Monday, June 28, 2021
As you’ll probably can see, we are having a fantastic time. Today is Monday, June 28th and we are up bright and early anticipating another exciting and adventurous day. We are beginning our day with a continental breakfast before leaving Accra City Hotel and starting our journey to Elmina. We are loading up the van and ready for the ready for the challenge. Our ride to Elmina is two-to-three hour journey.
As we step outside the hotel, we see people beginning their day moving about going about their business. We see the sun brightly shining in the blue sky against the beautiful white clouds. The temperature is in the low to mid 80’s. This actually the winter for Ghana, and the weather today in every sense is perfect.
After traveling for several miles, we are stopping at a gas station to stretch our legs and to make a washroom stop. It’s now approximately 12:30 pm as we drive through the bumpy dirt road to get to the Lemon Beach Resort. I know everyone in this van is wondering, “Where are they taking us?” For those of us who grew up in the country, just think what it was like when we traveled down the rugged and bumpy dirt roads to visit our neighbors, are just to go to the local store. Well, most of these roadways are many times worse than what we experienced. On the other hand, many of the children and adults walk these roads daily carrying loads on top or their heads, or their book bags as they travel back and forth to school.
We are finally arriving at the Lemon Beach Resort that sits on the Atlantic Ocean. This place looks like a picture out of a magazine. It’s absolutely fabulous. The grounds are immaculate with a swimming pool that sits just beyond the area where food and drinks are served. As we exit the van, the office personnel and waiters are waiting and greeting us, “Akwaaba”, meaning “Welcome”.
As the rooms are being prepared for us, we are having lunch and getting an opportunity to sit, share and talk with others on this trip who we had never met and share our experiences thus far. On my end of the table, I am sitting with Martha, a pharmacist from New Orleans, Lynn is retired school teacher from Mississippi, and Loretta is also a retired teacher from Michigan. Jane and I are from Virginia. As you know by now, I am loving the stories about our various journey’s and how blessed we are to be at this junction of our life’s purpose and journey. Our lunch is arriving. I ordered prawns (shrimp) that are very tasty and a Lemon Beach Special.
We are now being escorted to our rooms. The rooms are beautiful, fully air conditioned, sliding doors with a balcony that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. We can hear the roaring of the ocean waves that brings that sense of serenity and peace to your total being. We will be here at the Lemon Beach Resort until Friday.
After eating our lunch, we are heading toward our rooms to get dressed in our white attire to attend the naming ceremony. We are scheduled to meet with the Chief and his people at Amissahkrom/Nkroful Village at 5:30 pm. Ahhhh……. I think I just ate something that is not setting well with my stomach. My stomach is roaring like the Atlantic Ocean. I am now thinking to myself, will I be able to make it to the Naming Ceremony? After spending some time in the bathroom, I am quickly pulling out the prescription (Azithromycin) that I got from my doctor before I left home. Anyone who has traveled abroad know that this could happen to you at any time. The entire time I was in Ghana in 2019, I never had an episode like this. Thank God for the medication. I am now dressed up in my white and joining the group for the Naming Ceremony.
We are arriving at the Amissahkrom/Nkroful Village. The Chief, Queen Mothers and the Chiefs entourage are waiting on us. The drummers are welcoming us with a beat that goes to the core of our hearts and soul. This is a sight to see. It is amazing and the feeling that we are experiencing at this moment is indescribable. It’s this sense of connection and belonging. We are given our Ghanaian name for the day that we were born, and will be receiving certificates with our Ghanaian name. As part of the naming ritual, each individual is given a bracelet. After sitting on the stool, each individual drink from a cup with palm wine and then the Queen Mother finishes the drink. After receiving our name, the Chiefs, Queen Mothers and the entire village extend their warm welcome and dances to the music to celebrate us officially becoming a member of their village.
As we are loading back into the van, I am beginning to feel a little uneasy and nauseated. I am immediately getting back to my room to get myself together. I am also still having some coughing attacks. Well, this is quite an ordeal and I am beginning to get a little concerned. Everyone is checking on me, but as some of you know, I am not going to let this defeat me. I am drinking plenty of fluids and taking the prescribed meds. I am now in bed and resting. Maurice, Kwame and the group are really worried about me. I refused to let whatever is going to get me down and I will not ruin this trip [ha! ha! ha!]
Tuesday, January 29, 2021
We are waking up again to the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean waves with the bright sun rising in the far east. As we are gathering for breakfast, everyone is expressing concerns. Others in the group are beginning to complain about their upset stomachs and not feeling their peak. What’s going on? Well, anyway, we are not letting this stop us. We are continuing to move about our day and preparing for our trip to the Assin Manso Slave River. As we depart the Lemon Beach Resort for the Slave River, we are passing the Elmina Market. Elmina is a village where the villagers make their living predominately as fishermen.
