Gaffers
Callum Gaffney Joined: July 16th 2009
Logged in: June 10th 2010
Logged in: June 10th 2010
Travel Blog Posts
Greetings from Ghana
Now this blog isn’t about what I did in Ghana. I could describe, the Stilt village, the four hour hike to Wli Falls, being chased by groups of ecstatic children in an orphanage, shopping in a Togolese Voodoo market or dancing through the streets of Accra in a downpour, to shouts of “Silly Obroni’s.” But if you wanted to know that, then surely a knock on the door would have given you everything. How’s that saying go? “A picture says a thousand words?” Well I have them, but I don’t see the point being wrapped in self absorption, too busy to speak, too busy to share experiences. No, this blog, isn’t for anybody but me. A chance to think and type, but if there is something in here that you enjoy or reflect on, then good. ... read more
Stilt Village
Whilst in Ghana, there are lots of things to see and do, but one of the most breath taking views for me is not the scenery of golden beaches, or the beautiful overviews of Mole National Park, but the way of life within one of the simplistic areas of Ghana. In my view the Nzulezo Stilt Village is truly remarkable, the way of living here is unbelievable, and the hardest thing to do was to leave to our luxury Beyin Beach Resort. As another weekend went by we decided to travel towards the West coast just 12km from the Ivory Coast border. As we arrived in Beyin to a beautiful beach resort, surrounded by towering palm trees golden beaches and the ocean breeze, we were in luxury not to mention the treat of a Hot ... read more
Mole National Park
Who knew that travelling could be so fatiguing, almost 24 hours of bumpy dirt tracks can be a gruelling task, as six volunteers ventured North of Ghana in what was only going to be an exhausting but brilliant trip. Starting our trip at Kenneshi Station at 14:30, full of joy and anticipation, we bought supplies for the trip and we were on our way, who would have thought our morale could instantly decrease so quickly. There are again no points for guessing who I was lumbered with as a coach buddy, yes Catlady (Hollie.) I don’t know how but every time this happens, this time it was the Coach Company that held my destiny. So a twelve hour journey to Tamale, with a girl that’s attention span is as long as a Goldfish, the torture had ... read more
It’s half time in Ghana, four weeks in to my trip, and to be perfectly honest, if I was to have to describe Ghana I would struggle to pin point the answer. During my stay I often say: “I hate every second but loving every minuet.” A statement that to somebody who hasn’t experienced such a journey can sound unsettling and may need some sort of explanation. Ghana is defiantly a test of endurance, the costrophobic tro-tro journeys, humid weather, crowded streets and the stench of open sewers can be sometimes over bearing. However it is not solely a physical battle but more a test of mental endurance. In order to survive in Ghana it is essential to be able to be content with the constant stares, every time you leave the house, it is ... read more
Kokobite Beach
Adventures of Bambi and Catlady This weekend was clearly the weekend to travel, well nobody told us! The majority of our group decided to travel. The numbers dwindled down to just two, myself and Hollie, a partnership that can only described as dangerous however highly amusing when together. Our weekend of mayhem started early on Friday lunch time, after a hard mornings work we decided a well deserved quick lunch date was needed, a simple lunch hour what could go wrong? A decision was made on African cuisine and the smallest dubious chop bar was our diner. With Hollie having a deathly allergy to fish it is always essential to know exactly what we are going to be served. So ordering Jolof Rice (A slightly spiced plain rice dish) was always going to be a ... read more
Ada-Foa
Ada-Foa Staying in Accra, is by no means like staying in any other city across the world, with its streets cramped with street sellers, stalls and cars, it is with no surprise that Accra is named the Gateway City. However charming and different the city may be, Accra itself is without its obvious beauty. To experience Ghana’s beautiful scenery a trip away for the weekend is a must. So, four hours in a 20 seated tro-tro, with little room to manoeuvre we were on our way to what would prove to be an eventful weekend away and Ada-Foa was the destination. Hours later we arrived in a derelict market place, met by three mysterious men that guided us on to what could only be described as an old aboriginal boat. Yes I know what you are ... read more
Tro-Tro
Tro’s through an Obroni Eye. A far cry from anything I have ever experienced back home in the UK or anywhere else in the world for that matter, the Tro-Tro system here in Ghana is that of mind-boggling. The typical Tro-Tro, is a far cry from the buses back home, but they are not without their charms. It is remarkable that these buses are still in transit, a vehicle that is long past its best and often are without what we Obroni’s take for granted. When I say taking for granted, by no means do I mean, luxury comforts such as Air Conditioning, no I mean the basic essentials: Drivers Safety Mirrors or simply a door? These traits of a tro add to the affectionate and enjoyment of making the journey. On boarding the vehicle after ... read more
Winneba
From witch doctors to medicines there are many beliefs on the healing process, but can artwork be the catalyst to a speedy recovery? Projects abroad, a reputable volunteering company have kindly donated GH¢ 1,100.00 worth of paint to Winneba Municipal Hospital. The donation will be put to good use, with plans to decorate various building with art work and paintings. Paint is obviously not the most practiced of medicine, however it is believed to create a conductive atmosphere for a speedy healing process. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah a Medical practioner at the Winneba Municipal Hospital gratefully accepted the donations saying: “Artwork and a vibrant atmosphere can sometimes act as a medicine, it provides a good atmosphere and psychological relief or healing to those who are sick or seeking health.” Volunteering company Projects Abroad have been operating in ... read more
Closer and Closer to Europe Hearts of Oaks are counting the days to what could prove their biggest match in their history on Sunday afternoon. A win on Sunday will equal Kotoko’s record of winning the One Touch league for an impressive twentieth time. However club Public Relation Manager Albert Commeyo Aryeetey stressed the importance of the club having a strong relationship with its supporters and local community in order to move forward. “We see ourselves as a family club, it is important to have a bond with the community and we feel it is our duty to support them as they support us.” Hearts of Oaks have been known to visit local schools, universities and villages the care in the community is said to form a unique relationship with the fans. “Everything we do is ... read more
Ministry of Confusion With no longer than 48 hours till the US president touches down in Ghana, all planning and preparations are completed and finalised, at least that is what one would’ve expected. With the whole world watching the reunion of Barack Obama to Africa, it is hard to believe such mayhem could arise with such a historic event due to take place. The Ministry of Information was the location of such confusion, on Thursday morning as journalists flocked to an “off the record” press conference, a conference that gave little information that was necessary for journalists to do their job. Journalists from all corners of the world touched down in Accra to report on the arrival of the US President. However many journalists had been left confused, annoyed and deterred as they tried to gain ... read more
