Sunday - a birds eye view
We were the first in the breakfast line as we fortified ourselves for our visit to Kakum National Forest. Our drive through the outskirts of Elmina and Cape Coast lead us past a few prisons. The one that stood out the most was the prison for inmates with communicable diseases and for those with leprosy. Many of the fatal diseases in this area have pharmaceutical cures, such as malaria, but the drugs needed are expensive and/or difficult to acquire.
The highlight of the day was Senora's valiant conquering of the muddy inclines leading to the canopy walk. Kakum offers naturalist guided hikes of the park and our guide, Ben, explained about the uses of trees and shrubs. We were assured that the suspension rope bridges could hold the weight of 2 elephants. The seven bridges spanned across the tree tops and we could cross them 3 people at a time. Not only was the view incredible but there were sweet floral smells, birds singing, and monkeys calling in the distance. Some of then natural remedies included cures for headaches, coughing, stomach aliments, and asthma.
Before returning to Elmina, we took a brief detour to a refuge with "friendly" crocodiles. We each bravely pet a 6 foot crocodile and to our surprise he did not even move. We drove through Cape Coast and stopped at a road side store to pick up provisions for the evening.
Upon returning to the Coconut Grove, Senora and Tilley immediately jumped into the pool to cool off. Storm clouds were brewing in the distance and we could see the rain rolling in. We enjoyed sitting on the front porch watching the waves swell. The temperature dramatically dropped and we decided to stay in, eating pizza and Cheeze-its in our room. Sadly, we missed going to Hi-life dance party at the local Shell Station.
Notices and Wonderings:
Our driver said that over half of the children in Ghana do not know their father.
The large fortresses that line the coast are called "castles" but these buildings are where slaves were held before Middle Passage.
All of the people that we saw in the towns were dressed up for church and some are dressed in matching prints as members if a Church Society.
The Sunday following a funeral is considered Thanksgiving where friends and family gather to honor the deceased and make donations to the family.
Many structures in the countryside are being built but not completed. It was explained to us that people will buy land and build houses when they have money to invest or supplies become available. It may take decades or generation to complete.
In towns, there are deep cuts on the sides of the road that serve as gutters. They are partially covered and Senora is concerned that people and cars fall into them.
Building materials in villages range from cinder blocks, mud, corrugated tin, and today we saw palm leaf fences.
Although it is not explicit, there are gendered roles. For example, in coastal towns, the men fish and the women prepare them for sale and storage.
Much wood is shipped from the interior and piles of wood are stored next to huts to smoke fish.
When we asked any ghanaian what their favorite food is, all answered fufu.
Fish is the most common meat in this area and chicken and beef are significantly more expensive. However, the only pork that is eaten is imported and usually only ate by tourists.
Many people have asked about our families, whether we are married and have children.
We have seen small groups of college students but it is uncommon to have 5 women traveling together.
Mothers carry their child on their backs secured by a single piece of fabric tied around her body. We have yet to see any babies or children crying or fuss. Even young children seem to keep themselves occupied and content with minimal parental attention. It is common to see older siblings caring for younger ones.
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