Upon our arrival at the Assin Manso Slave River, the tour guide, Kofi is waiting on us. As we gather around the Assin Manso Slave River memorial, he is sharing the history of our ancestors and the atrocities that they endured as enslaved Africans. This is the third time I have been on this tour and it is always as painful as the first time I heard his talk, but it inspires me to continue leaving a legacy for another generation so our history will not be lost. After this somber experience, we are quietly moving back to the van for our departure to Cape Coast to visit the Slave Castle.
We are now arriving at the Boaboa Vegetarian Restaurant. When I previously visited Ghana, we ate at this restaurant frequently. Unfortunately, today’s service and food were very disappointing. One of my favorites is a moringa, pineapple and ginger drink. I am expecting what I had in the past. Well, I was in for a big letdown. I cannot drink this and I am now ordering simple fresh pineapple juice. Since I am still recovering from the incident with my stomach, at this point I am eating very lightly. After leaving the restaurant, we are heading to the Cape Coast Slave Castle.
We are now entering the Cape Coast Slave Castle and as we walk through the dungeons and listen to the tour guide, it is another somber moment that touches our spirits. The tour guide shares the stories of our ancestors and how a Christian church sat on top of the dungeons, and the overseers who professed to be Christians enslaved and treated the Africans like animals in a cage. No matter what was tried to killed the spirit of the Black man, the tour guide says, “the Black spirit will never die”.
We are returning to the resort and will rest for our next venture tomorrow.
PLEASE NOTE: We have been having serious problems trying to connect to the internet. Unfortunately, I have not been able to post very many pictures. As soon as we can get some good internet connection, I will download pictures and post the link. Things don’t always go as planned, but I can’t let than put a damper on the fun that we are having.
Stay tuned…………………..
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
We are up and ready for another day of adventure. Today, we are going to Global Mama’s Cooking class in Cape Coast. Some people are still not feeling well and will not be joining us for this trip. It’s really beginning to look like we all got some type of food poisoning from the food served at the Lemon Beach Resort. We are now leaving for Global Mamas Cultural Center.
Esi, our cooking instructor will be joining us at the Global Mama’s Cultural Center. The cooking class will give us the opportunity to explore the fragrant and exotic flavors of West African cuisine in Esi’s Kitchen. She will introduce us to an array of new tastes and flavors and we will learn to create authentic Ghanaian dishes. Using African Cooking techniques, during the workshop, we will create traditional dishes like fufu, groundnut soup, fired plantain, palava sauce and red red. After learning the recipes and preparing the food, will eat the food we prepared for our lunch.
As we are traveling to Esi’s Kitchen for the cooking class, Jane is getting sick and becoming nauseated. I see the look of worry on Zin’s face. Upon our arrival at Esi’s place for the class, I am staying on the bus with Jane and letting Zin know not to worry and I would be with her. He seems a little relieved, but also not knowing that he was also experiencing not feeling.
Upon our arrival at the Esi’s Kitchen, everyone is exiting the van except Jane and myself. After about 30 minutes, Jane says she is feeling better. So, we are now joining the others at the cooking class. Because the class has already started, Esi opened her living room up so Jane and I could relax sitting on her sofa. Shortly after sitting in the living room, Zin joins us and says, “I don’t feel good”. Oh boy! This is not looking good.
The cooking class continues. I am now going outside to join the group as an observer and seeing the participants engaging in this activity is a beautiful picture. The food preparation is now completed and ready to eat.
As we are finishing up and beginning to clean the cooking area, someone is saying, “Zin, just threw up”. OMG! Kwame and KK have gone to the bank with a couple of the group members to exchange some money. I am texting him to let him know that Zin is sick and please return as soon as possible. In a short time, Kwame is returning to pick us up. Upon his arrival, I see the concern look in his face regarding all that is taking place that none of us have any control over. Kwame is so professional and has a unique way to keep everyone calm under any calamities that we encounter. We quickly board the van and head back to the Lemon Beach Resort.
For the remainder of the evening, all of us are staying in our rooms and trying to regroup. Jane and Zin are still not feeling well. I am calling Maurice to inform him of what is going on. He is contacting the owner of the Lemon Beach and letting him know everyone is very concerned and the likelihood that we are picking something up from the resort. The owner assured Maurice that he would take care of any expenses for any medical costs if required. The owner went to the pharmacy to get some medication for Jane and Zin.
