Friday in Ghana

Hello, it is Friday here in Ghana. I can't remember where I left off from before so if I repeat myself, I apologize...

Yesterday on Thursday, we woke up early and headed to the coast. The traffic in the city can be so slow. It would be very hard for me to drive here. You have to be so cautious and alert as there are people and animals wandering on the sides of the road throughout the entire drive. Add to this pot holes and the other drivers and it is really crazy! I get slightly nervous at times as to whether or not the animals and people will move far enough to the side so we don't hit them. They always seem to. It is especially nervous when the women on the side of the road are carrying heavy things on their heads such as about 10 1.5 liters of water and soda. I don't know how they do it but I find myself saying little prayers that the load stays on their head and they don't lose it as we are passing by inches away from them at 50 miles per hour! There are these signs that basically say don't drive tired and I was telling Edward (our driver) that I don't know how anyone can be tired driving or as a passenger with all this action so close to the car!

I was excited to get to the Cape Coast as this was one of my great uncle's favorite places to be. I can see why, the beach here is really beautiful. The Cape Coast is not too far from McCarthy Hill which was the last place he was living as a retired priest. When we passed McCarthy Hill, Edward said that it is where the rich lived so I have a feeling that his final retirement home was a little nicer than previous places he lived which made me feel good. I look forward to calling and setting up the time to go around with his driver and to see some places where he worked as soon as we get back from the coast.

When we arrived at the coast, we immediately went to the Elmina Castle which was one of the places used to hold Africans until they were transported to other countries as slaves. As I expected, this was very sad to see. It was hard to hear about how the 6 to 7 million Africans that went through this castle were treated. To see and be in the actual dungeons they were in and where so many died, was emotional. These rooms were dark, hot and had such little ventilation. I have always had a hard time hearing about the horrible ways in which human beings have treated each other in the past and even how they still do. This castle was something that once seeing, you will never forget.

Edward joined Molly and I for dinner last night which was wonderful as he was is a wealth of information. We so enjoy the stories he shares with us about Africa. He is from the same tribe that Selina is from and so it is good to hear about his people, the Ga tribe. He is a little shy and quiet but I think he gets a kick out of the conversation that goes on between Molly and I as we have been such good friends for so long.

Today we woke up and went to the bridges at Kakum National Park. It is a series of seven suspended very high one person bridges that you go over. It is not for those afraid of heights. As in my typical fashion to be the one in the family that does not take as many risks, I did not go on the bridges. TR can do that when he goes to Ghana and I promised Edward that TR will be our family representative to conquer the bridges. Molly, who is afraid of heights decided to do it and overcome her fear. She did a beautiful job, I am so proud of her and now I owe her a Guiness Beer that she will enjoy at dinner to celebrate a fear overcome!! Yea Molly!

We also went to the market today and I purchased material from which a traditional dress will be made for Selina. I am happy with the bright fabric I chose and cannot wait to see the dress which should be ready tomorrow or Sunday. I also purchased a few smaller instruments so that the kids can have their own little band when we get home. It should be lovely!!

Tonight, we will enjoy dinner with Edward and there will be drummers drumming on the beach which our hotel is on. Molly and I have been looking most forward to the drummers, and can't wait to experience it! After that it is ladies night, disco music at the hotel, but I am not sure that we will partake in that! There is a nice large group here from the University of Texas that we have met. Molly bonded with a few of them on the bridges and so if we see them, we would love to chat with them more as they have enjoyed two weeks here in Ghana so we want to hear about what they have seen!

I must go freshen up before the drumming...

To Cater and Kman- I love you!! I can't wait for an update on how you are doing! I hope you all have a fabulous three day weekend and I plan to check back in tomorrow...

Jennine