch at the Castle Restaurant.  We spent most of the day walking around town. It was so hot; I nearly fainted from the heat today.  Ghana is going to get rich off my water consumption, because I will not drink the tap water. We walked about 2 miles through town talking and buying gifts. We shared the streets with the goats and chickens on our way back to the hotel. We even saw a fat pig and a piglet in the courtyard. The children run and play in the streets. They love giving directions, and shouting: Welcome to Ghana”. Today we dined on shrimp fried rice, chicken and rice; red snapper and chips (French fries).

January 27^th, 2007

Is There A Doctor In The House?

I was up and down like hot popcorn all night long. YES!, the dreaded thing happened, I got diarrhea. I’m not in in pain, just constantly going to the bathroom. “Thank you Jesus for being in a nice hotel with constant running water”.

We went to the pharmacy to get some medicine; oral rehydration salt and colodium. The medicine worked very well. Thus, we toured the slave castles and forts today instead of on Sunday. What an emotional day! Entering the castle was a very moving experience. The tour guides were very informative and interactive. “Shirley Wilson should have been here with us on this tour”. I had no idea that I would be so emotional. Entering the “male” slave dungeon was a very touching experience. “It still smells of human flesh and death”.

I walked around touching and rubbing the walls and asking for forgiveness for the past. I stood at the “female” slave dungeon and chills ran over my body. Going through the “door of no return” was also very touching. I watched as Kaneisha walk thru that door and said a special prayer, thanking God that our people is no longer being sold like this.

I cried during the entire tour.  Everyone watching, “who cares”, I cried for yesteryears, today, and tomorrow. We spent the hottest part of the day at the hotel, and roamed the streets at night. We went street shopping, and people watching, or them watching us.

We met up with some of Kaneisha’s friends, Sara, Tony, and Lord for dinner. We went to a very nice restaurant on the beachfront. The service was slow, but the food was delicious. We all ate for $22.00. We took a taxi back to the room, showered and went to bed.

January 28, 2007

Rise and Shine

I slept well last night, only went to the bathroom once, I feel much better. After breakfast, we are scheduled to tour the slave castles in a small town by the name of Elmina, and the rainforest about an hour away.

Our driver picked us up from the hotel around 8:00 am; we arrived at Kuntan Canopy walkway around 9:15 am. Africa’s first and only walkway is made up of 350m long suspended bridges and six tree platforms that reach the height of 500ft above the forest floor.

Last Will and Testament

OMG! I had no earthly idea I had to walk up eight flights of stairs to walk over the canopy walkway. The flight of stairs equal 3 miles. Our tour guide was a very nice guy; we had to stop several times for a break. On the fourth flight of stairs, I begged him to let me stay and become apart of the forest floor. He was so encouraging. “We’ll wait for you mom” he would often say. I felt like my heart was on the ground looking up at me. After arriving at the walkway, I realized I had to walk over seven bridges. I have never prayed so hard in my life. I called on Jesus the whole time. After making it back on solid ground, I was so happy. Now the 3 mile journey back to the car. Oh Lord Jesus please help me.

What A Busy Day.

We also visited the slave castle and fort St. Jiago in Elmina. This is the castle were the Governor and Royals lived. This is also the castle were most of the female salves were housed. These women were used and abused by the Governor, Royals and Soldiers.

I cried more today that I did at the first castle. The smell of death still lingers in this place. I found myself rubbing the walls, praying. I cannot put words onto paper to explain this place. The ride back on the buss to Accra was very crowed and hot, no air-condition-OMG!, Kaneisha slept, Lord and I talked all the way back to campus.

January 29, 2007.

We went to visit Sara who teaches High School on the campus of The University of Cape Coast.

So Impressed!

All the students arrive to school before the teacher. As the teacher enters the room, all the students stand and greet him/her with “Good Morning Madam”. I was so impressed and on the verge of tears. The class ratio her is 1/65. Sixty-five students, quietly sitting in their seats. The students were very respectful; they were excited to have visitors in the classroom. The room was hot; however, the students did not show any signs of discomfort.  The students think that I am from the Ashante Tribe. This Tribe is located in the upper region of Ghana. We took pictures of the students. The boys were rowdy as usual, making fun of the girls. The girls were very quite.

One student by the name of Linda wants to be Tameka’s pen-pal, she is so cute, and I took a picture with her to bring home to Tameka. We all witnessed the school head master, as they call them, cane a student today. His shirt was not neatly tucked in thus he was out of dress code. OMG! The American students would be beat to a pulp by the end of the day, if we had these practices.