Thursday, July 1, 2021
We are waking up to another beautiful, bright and sunny day in Elmina, Cape Coast. The ocean waves are splashing and I heard the birds and other creatures making their sounds that sounds like music to my ears. So soothing and relaxing. WOW! I am feeling better than I have felt since I landed in Ghana. We are looking forward to an exciting day visiting the Cocoa Farms and Palm Tree Plantation in Jukwa. Maurice, Kwame and I are going over our schedule for the day and what everyone needs to expect.
All of us are making are making our way to the breakfast area. As we join up, I see smiling faces and everyone are saying they are feeling much better after our ordeal for the past two days.
It is now 10:00 am and we are loading up on the van preparing for our travels to Sefwi, Jukwa to tour the Cocoa Farms and the Palm Plantation. As we travel the roads on our journey to Sefwi, we see individuals moving about taking care of their daily chores. Upon our arrival in Sefwi, Bro. George, Kwame’s father is waiting on us to give us the tour of the farms. He was born and reared in Sefwi. The village is very quiet because most people have left home for the day and have gone to work on their farms. As the group walk through the farms and the Sefwi Village, I can see the excitement in their eyes. I overhear their conversation and saying, “what an amazing experience?”
After finishing the tour, we are now visiting the Divine Kids Academy (DKA). The children are eating their lunch and they are very excited to have guest visit their classrooms. The highlight of visiting Divine Kids Academy is showing the group the computer lab that was made possible through the donations from the Friends of DKA and Drs. Avery Ince and Radha Chaddah. It still amazes me the beauty of this room and knowing how a dream became a reality because individuals who believed in and supported this project.
After spending about 35 minutes at DKA, we are back on the van heading for One Africa that sits on the Atlantic Ocean where we will be having our lunch.
We are now arriving at One Africa. As always, upon approaching the grounds of One Africa, you feel the warm and electrifying energy that radiate around this place that sits on the Atlantic Ocean. Everyone that we pass on our way to beach area, are saying “Akwaaba, Akwaaba, our sisters and brothers”. By now, we have learned to say, “Medaase, medaase”, meaning “thank you, thank you” in Twi.
The table is set up with for us, and the party is about to begin. The cool breeze is blowing off the Atlantic Ocean as the sun shine brightly through the palm and coconut trees that protects us from the rays of the sun. We all are moving about exploring the beauty of this place. We are greeted by the family who owns this compound and two African American women who retired and relocated from the USA to live in the serenity and peace of the Motherland in Elmina, Ghana. Yaa Ansantewa relocated to Ghana nine months ago from Southern California, and she is now the current President of the Central Region African Ascendants Association of Ghana (CRAAG). She is sharing with us the mission of CRAAG, which is a primary vehicle for the support of the integration of the Africans returning from the Diaspora into life in Ghana’s Central Region.
As we are sitting at the table waiting on our lunch to be served, we are being served with coconut water that we are sipping with a straw directly from the fresh coconut. This is soooo…. relaxing and refreshing. The food is set up in buffet style and we are about to throw down. The menu consists of fresh fish, fried chicken, plantain, potato salad, red-red, palava sauce, garlic bread, desert and a drink of our choice.
All good things must come to an end. After enjoying the delicious meal and relaxing, we must now board the van to return to the Lemon Beach Resort for our next venture.
Dr. Nana Kusi, one of my colleagues at VSU who works in the Agricultural Department and is now the Vice President of the Mimosa International Foundation of America, Inc. is from Kumasi. He connected me with his father, who is a businessman in Kumasi. I could not pack Nana in my suitcase to take him back home, but I could pack something that he wanted to send to his father (ha! ha! ha!). This afternoon, I received a text from Nana’s father so we could coordinate a time to meet up at the Noda Hotel upon our arrival in Kumasi so I could deliver Nana’s package to him.
Upon our return to the resort, we are getting refreshed to celebrate our last night at the Lemon Beach Resort. The owner invited a dance group to give us a send-off celebration and appreciation for our stay at the Lemon Beach. The dance group begin their performance at 8:00 pm. It is just so amazing to see the talents of this amazing group of dances that ranged in age from 6 to young adults.
