Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 1 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=306086] | 2008-07-29 20:51:59
 Denise Ward | Denise Ward | Travel Blog |
Denise Ward - Denise Ward
After six years of school as a returning student (55 years old), student loans, and nose to the grindstone, I am embarking on a journey to work in Kenya and Ghana, as a volunteer, for nine months. In addition to nutrition services, I expect to provide HIV/AIDS education, and other health-related education services.
On the way to Kenya, my friend Mary and I will visit England and Ireland. On October 21, Mary will return to New York, and I will depart from London to Nairobi, Kenya.
This travel blog will bring my new world to my family and friends, and help keep us connected while I am away.
TB Code: [blogger=49324]
Status: BLOGGER
On the way to Kenya, my friend Mary and I will visit England and Ireland. On October 21, Mary will return to New York, and I will depart from London to Nairobi, Kenya.
This travel blog will bring my new world to my family and friends, and help keep us connected while I am away.
Joined on: October 2nd 2007
Last Login: July 29th 2008
Blog Entries: 29
Photos: 22
Last Login: July 29th 2008
Blog Entries: 29
Photos: 22
Status: BLOGGER
Blogs & Travel Journals
by Denise-Ward, order by Date newest first.By Denise Ward
July 29th 2008
July 29th 2008
I'm in New York City!
North America » United States » New York » New York » Manhattan
Landed safely and on time this morning via British Airways after two 7-hour flights - first from Ghana to London, then 2-hour layover and plane change, then second 7-hour leg to JFK and NYC. Last fall and now, superb service on BA, in the airports, including Accra, where I had to repackage my luggage 3 times to avoid extra fees and meet regulations - all on the patient advice of counter rep, and a floor attendant giving me a much appreciated helping hand. Same nice help on the plane, dealing with my too large plastic bag with fragile items. Great food, [View Full Entry]
Mother and Baby Mona Monkey
from "Ghana Volta Region Natural Wonders" by Denise Ward (photo by Celia Ponzo)
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 6 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=305079] | 2008-07-27 13:10:45
The day following our river trek, Paul took us to another river spot, a short drive from Kpeve town. No rice farming in this spot, just the peaceful, quiet beauty of the river, fishermen, boats, and fisher family activity in open huts on the shore. Looking across the river at this place is an island (or what looks to be an island) on which Paul dreams of having an ecotourist resort for all income levels, Ghanaians and international visitors. We had a fun day, unlike no other. In addition to enjoying the river, scenery, boats, and fishermen and family activities, we [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 5 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=305075] | 2008-07-27 12:40:27
By Denise Ward
July 27th 2008
July 27th 2008
Have I Really Been Here Over Nine Months?
Africa » Ghana » Volta » Lake Volta
At 6:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, I hope to see a trotro to Accra stopping to pick me up beside the road at the top of the path to my home for the past seven weeks. Ready to be home and seeing family and friends, starting over with a new career (aka finding a job!), finding a home, purchasing a vehicle and paying over $4 per gallon (and rising!) for fuel, getting a phone and new cell phone plan - all the benefits and challenges of our society and culture. But, I will certainly miss this more simple but not so easy [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 1 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=305105] | 2008-07-27 14:17:53
By Denise Ward
July 23rd 2008
July 23rd 2008
Trekking through the bush to the Dayi River
Africa » Ghana » Volta » Lake Volta
Knowing the Dayi River was somewhere west and not far from Have, I asked two of Florence’s (our cook) nephews, Richard and Samson, to escort Celia and I to the river. They confirmed that we could hire a fisherman there to take us out in a boat (hand hewn from one log). The 1.5 hour trek from Have-Etoe town to the Dayi River took us past town residents’ farms growing mostly cassava, yam, maize, and okra. Nearing the river, I was surprised by an old village, the original village of Have, where villagers, far from town, make a quiet living fishing [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 4 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=303635] | 2008-07-23 16:20:33
A day at an outreach clinic + Celia’s boyfriend’s research project = spontaneous weekend trip across border to Togo capital city of Lomé. Hadn’t planned on visiting Ghana neighbors, though heard border crossing was easy. Well, it is…if you are Ghanaian! But, still, relatively simple for a visitor. During down time at an outreach clinic in a small village called Ando No. 2 (outlying village of Have), I pulled out my Ghana map and tourist guide. Joyce and Louisa, clinic nurses, showed us their homes on the map, one of which is very near the Togo border in southeast [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 4 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=299663] | 2008-07-14 16:46:01
By Denise Ward
July 3rd 2008
July 3rd 2008
Last stop - Have, Volta Region, Ghana
Africa » Ghana » Volta » Lake Volta
After six months in Kenya and two months in Ghana, I am now at the final post of my first African journey. My new roommate, Celia, and I arrived from Accra on July 11. Celia, from Rome, Italy, studies anthropology at Brunel University in London. She is 21 years old and has traveled extensively, including trips to several other African countries, and fluently speaks Italian, French, German, Spanish, and English. I feel quite deficient, only speaking English. This last assignment is by no means my most enjoyable or satisfying, but the town and region are beautiful, and I am excited to [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 1 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=294893] | 2008-07-03 17:16:59
Hi everyone! Have tried to send something for almost two weeks. Between lost connections and computer failure.... A few words about Ghana and where I am. Aworowa is a village in Techiman district, in the Brong-Ahafo region. Hopefully, you can locate on a map. Is northwest of Kumasi, a large city and headquarters of the Ashanti region. Aworowa consists of a small town and surrounding rural homes. My position is at the Aworowa Health Center, aka Aworowa Clinic. About a 10 minute taxi ride from Techiman (costs $.50), a small city with huge outdoor market, and full array of business [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 0 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=274816] | 2008-05-22 18:35:11
Wishing Kenya well. and welcome to Ghana! Leaving Kenya was bittersweet. Time to go, but also wanting to stay. After three months, was attached to the Dago/Ranen community, Odoyo family, and other friends. My brief stay with the Maasai only showed me how much I missed when my two week program scheduled for February was cancelled. But, the short time there was valuable in making a connection with program hosts and community leaders, Emmanuel and wife Lilian. Also, in introduction to Maasai culture, basic history - had previously read, but got personal insight - and current lifestyle i [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 0 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=271827] | 2008-05-01 13:46:26
By Denise Ward
April 16th 2008
April 16th 2008
Supa from Transmara (Maasai land)
Africa » Kenya » Rift Valley Province » Masai Mara NP
Supa everyone! A brief visit to Namunyak, a program in the Transmara - Maasai land. Was to have spent 2 weeks here in February, prior to 7 weeks in Nairobi - but all that was cancelled with post-election violence. Only a few days here. Just enough to tour some of the projects and limited introduction to Maasai culture and issues here. Another wonderful host family, and dedicated community leaders. My daughter, Micky, is here for a few more days. We go on safari tomorrow to the world famous Maasai Mara Reserve. Unfortunately, the Maasai don't benefit. Owned and operated by outsider [View Full Entry]
Denise Ward - Denise Ward | Read The Full Entry | Subscribe | 0 Comment(s) | 0 Photo(s) | 0 Video(s) | [diary=267071] | 2008-04-16 15:43:43