January 30, 2007

Slow Down

I’ve been in Ghana a week now-time need to slow down-I spent the earlier part of the day reading, and relaxing. We went to visit a friend who lives in a very nice neighborhood. We watched TV and had a wonderful conversation. Some of the homes are over 4500sq ft. She states “my home is small”, it’s around 3200 sq ft, go figure. Tonight is lights out again; I’m use to it now, so we will probably sit around in the dark, eating the sweetest pineapple on earth.

January 31, 2007

They Made Me Proud!

I visited the Elementary School close to the University of Ghana. The students all shouted “Welcome Madam, and stood and clapped. They made me feel so welcome. I am so impressed how the students stand to address the teacher. I love all the smiling faces. The all wanted to know so much about the “American Way”.  Today, they studied Drug abuse and their affect on your body. Spelling words for today, (keep in mind, this is a primary class-ages 7 to 13) Heroine, Cocaine, Marijuana, Prescription, Excessive, Peer Pressure, Prospects, and Depression. These students are eager to learn. The teachers are underpaid; the average is $150.00 a month. (Min. wage here is $2.00 a day). The Teachers in USA would not be able to teach a class of 65 students and contain control. ADHD does not exist here.

Our night time activities included a youth dance skit. The performance was amazing-even though it started on African time; two hours late.

February 01, 2007

Are You Ghanaian?

This is the questing I’m asked on a daily basis. Everyone her thinks I’m Ghanaian until I start talking, then they look confused. Speaking out loud, as if I can’t hear, “she is not Ghanaian”. “She looks Ghanaian”.

Today I’m spent the day with the fourth grade classroom. I arrived on campus around 9:30 am, all the students screaming for me to please attend his or her classroom. I am truly loved here (LOL) and loving it. Today the Students learned about the environment. What is Waste? Wasteful practices at school, home, and work. All the students participated in class. I spent all day with the students. School let out at 2:45pm, the students did not want to go home. We sat in the library until 4:00pm talking and having fun. I finally told them I had to go wee-wee” and tipped out the back way and went home-totally exhausted. “I’m taking Friday off”.

February 02, 2007.

We spent most of the day resting and shopping. I rode the Tro-Tro for the first time-15 or more people in one mini-van-what a ride; the driver drove like a bat out of hell. I wonder why they only change .10 cents to ride.

We went to a very nice jazz club/restaurant for dinner (Jazz Tones). We had a very nice time. This place is owned by an American Women who moved from LA. We dined on BBQ ribs and the fixings; I was in hog heaven, real American food. I even licked my fingers. We do that in Texas yall-they looked at me like was nuts. I’m not here to stay, so who cares!

February 03, 2007

I spent most of today sitting on the beach, people watching. The beach area is very nice. The area is managed by the “Rastas”. They love to have fun and smoke their weed. They welcome you to the area by offering you a hit from this great big joint. However, I declined the offer. The drug heads from home would love this place. I’ve been asked about five times for my hand in marriage. I think these guys are too high! One even tried to follow me in the restroom; he stated he needed to go for my safety. I sure hate to end up in jail over here; but this man is about to make me act the fool out here.  We left the beach before sundown for our safety; I didn’t want to wake up being a new bride.

February 04, 2007

“Lord Have Mercy”

Charles and Jasper, a couple of Kaneisha’s Ghanaian friends took us sightseeing today. We went to a Wildlife Reserve Center in Shi Hills, about an hour away. We rode in an air-condition car yall. I was so happy. The small things we take for granted at home. We walked a total of four miles in the heat; temp around 84 degrees. We fed bananas to the monkeys. After the four mile walk, we went to the other side of the park to see the antelopes.  The tour guide took us on a journey into the mountains; approx. 55’ into the mountains. I’ve never, ever, in my life climbed anything like this in my life. After arriving at the top, we entered a huge cave. This is one of the caves where the people fled to when the slave trade was taking place. It is amazing how it is sill arranged like a place to live. This has truly been a wonderful experience for me. Going back down the mountain was just as tiring. I was glad to be back at the bottom. Looking up at that mountain from the bottom was breathtaking. (I called myself one big fool when reality set in). We spent the rest of the evening at a pool party. The food and company was great...

My First Week in Ghana

Greetings  from Ghana, the internet service here is very slow. The City has been experiencing Lights Out more than usual. However, today I am able to use the internet to finally let you know what I’ve been up to the first eight days here.

Ghana Accra-January 22, 2007

“I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it”

  Oh my goodness, planning for this trip has been an emotional roller coaster. I’m so excited about taking my first trip out f the USA, other than Mexico. I’m on my way to Ghana!  First of all, my passport and visa did not arrive in the mail until Sat. at 7:00 pm. I was on pins and needles. I couldn’t bring myself to pack until I had the paperwork in hand.