After this spectacular performance, we are heading back to our rooms to prepare for and early start tomorrow for our journey to Kumasi. Kwame would like for us to leave Lemon Beach by 9:30 am, because the trip to Kumasi is approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Today will be another exciting and adventurous day as we plan our travels to Kumasi today. As we are sitting around eating our breakfast, Kwame informs us that KK is very sick and was having problems like many of us had for the last two days. We are sharing our Imodium, Azithromycin and anything else we thought would help him. Remember he is our van driver and we can’t move without him. Well, after an hour or so, his condition is not improving. Kwame and his quick thinking, he is calling a cab to get KK to the hospital. Now we know something is wrong with the food at Lemon Beach. KK is a Ghanaian and this does not ordinarily happen to the natives. We are waiting patiently for Kwame to return and give us the report as to where we go from here. We were scheduled to leave Elmina at 9:30 am. Well, we know that’s not going to happen because our van driver is down. It’s about 11:30 am and Kwame is arriving back from the hospital. He informs us that KK will have to stay at the hospital and he will meet us in Kumasi later, and in the meantime, he had called the transportation company and they were sending another driver.
Finally the replacement driver arrives. We are all concerned about KK, but Kwame is assuring us that KK will be okay and he will be joining at the end of the day in Kumasi. KK is one of the most skillful and experienced drivers that I have had the opportunity to ride with in Ghana. Not only is his driving skills excellent, his demeanor and personality make everyone feel very comfortable when he is driving.
Well, we are on the road for our long journey to Kumasi. I think most of us are sleeping on this journey and when we are awake, we are just observing the villages that we are passing through and the movement of people as they go about their daily chores. Also, let me note, this van driver leaves a lot to be desired or KK has spoiled us with him impeccable driving skills. As we are cruising down the highway and many of us are in and out of sleep, the driver hits a hole in the roadway that feels like we just hit a field mine. We are all startled and I think all of us are praying for KK’s speedy recovery so he can join us as soon as possible.
We are finally arriving at the Noda Hotel around 5:00 pm. Well, this is totally a different experience than the Accra City Hotel and Lemon Beach Resort. Accra City Hotel and Lemon Beach Resort are 4-point to 4.5-point star facilities. Noda is not as modern as the other two facilities and is probably a 3-point star facility, but the staff is extending a very warm Akwaaba to us as we descend the van.
Nana’s father is meeting with me at the hotel to pick up the package that Nana had sent to him. We arranged to meet in the lobby. Let me tell you, as he is entering the lobby and even with the mask on, I do not have to ask are you Mr. Kusi? I am so glad that I am getting a chance to connect with Dr. Kusi’s father. It is such a pleasure to talk with him. As we are sitting in the lobby talking, Kwame comes into the lobby and I introduces him to Mr. Kusi. Now, you’ll know I don’t know one word in Twi, but as I look at Kwame and Mr. Kusi talk in their native language, you see and feel the genuine connection between two strangers.
After checking into our rooms, we are going to the dining area for our dinner. Another interesting experience!! The food is not very good. It has too much spicy and hot seasoning, and we really can’t enjoy the food that we ordered. In addition, the service is very, very slow. It’s these situations that we can appreciate the culture of other places, but also appreciate the things we take for granted in America.
After the hiccups that we encountered before leaving Elmina and the long journey, we are all very tired and ready for a good night’s rest.
Saturday, July 3, 2021
We are all up bright and early to begin our tours in Kumasi. A room is set up for our group to eat our breakfast before starting our tours today. Our schedule has changed slightly due to the unexpected incidents that occurred while in Elmina. Guess what? KK is back!! All of us are so grateful to Kwame and KK for their quick thinking and professionalism throughout this entire journey in Ghana. While we are waiting on breakfast, we are sitting outside by the pool and our group members see KK sitting with Kwame. You would think Santa Claus was in town. Everyone is so happy to see him and welcoming him, and letting him know how much we missed him and so glad to have him back with us.
We are ready to rock and roll with KK back at the wheel. We are visiting the Ntonso Adinkra Village and the Adawomase Kente Village today. The journey to these villages is appropriately a 1 ½ hour ride.
As we are pulling in to the Ntonso Adinkra Village we are greeted by the owner, Kwame. He is gathering us around his work bench as he explains to us the origins and meanings of the Adinkra symbols, as well as the process of making what we would call the ink to imprint the symbols on the Kente cloth. All of us are given the opportunity to place an imprint on a piece of Kente cloth. After going through this process, each one of us get to pick out a piece of Kente cloth of our choice and select a symbol(s) to place on our own original Kente cloth. Words just cannot explain the feelings that come from sharing in this incredible experience. It’s just so amazing.
We are now leaving the Ntonso Adinkra Village to go on a tour of the Adawomase Kente Village. Kente cloth is historically associated with the Asante Empire, a political state that began in the late 17th century in what is today the Western country of Ghana.
