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Wren here: Today, after accomplishing the feat of eating five whole mangoes for breakfast, we left Kumasi for Cape Coast. Before our bumpy five hour bus ride to Cape Coast, though, we had the pleasure of a 40 minute car ride to the bus station with Ralph, Rachel, Wren, and Anna all crammed into the back seat, intensley humid, 90 degree weather, Ralph and Wren in long pants, and... windows that couldn't open!! The smell in the car was quite potent and, combined with the heat, it made for a tough ride. Anna was quite close to fainting I think. By the time we got to the station, our clothes were literally drenched in sweat. But, on the other hand, it made what we would usually consider the hot and humid outdoors feel almost like winter! The bus ride was interrupted halfway to Cape Coast because we had to walk over a bridge across a river to a different bus on the other side since the bridge couldn't hold our bus. There was also a sign that said, "If cars contain deceased bodies, you must perform rites before crossing the bridge." The next bus had some great Ghanaian music. One of the songs was saying something like "Psycho Babble, Psycho Babble" in a high operatic voice. Very interesting. We got to Cape Coast safe and sound and went to meet one of George's friends who was supposed to show us around. It turns out he had no idea where our hotel was or where anything else was for that matter, but luckily our taxi driver knew where to find it. We are staying in the Hans Cottage Botel (I'm going to assume that's Boat and Hotel mixed), which is very nice and has it's own lake/pond with a real crocodile! I do feel slightly disconnected from the real Ghana here, but the gecko I foudn in my shoe helped some. We had a great time at dinner, trading scary stories with Ralph and talking about eating different kinds of animals. As far as we can tell, Ralph has eaten them all, except for dog (even giraffe, iguana, and cat!). Ralph is an amazing guy with lots of character. We're so, so lucky to have him. Also, we found out that Obama is actually going to speak here in Cape Coast as well as in Accra, so we may go try to see his speech on Saturday. This reminds me of something George said when we were in Accra, "You know, though, Obama is really like a coconut." (Hint: think 'Oreo cookie').
Ok, and now, for you Mama, a little more of a description of Ghana in general. There are very strong smells everywhere we go. Some good, some bad, some completely unidentifiable. Many of the roads are dirt, with lots of pot holes. Traffic is absolutelyl insane. Cars are within inches of another car before they brake. There are lots of buses (more like vans) called Tro-Tros and lots of taxis. Honking is almost constant - people honk to switch lanes, honk at people in their way, at other cars who slow down, at their driver friends, and often just for fun. There are people selling things all along the road. Women are weaving in and out of the crowded streets carrying food, laundry, and groceries on their heads with incredible grace and strength. The are lots of brightly painted houses and many that are only partly completed. Some houses in the villages are made out of mud (I'll try to get some pictures for you, Eric!). There are shops selling fabric, car parts, food, etc. Most of them have names like "God is Powerful Motors" and "Jesus Gives Us Life Electricals." My favorite is "My God Key Service." It is truly amazing to be able to experience this place up close.
P.S. My dear father would also like you to know that he has found lots of cool tree frogs, snakes, lizards, and bugs. He has pictures and will show you when we get home!
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mr. mr.
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car parts
Hey , maybe you could bring some car parts home and we can install them on the truck. Anything will do. Also bring back some bags of smells or smelly things. This a cool blog! You must be spies, you are going everywhere.