 Kaneisha and I fought like cats and dogs, I think we were both too nervous. I finally forced myself to pack on Sunday around 9:30pm. “Stressed to the max”. We arrived at the airport around 6:00 am, our flight due to depart at 8:00.  Our flight to Atlanta GA was short and sweet. I finally settled down to relax.

Kaneisha meet a classmate from Ghana at the airport in Atlanta (what a small world) His name is Skilet. He and his family spent the holidays in Houston. The flight to NYC was uneventful. I slept the entire trip to NYC. We arrived on time. OMG! We had to walk so far to the gate to depart for Ghana. (I needed the exercise ) LOL. Kaneisha decides she is hungry and leaves to get something to eat, with Skilet in tow; five minutes later, the plane began to broad. OMG! Kaneisha and Skilet is no where to be found, my BP is around 200/190 at this time. Several PA announcements went to for last call to Accra Ghana. At this time, I’m in panic mode; I began to beg and plead with the flight attendants not to depart without us. At the very last second, she and all the other fourteen passengers came running down the hall. The flight attendant even tried to get me to board without Kaneisha, stating “There is always another flight, she can take the next one in the morning”. I must have given a look for hell, because she gave me this fake smile, stating “just kidding”.

The flight to Ghana from NYC was 5693 miles. I slept most of the way, due to pure exhaustion. The food on the flight was same as usual-airline food never changes. We arrived in Ghana on time, Tuesday morning at 8:00 am; 2:00am Austin time.

January 23, 2007

“welcome home my sister”

  I got off the plane full of excitement-welcome to Ghana flowing all around-getting though the airport was much easier than expected. The Ghanian people are really friendly. Everyone I meet ask, “are you Ghanian?” They think that I am trying to pass as an American-No really I tell them I am from the US. The have even placed me in the Ashante Tribe. All I need now is a home and a job, and I’m all set. The taxi trip to campus was wild. OMG! They drive just like the drivers in Mexico. “Look out here I come”. I held on for dear life-smiling all the way.

Arriving to the University of  Ghana was pure excitement, students everywhere. We spent most of first day registering for school. We took the taxi across campus for $1.00. The local City bus is only  ten cents. The weather today is 80+ and very dusty. Kaneisha walked the heck out of me over this campus. I could never be a student again.

I ate my first meal at one of the Student halls. I’m still paying the price for that. We dined on rice, beans and beef feet. The beans tasted like dirt-really, they did not wash the beans, thus, we hit grit and quit eating. We took another taxi back to Kaneisha’s room, jet lag began to set in-I was so tired and hot. Kaneisha took a “cold shower”, I told her that I would not take a “cold shower”, OH NO NOT ME!. Never say never, I broke down and showered for 15 minutes, never knew cold water could feel so good. I fell onto Kaneisha’s bed and slept like a baby.

Im am living at a place called Mangoes Guest House. The room is nothing fancy, however, it is very large, clean, safe, and has running water, and lights.

January 24, 2007

“Time to Rise and Shine”

I Popped my eyes open-I felt as if I’d slept for hours (8:30pm to 1:30am), so I get out of bed and turn on the light and TV; the State of the Union Address is on, at this time, I realize that it is only 8:30pm in Austin. My time clock is confused. I’m back in bed by 2:00 am, unable to get out of bed on time to start the day.

“Lights Out!”

I got out of bed around 5:30 am, I’ve experienced my first lights out at 7:00 am, what a good time to read, pray, or just listen to myself think. I can’t believe I’m not freaking out-it’s very peaceful. The lights did not come back on until 9:15pm, 14 hours later. Kaneisha and her friends went out, I went to bed. I’m going to class with Kaneisha tomorrow-I can hardly wait! The students are very excited about school.

January 25, 2007

“TWI “

My first  day of class with Kaneisha was so exciting. She is taking Twi, one of the languages spoken here in Ghana. Class was very interactive, I learned a great deal in the one hour. The instructor is very informative, well organized and knowledgeable teacher. Kaneisha is going to learn so much in this class.

After class, we went to the mall to shop for fabric to have our dresses made. It was hard to decide on a color, as all the fabric is so beautiful (yet expensive). However, I’m only her once! After shopping, we went to the internet café to try to send e-mails without luck. We had had dinner at this popular place called “Frankes”. The food was fabulous. I played it safe and ordered a hamburger and fries; I was too hungry to venture outside of the box. Tomorrow, we will be taking a charted bus ride to Cape Coast  to tour the Slave Castles and forts; a three hour trip.