Again, because of Kwame’s extraordinary relationships and planning for the group’s unforgettable experiences in Ghana, the staff at the Adawomase Kente factory were waiting on us with their warm greeting, Akwaaba! This facility is a community project and the staff are amazing. Today is a very special day for Jekiera, one of our group members. Today is her birthday. Before the tour of the facility begin, Sammy, the overseer is giving recognition to Jekiera for her birthday and is presenting her with her very own Kente cloth with Happy Birthday and her name weaved into the cloth. Now we know, our Kwame had something to do with this surprise, right?
The tour guide explains to us that this weaving skill has been passed down for generations and the young people grow up knowing how to weave the Kente cloth from a very early age. Also, what is interesting is that the weaving is done only by men. Now, in our American culture, we would be making a big deal about women rights and discrimination. In the African culture, they are more concerned about the well-being and health of the women in making the Kente cloth. The tool that is used to make the Kente cloth demands too much manual labor that could affect the young women who are in child-bearing age. Let me explain and you will see a clip of the process in making of Kente cloth. The equipment that is used to make the Kente cloth would put pressure on a woman’s stomach area that could be detrimental to pregnant women. Women in Ghana are the mothers of the earth and are protected and respected.
Seeing this Kente cloth making in the process is mind-blowing. The African people are so talented and skilled craftsmen. The tour guide explains to us that each Kente cloth design has different and very significant meanings. For example, the Kente cloth designed for the King, no one else can wear that design that was made especially for the King. In addition, for example the colors of the cloth each hold symbolism: gold = status/serenity; yellow = fertility; green = renewal; blue = pure spirit/harmony: red = passion and black = union with ancestors/spiritual awareness.
After seeing this process and the labor that goes into designing the Kente cloth, we now have a better understanding of the culture and the significance of the Kente cloth. Also, we can appreciate the true value and cost for an original piece of Kente cloth. Please note, if we wear a peace of Kente cloth, we should know the history and the meaning to us as an individual and not wear it just for the fashion.
We are now completing our tour of the Kente Village and boarding the van and we are returning to the hotel for some rest before going to dinner. As noted above, today is a special day and we will be giving a surprise birthday celebration at dinner for Jakeria.
We are now heading to the View and Grill for dinner. Kwame again has done an outstanding job of finding a very nice restaurant to celebrate Jakiera’s birthday and to unwind for the day. The service and food is very good, also the drinks (ha! ha! ha!). Everyone is having a grand time dancing on the balcony and as the saying would go, letting their hair down. I think everyone have forgotten the bout we had with what was apparently food poisoning earlier on during our journey. After completing our meal, the waitress is bringing out a desert to Jekiera with a lit candle and Happy Birthday written on the plate in chocolate. Now, the expression on her face is indescribable.
As we are leaving The View and Grill, a young man comes over and introduces himself. He is a Ghanaian, but lived in New York for several years and just returned home just before COVID broke out. He sees us and know that we are Africans born in America. He welcomes us and so glad to have us visiting his home. People in Ghana has a way to make you feel very special under any circumstances and always genuinely let us know that they really mean “Akwaaba” not only through words, but most importantly, their actions.
Well, it’s time to head back to the hotel. Another amazing day in Ghana.
Sunday, July 4, 2021
We are and meeting up for breakfast and preparing for the ventures of the day. Today we are visiting the Manhyia Palace Museum and the Okomfo Anokye Mysterious Sword Museum. Unfortunately, upon our arrival at the Manhyia Palace Museum, it is closed to tourist because an emergency meeting being held today. However, we are able to take pictures at the Palace gate and we can at least say, we were on the grounds of the Manhyia Palace. After taking our pictures, we are now in route to the Okomfo Anokye Mysterious Sword Museum. The tour guide at the museum is waiting on our arrival and we are greeted with a warm “Akwaaba”! It is so amazing to listen to the tour guide share the history of the Asante people and the richness of the African culture and knowing that we are all connected in some way to the greatness of African people.
After leaving the Okomofo Anokye Mysterious Sword Museum, we are going to Ike’s Café for lunch. Okay, Kwame has hit another home run on the selection of a restaurant for us to eat lunch. The décor, environment, service and food is excellent.
Kwame took us to the Kumasi Central Market so we could see another side of the Ghanaian culture. He advises us to stay in groups and be very careful because of the crowd, and not to take out large sums of money or hold our cellphones in our hands. Although Ghanaians are very welcoming and good people, you will also have some not so good people anywhere. Well, with the mixed group of individuals in the group, this experience is not for everyone. The younger group members are excited with walking and exploring the market. After about 30 minutes those of us who are more mature adults are ready to load back on the van and chill. Now, I did not say those of us who are senior citizens (ha! ha! ha!).
