More Postings From Ghana

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Hello Wonderful Friends! I had some free time (the first in days) so I wanted to let you know that I am doing well. Goodness, where to start. The time in Accra was wonderful...there was so much information about the history of Ghana and the politics of the present. I really enjoyed learning about the African Perspective of the Slave Trade and Women's Roles in Africa. The professor told us that Ghanaians are not normally taught about the history of slavery. I'll have to explain more later, but it has to do with different types of slaves and family lineage.

I think people would be so surprised to find that Accra is just like an American city, just a bit less develped. We spent several days there, and although the trip to the North took 8 hours, I was really glad to be out of the city. The north is much more rural and I've found the people to be nicer. The hardest part is seeing the poverty, but people don't seem to be as caught up with material possessions as we are. My roommate and I had a good discussion about what poverty really means. We've decided that it's a lack of choice.

I can't wait to show you pictures! The ones from the Jungle Walk are the best. I bet you that I was within 30 feet of an elephant!!! We we got back up to the Mole Lodge and looked back down at the watering hole, we counted 17 elephants! I can't even wrap my mind around it! Yesterday we visited the Slave Market in Northern Africa. It was where the slaves were brought before they were transferred to the South. They were told that they were going to the South to help load the ships in Cape Coast. Because they were not familiar with the language, they had no idea they were being sold. It was heart breaking...I imagine it must be much like people who are Jewish would feel if they were to visit the Nazi Death Camps. I'm somewhat nervous about visiting the slave castles as I know it will be emotional.

I'm having an amazing time so far, but I'm starting to miss home. I feel selfish but I miss my things and Wendy's hamburgers. I'm also looking forward to having time to myself to process all this information. I've had lots of conversations with all of you in my head. There is so much to share...I get choked up thinking about it. It's amazing and sad and beautiful...all wrapped up into one. It's awesome, but I can't wait to get back and hear your voices. Thanks for the posts and the messages...it made me miss you even more!!!

I'll see/talk to you next week!!!

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Comments

[Adria]

Hey there!
I'm so glad you're having such a great experience. Thanks for the updates. (You know, I just figured out that we can post messages!!)

[Martha]

amazing!
Hi Angela - Today was Wacky Wednesday - and it wasn't the same without you. Be glad you missed Chocolate Day - you need to get back here and get me to the gym. I am glad that your trip is turning out to be so amazing, I knew it would be. We can go to Lancaster Brewery when you get back so you can tell James and I every detail. Be careful, have a safe trip home. Can't wait to see you! Martha

[Katie Bean]

Miss you
Hey Angela - it sounds AMAZING! I can't wait to hear stories and see pictures! I can't imagine what Africa is really like in person - I mean, 17 elephants just chillin!! wow. We miss you around here, it's so damn quiet, no hallway talks. We just had wacky wednesday Chocolate Day and we thought about you, you would've loved it - Mikey made a delicious dish with funny bones, pudding and whipped creme! We had brownies and cupcakes and dirt and choc.covered strawberries!! Now we are all sick and want to go home... Anyway - We will see you soon - Enjoy the rest of your time there :)

[Tara]

Miss you too!
My goodness! What an amazing experience! I can't wait to see you and get a chance to live your experiences through your stories and your eyes. :)

[Beth]

You sound as if you are overflowing! I cannot wait to see pictures. I saw on one of the Amazing Race episodes where a father and his daughter visited the "slave door", an opening in a stone fortress where the ships would load slaves to go to America to be sold...it was so emotional for me to watch the man touch the walls of the cave-like hallways, thinking of the families who were torn apart and never saw each other again. I know it must be emotional for you....try to take it all in and then be ready to share with all of us. Have fun, be careful..... BB

[Sara]

wow
I can't believe I have never thought of the African perspective on the slave trade. Obviously I know the history, but I haven't thought of the amazing and lasting impact it has had in Africa. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. I'm reading Night by Elie Wiesel now and thought immediately of the concentration camps when you started talking about the slaves not knowing where they were going. It sounds like you are getting many years worth of experience in just 2 weeks!

[Book Club Michelle]

Elephants!
I love elephants! I'm jealous!