Ghana-style!
Jacque Kofi photo
Taken at the Sirigu Women's Organization of Pottery and Art workshop in Northern Ghana.
Jacque Kofi photos
The scene at the Mole Game Reserve in northwest Ghana reminded me of the scene of the painting in my parents' living room.
Ellen Blalock photo Jacque Kofi photo
Map of Ghana
"A Journey Through Afrika" literally begins
Day 1
Touch down in Accra, Ghana: 6:06 a.m. Thursday, July 20.
I'm amazed that I'm here. Absolutely amazed. I walk down the steps of the plane. I take my first steps on Afrikan ground, home of my ancestors - the Motherland. I kiss my hand and slap the earth in pure joy and triumph. It is a miracle we're still here, you know, and able to return home. I smile. I can't stop - smiling. And then, I smile some more. ...
I'm traveling with the Beyond Boundaries organization. Based in Syracuse, Beyond Boundaries supports several organizations in Ghana helping schools, girls and women as part of its broader mission to bridge the gap in cultural understanding across the world.
The first day here in Ghana packed in a lot - a lot of travel time to Kumasi on roads under construction. But first we spent a lot of time in Accra. (If you ever go, or return, you must visit Papaye's Restaurant. Oh, the rice is amazing!)
On the road to Kumasi later on Day One, we stopped at a rest area patrolled by lizards. Well, they were just a little at home in the area, so we took some photos.
But wait! How could I forget to mention that it took me just a few hours in Accra before I nearly got arrested and detained at the Ghanaian Embassy! Our group needed to fill out some visitors' forms, and I had my video camera in hand as we walked into the embassy area, like a typical tourist. Guards called me over and took me into an office because they said I was filming the area outside of the embassy, a definite no-no, apparently.
Fact is, I hadn't taken any video of the area. I played the tape and one guy tried his best to say he saw a shot of the embassy. I had to play it over and over and over. It showed that I had stopped filming well before we even arrived at the embassy. Our guide Gordon stayed with me and they even questioned him. A parade of officials were called in about 5 minutes apart from each other - each one looking more important than the last - and asked me and Gordon questions. They were trying to appear serious, but were generally nice while asking basic questions.
Finally, they let me go. Whew! My first few hours in the Motherland and my journey was almost over. I almost spent the rest of the trip behind bars! Again, Gordon, thanks, bruh!
Our guide, Gordon, rockin' the straw lid at Sirigu. Ha! Cool breeze!
In all, my first impressions were that Accra, in many ways, looked like Atlanta, D.C., or Detroit at first. Ghanaians were going about their daily business in busses, cars, buildings, etc. But, oh, the sites, sounds and the people, the beautiful, colorful clothing. They were surpassed only by the beautiful smiles. My people. I'm home!
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