After everyone arrives back to the van, we are heading back to the hotel to drop off our things and rest for the evening. Some of the younger folks want to go out for dinner and some other folks wish to stay at the hotel for dinner. Well, although Jane and I are in the mature adult category, we just cannot stay back with some of the other mature adults. The young folk’s energy energizes us. So, here we go again, we are joining the young folks on the bus and heading out to find a place to eat dinner.
After riding for about 30 – 40 minutes, Kwame is taking us to the Kumasi Mall. Now, just wait a minute (smile)! We are a mall that is just like the upscale malls in America with a food court and a variety of eating venues. Can you’ll imagine the look on these young folks faces when they see this place? They have a few hours to go back to America, if you get a drift of what I am saying! All of us also have the opportunity to pick whatever place that we choose to eat. Outstanding selection! Kwame, you did it again!!! Those who did not come with us will be disappointed when we return and they learn that we were back in America for a few hours (ha! ha! ha!).
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that today is the July 4th celebration in the States. We have been having such awesome experiences today, the true feeling of independence for Africans born in America is what we are feeling in this moment in Ghana.
Monday, July 5, 2021
Today we are heading back to Accra to prepare for our departure on Wednesday. After breakfast, we are planning to leave Kumasi at 9:30 am and hopefully arrive in Accra no later than 1:30 – 2:00 pm. I am so excited because my very good friend that I met at VSU in 1969 as freshmen and have not seen in 52 years will be meeting me at the Accra City Hotel. Now, let me give you a little history on this friendship. As a freshmen in 1969, Gwen Willis and I were staying in Byrd Hall. We connected almost immediately, probably because we shared the same name. But also, Gwen has a personality that is so genuine and real. Coach Willis was her uncle and I remember Coach Willis coming to my school during career week when I was in the 3rd grade to talk about Virginia State College(VSC) now Virginia State University (VSU). When Gwen and I met at VSC, I knew there was something special about her. Well, I did not stay at VSC beyond my freshmen year and I lost contact with Gwen. Gwen went on to complete her undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies. Many years later, her cousin Kim Willis, Coach Willis daughter became an adjunct instructor in the Social Work Department and we shared the connections to her cousin Gwen and she gave me Gwen’s contact information. Gwen lives in the Maryland area and we have been in contact for the last 4 – 5 years but never could coordinate our times to meet up. Now, the good part is about to come. Gwen married a Ghanaian and they built a home in Ghana and she spends several weeks in her Ghana home during the summer months. Now, can you believe our scheduled time in Ghana is overlapping so we will get an opportunity to see each other after 52 years? Gwen arrived in Ghana on yesterday and stayed at the Accra City Hotel overnight just so we can meet up for dinner this evening.
We are leaving Kumasi on time as scheduled. We are about 35 – 40 minutes outside of Kumasi on the highway cruising along. OMG, there is a big knocking sound and something is hitting the highway that is falling from under the van. I am sitting in the first seat on the van behind KK and Kwame is sitting on the front seat of the van beside KK. With quick thinking, KK pulls the van off the highway. Believe it or not, we are breaking down at a truck stop where there is plenty of space to get the van off of the highway. I see despair in KK and Kwame’s face. They are communicating in Twi, I can only imagine what this conversation is all about. Everyone is staying calm and looking at all the possibilities of what could have happened, but we were all safe with God’s traveling grace and mercy.
KK and Kwame jumps out of the van to inspect the situation and walk back down the highway to pick up the piece that fell from under the van. Let’s think back, we are now wondering did the replacement driver do damage to the vehicle when he hit that big hole in the highway that made us feel like we had hit a land mine? Just something to think about. Now, what do we do? As we look out of the window of the van or standing outside of the van, we see Kwame consistently on the phone. For some reason, we are not worried, because Kwame is a quick critical thinker who knows how to handle his business in a very professional manner. As the saying goes, even Maurice was cool as a cucumber and he sees the positive side of this situation. But you see, since meeting Maurice almost two years ago, I know he is a praying man and I am sure he has requested Angels to surround us with traveling grace and mercy before we began this journey. As we stand outside of the bus, he says, “Maybe God is protecting us from something else that was ahead of us on the highway”. Also, this Maurice’s first time organizing a trip to Ghana and I know he is observing how Kwame and KK is handling this situation.
After a few minutes, Kwame joins us and informs us that he had contacted the transportation company and they would be sending another bus for us to continue our journey. We patiently wait and within 45 minutes the replacement bus is arriving. OMG, what a blessing in disguise. We are blessed with an air-conditioned 37 passenger luxury bus with a TV screen, comfortable cushioned seats and everyone can spread out and have their own row with no one sharing the space.
