A very speedy update from Ghana! Was planning to write a blog update later today but have just discovered the internet cafe closes in an hour's time and won't reopen again before we leave town..
Since leaving the capital city of Accra, we headed west along the coast to a place called Elmina where we spent two nights camping on the beach. A beautiful spot - palm trees, white sand, and warm water, although we were mostly out and about visiting various places so only found time for a quick swim on the final afternoon. Whilst the weather is hot and the sea was warm, the skies are very hazy rather than sunny. Apparently this is typical of this time of year when the Saharan winds blow a dust over West Africa. Whilst we don't feel the winds this far south, the sky is grey and hazy.
There are several forts and castles along the coastline where the slave trade once flourished. This was where the slaves were held for months on end before being traded and shipped overseas. Very interesting and humbling to visit when one considers the unimaginable suffering that once took place there. On a brighter note, we took a trip inland to a great area of unspoilt rainforest which had canopy walkways in the treetops. We also saw the coffin makers at work. In Ghana, many people are buried inside the most incredibly intricate coffins carved out of wood. Shapes range from cars to tigers to a coke can!!
We are now in Kumasi, Ghana's second city, and home to West Africa's largest market. Arrived here yesterday late afternoon and we are camping rather randomly in the grounds of the Presbyterian Mission for two nights. Today is very much a free day in terms of deciding what we do be it visiting the market, cultural centre, relaxing, etc. We will leave tomorrow morning to head north towards Mole National Park which is apparently home to lots of elephants so looking forward to seeing some wildlife.
Since leaving the capital city of Accra, we headed west along the coast to a place called Elmina where we spent two nights camping on the beach. A beautiful spot - palm trees, white sand, and warm water, although we were mostly out and about visiting various places so only found time for a quick swim on the final afternoon. Whilst the weather is hot and the sea was warm, the skies are very hazy rather than sunny. Apparently this is typical of this time of year when the Saharan winds blow a dust over West Africa. Whilst we don't feel the winds this far south, the sky is grey and hazy.
There are several forts and castles along the coastline where the slave trade once flourished. This was where the slaves were held for months on end before being traded and shipped overseas. Very interesting and humbling to visit when one considers the unimaginable suffering that once took place there. On a brighter note, we took a trip inland to a great area of unspoilt rainforest which had canopy walkways in the treetops. We also saw the coffin makers at work. In Ghana, many people are buried inside the most incredibly intricate coffins carved out of wood. Shapes range from cars to tigers to a coke can!!
We are now in Kumasi, Ghana's second city, and home to West Africa's largest market. Arrived here yesterday late afternoon and we are camping rather randomly in the grounds of the Presbyterian Mission for two nights. Today is very much a free day in terms of deciding what we do be it visiting the market, cultural centre, relaxing, etc. We will leave tomorrow morning to head north towards Mole National Park which is apparently home to lots of elephants so looking forward to seeing some wildlife.
Sounds like fun so far! Please put a picture or two if you have a chance. Travel safe
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh! I will try and post some pictures soon but usually the internet connection isn't good enough.
ReplyDelete