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Published: September 21st 2012
After six days, four planes, three continets and a very exteneded and crowded cho cho (a small bus) ride, I have finally arrived in Takoradi! Only after a very short amount of time in Ghana, I have already experienced and have come to appreciate so much about this beautiful country and the people. My first few days in the country were spent in Accra, a city of 4 million people, and everything available at your fingertips! While driving around in the back of a taxi you can purchase a bathroom scale, an info-mercial weight loss product called the sauna belt and any selection of food to suit all tastes!
My first order of business consisted of intoductions with the local YCI Ghana staff-Fred, Naana and Nee-who I will be working with during my time here. Also on the agenda was a meeting at the Ghana High Commission and CIDA to discuss their role in projects running in Ghana as well as what their involvement will be with my project. Although it was not the most exciting day, I did manage an invitation to a party being held at the High Commission hosted for Canadians and diplomats; maybe I will find
a job!
My time in Accra came to an end and it was time to continue onwards to where I will be living for the next two months, Takoradi. By bus, Takoradi is supposed to be about four hours away from Accra, but as I have quickly learned (frequent blackouts and not being able to depend on running water has now become a part of my daily planning of my activities), nothing will be as easy as it seems in Africa. After getting about an hour outside of Accra, a strange smell began spreading through the bus, and as we pulled off to the side of the road and checked things out, we had engine problems. Luckily we (Carleigh, Christa and Alisha; other volunteers) met a lovely gentelman who took us under his wing and ensured that ourselves and our luggage were put onto another bus which he assured us was heading to Takoradi. The second bus we travelled in is called a cho cho, basically a van that is meant to sit about 12 people; once everyone was on board and settled in, we counted 25 people plus four children...it was not a very comfortable ride! Our origionally
planned four hour journey turned into a seven hour journey, and as we zipped through the countryside and coast line of Ghana I began to see how easy it is to love this country. The backdrop of the ocean and the lush greenery of the country doesn't match the picture in your head of what Africa would look like. As we drove along through little villages, moden technology collides with traditional culture in mix that doesn't seem real; and as you round a bend you see an old slave fort castle sitting atop a clif and you remember the dark history this country once lived, and how they have overcome it and contrinue to work towards a better tomorrow.
Im sorry I don't have pictures yet, I did't bring the cord to upload them, but I will post some ASAP. My time here will be an amazing experience for me, thank you so much to all of you who helped me get here! I will post again in the next week or so, but for now I am going to enjoy my weekend before I begin work on Monday!
Thank you for all your love and encouragement!
Miss you all!
Alanna xo
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Whitney
non-member comment
I'm glad to hear you have arrived safe :) miss you xoxoxo be safe