We are now back on the road to finish our journey to Accra. We are stopping at a bus stop and getting our lunch as we continue our journey to Accra. Everyone seems very happy and content.
We are pulling in to Accra City Hotel around 4:30 pm. We made it and I will be in time to meet Gwen at 6:00 pm for dinner. I have time to dress and prepare for dinner with Gwen. Kwame ask if he could talk with me for a few moments. In the truest sense, I am Kwame’s Queen Mother, who will be very honest and open with him and he always appreciates my feedback, even if it’s not what he wants to hear. We spent a few minutes talking and I assured him that we all were very impressed with how he handled the situation on the highway. He had to make some quick and serious decisions. The bus company wanted to send a replacement bus from Accra, four hours away and then add another 4 hours to return to Accra. If he had gone with that alternative, we would not arrive in Accra until probably after 12 am on Tuesday. He made it very clear to the transportation company that this was not an alternative. He informs me that he called another transportation company in Kumasi and arranged for a bus to pick us up within less than an hour. Maybe I am a little subjective, but I honestly don’t think there is any tour guide in Ghana that uphold the standards that Kwame Appiah-Kubi – Kwame Kultural Tours (KKT) have in making sure his tourist feel safe and appreciated in Ghana.
It is now 6:00 pm and I in the lobby waiting on my friend Gwen after all these years. OMG, Gwen is getting off of the elevator. We embrace each other with a big hug in spite of the COVID restrictions. Gwen is looking fabulous. I honestly cannot believe this. Am I in a dream? As we sit at the dining table, we are talking nonstop and trying to catch on 52 years. We plan never let this much time come between us again, and hopefully we will find the time to meet up in the States with some of our classmates from 1969. As different group members enter for dinner, I am just so excited to introduce my dear friend Dr. Gwen Willis-Darpoh to them. Let me tell you’ll, if you think I am an extra extrovert, well Gwen is two of me (ha! ha!! ha!). Beautiful, beautiful person and I am so grateful that God allowed our path to cross again in our mature years. Who knows what God has in store for us as we follow our ancestors calling to the Motherland? Stay tuned for any updates on the rekindling of our friendship.
Well, after spending hours talking, we are heading to our rooms to get a good night rest and get ready for our last full day in Ghana on tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
We are up early in preparation to meet with the technician from HealthNeutron to perform our COVID test before we can board the plane to return home. Maurice made arrangements for the technician to meet with us at the hotel to take our test. While waiting until everyone completed their test the group met for breakfast. I got a SIM card for my phone upon my arrival in Ghana so I needed to go to MTN Mobile to replace my Xfinity SIM card. This was not a good decision to wait to do this this morning. As Kwame and I start walking to find a MTN Mobile Office, it seems almost impossible. I am actually getting hot and tired walking, but I can’t let Kwame know because I know he will be worrying about me. With a keen instinct, Kwame decides to get a cab to take us to an MTN Mobile Office. The traffic is really crazy. We are stuck in traffic and it will take us hours to find an MTN Mobile Office. Kwame, again with his quick thinking, says to me. “Let’s get out here.” It appears that the driver of this taxi is taking us in an opposite direction that would make us pay more cedi’s. Kwame is flagging down another taxi that is going in the opposite direction that the other driver was taking us. This driver is much more considerate and is taking us directly to the MTN Mobile Office. We are getting out of the taxi and enter the MTN Mobile Office. There is no waiting, the receptionist immediately take my phone and change out the SIM cards. Obviously, I am so happy and relieved that we were able to change out my SIM cards. Now, we must head back to the Accra City Hotel.
Today we be doing a Presidential Place Viewing, visiting W.E.B. Dubois Cultural and then shopping at the Accra Art Center. Upon our return to Accra Hotel, we are now loading up in the van to go on our last scheduled tours in Ghana.
We are now passing by the Presidential Place and it is a beautiful site to see. Due to security reasons, we are not allowed to stop and actually visit the Presidential Place. We are now moving to the W.E.B. Dubois Center. This is another unforgettable experience. The tour guide shares with us Dr. Dubois life in Ghana and his contributions to mankind. Although I have visited the DuBois Center previously, I am always learning something new about Dr. Dubois and his legacy in America and Ghana. As I observe the group members, I see the enlightenment in their eyes as the tour guide share Dr. Dubois life’s story with us. Before leaving the grounds of the Dubois Center, we are enjoying the opportunity to take pictures and sharing our remarkable experiences on this journey.
