Safari

Safari

Finally we did our safari trip. It was a long journey to get there, but it was worth it. We left last Thursday and headed to Kumasi, a 5 hour bus ride and we spent the night there. Then we were off to Tamale, a 7 hour bus ride. We stayed the night there as well. We got up at 3am so we could be at the bus station for 4am to get our ticket to get to the park. It was interesting. The tourbook said tickets could not be purchased in advance. So we were there and there were so many people already there. We also found out from a couple of the locals that you need to buy the tickets in advance. Go figure. I saw a group of 4 white people and they were from Canada. They didn't have tickets either. We were all trying to figure out how to get on the bus, even if we had to stand. A young man helped us out and we all got on. We managed to sit on our backpacks so that the ride would not be so bad. And the journey was about 3 1/2 hours. We arrived in Larabanga, a small town just outside the park entrance. The people were so friendly there. We also met a couple, she from Holland, he from England. We shared a taxi ride together to the park. We chatted with them quite a bit throughout the day. A nice couple and they also met on the internet. After we checked in, we had breakfast and then went to the viewing platform. We sat there for a couple of hours looking out for animals. We saw monkeys, bushbucks, and 2 elephants emerged from the trees and had fun in the waterhole. It was so exciting, but I wanted to see one up close. It was time for lunch and then we had a quick nap. We went for a guided walk and was disappointed that I did not see an elephant or a baboon, the two animals I really wanted to see. However, it was nice to see some wildlife. To go on a true safari, you must go to the other african countries. Overall, it was a nice trip. The weather is cooler here now, especially in the north where we were. My lips got chapped and my skin got quite dry, just like I would get during winter. Another adventure complete.

Birthday Surprises!!

Birthday Surprises

When I awoke Saturday morning on my birthday, there was my first surprise. Three wrapped roses laying on the pillow beside me. I knew this was going to be a good day. I got out of bed and gave Sony a good morning and thank you kiss. It was so sweet. I cooked myself an all american breakfast. My little treat. We relaxed and did a few things throughout the day. The next surprise was not until the evening. We went to the family house at 7pm. I opened the door and to my surprise the family started singing happy birthday and there was a cake. I could not believe it!! I was so happy and felt special - of course I gave Sony a hug and kiss. For dinner we had fried chicken and fried rice. Afterwards, we were shaking our booties to good african tunes. Then I blew out the candles. Before I could cut the cake, Sony had another surprise for me. I had to close my eyes and when I opened them, he was down on one knee. I covered my mouth and he asked, "Will you marry me?" I said, "Yes" and put the ring on my finger. I gave him a few kisses. My body felt weak, I was so happy. And now I had to cut the cake. I got through that and then went back to him to cuddle and kiss. I had a huge smile on my face. I have to say being in your 30s is not so bad. I have had two great birthdays, this one being better than the last. What is in store for me next year?

Museum visit

From Museum

Our first outing was back in November and we went to the museum of the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. I learned a lot. A couple of things the president accomplished was gaining independency from Britain and creating the Aksombo Dam where we currently get our electricity. He passed away at an early age back in the 1960s I believe. His wife, who was from Egypt, passed away last year and wanted to be buried next to him. As you will see in the pictures, the grounds are amazing. There was a lot of thought put into this to honour the president. Everything is a symbol for something. The water, the statues, the tower are all significant. Afterwards, we walked to Independence Square, an open stadium area built near the ocean to host various events. Not far from there, the country built an arch tower to remind Ghanians the day they gained independence.

Halfway

Another beautiful hot day in Ghana and I realize my trip is half over. Where has the time gone? I wish I could stay here forever, but unfortunately for the moment I cannot. I reflect back on the last 3 months and I wonder how much more I could have done and experienced, but I have to remember it was a time of adjustment and being comfortable with things. I know the next 3 months will go by even faster and there is still so much to explore. During this time, I will visit an orphanage as much as possible, travel to the northern region for a safari, and go turtle watching at night. Whatever else I can squeeze in will be a bonus.
I would like to wish everyone a belated merry christmas and a happy new year!!! New years here did not go as planned. There was suppose to be a street carnival in town, but was cancelled due to the elections because of no result. The elections put a damper on the holidays and people were not in the spirit to celebrate or do anything. The results are finally in and people are happy and business is good for many. I hope everyone rang in the new year with lots of excitement and I am looking forward to see what 2009 brings.