Okay, it’s now lunch time. Kwame is taking us back to the Bistro for lunch, which is only about five minutes from the Dubois Center. The food here is very good, but the service is very slow. However, most of their dishes are prepared fresh and are not pre-packaged. So naturally, it takes a little longer for our orders to come out. The younger group members are anxious to go to the Accra Art Center and want more time to shop. The waiter is having a few struggles trying to separate the check so individuals can pay for their orders separately. Well, some of the group members are a little impatient because they forget we are in Africa and they are not on a rushed schedule like we are in America. It is so interesting to watch the mature group members and how we are so relaxed and not concerned about the time. To grow in knowledge and wisdom is so powerful and allows us to be more stress free from the hustle and bustles of life.
We are finally getting our checks and paying our bill, and moving toward the van to go to the Accra Art Center. While on our way to the Art Center, Kwame is going over detailed information everyone needs to know when we get to the Art Center Market. He is pleading with everyone to be vigilant and cognitive of those who will be bombarding us and trying and to get us to purchase their arts and crafts. He is also explaining to us how to barter with the vendors when we see something we really want. He smiles and says, “It’s like a game and you learn how to play the game”.
We are arriving at the Art Center. I love it! This is my third or fourth time visiting the Art Center and I actually like the bartering and buying original handmade Ghana arts and crafts. Africans are sooooo…. creative and talented. Kwame is giving us two to three hours to shop and explore this venue. As we run into each other at the market, everyone is so excited and having a time of their life buying from the vendors. Anyone going to Accra do not want to miss the opportunity to visit the Art Center. I am buying several items to give to special people when I return to the States.
Well, the sun is going down and the vendors are beginning to close down their shops, and several of our group members do not want to stop shopping. Well, we must leave. I think some of them will be returning in the morning to continue shopping before leaving for the airport.
We are now back at the Accra City Hotel and Jane and I are dropping off our purchases in our rooms and heading back downstairs to share our last dinner together at the Accra City Hotel. Over the last 6 years, we have shared many adventures together and I think each time our bond becomes closer. Jane is a blessing to me and I am so grateful for our friendship.
Before going to dinner, Maurice asked the group to meet in a room next to the lobby to come together to reflect and express our gratitude to Kwame and KK for the impeccable services that they provided to make our visit to Ghana an occasion that will forever be embedded in our hearts and souls. As we gathered in the room to pay tribute and say our good-byes, it is a very touching moment. Maurice begin the reflection by sharing how much this trip meant to him and how he learned so much as well as his appreciation to Kwame for his humble spirit in the midst of unexpected incidents that came our way. I am also sharing with the group how this entire journey came about and how strongly I feel this trip was designed and orchestrated by a higher power and our ancestors. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to meet an awesome group of people who came from up and down the central region and the east coast of the USA. Members in this group represented Michigan, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. The ages ranged between 15 to the 70’s, and for the most part, not knowing each other when we begin this journey, we were able to connect and bond. As we are going around the room and group members share their experiences in Ghana, everyone expresses that they feel that this journey was a spiritual transformation in their lives and they will not return to the States the same as they were when they left the States.
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
We are waking up this morning with gratitude for many wonderful life changing experience in Ghana. Kwame requested Maurice and I to meet for breakfast with him and KK. While sitting and preparing to eat our breakfast, Maurice gives the blessing over the food as well as thankfulness for our time in Ghana. While at breakfast, we are receiving our emails with our COVID test results. All of us received a negative report. All praises to the most high!!
Kwame wish to take this time during breakfast to reflect on some of the things that transpired and what worked, and what could be adjusted during our next trip to Ghana. We will be planning another trip next year, so if you are interested, please give us a shout out.
We are all heading back to our rooms to finalize packing our luggage to ready to load up the van at 2 pm so we can be ready to leave the Accra City Hotel at 2:30 pm to head to the Kotoka International Airport for departure for home.
Well, the time has come for us to leave our Motherland and we are in route to the airport. Upon our arrival at the airport, Kwame and KK quickly unload our luggage and we are now entering the terminal. This is another bittersweet moment as we say our goodbyes to Kwame and KK. We promise to return next year. Some may even return on their own before some of us return as group next year.
Upon entering the terminal, we are going through this tedious process of checking-in, customs and all the other steps we must take before we board the plane. We are traveling on Brussels Airlines who is in partnership with United Airlines. We have approximately a two hour wait before our plane depart for Brussels. We will then be stopping in Abidjan, Ivory Coast for approximately an hour before we fly to Brussels where we will have a five hour layover before our final stretch back to the States.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
1:25 pm and we are touching down at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC. We had a wonderful, safe and uneventful journey back to the States. All I can say now is, “I am truly grateful” for another life changing experience.