Kumasi, Ghana

Trip Start Apr 01, 2007

Trip End May 10, 2007

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Where I stayed

Guestline Lodge

Flag of Ghana Kumasi, Ghana
Wednesday, April 4, 2007

4/3 we took the bus to Kumasi - about 5 hrs north. Lucked out again with A/C and no breakdowns - very pleasant ride and beautiful. Met some travelers and got some suggestions. At the Guestline Lodge in Kumasi - A/C again, it's necessary! Spent the late afternoon walking the market - largest in West Africa. AMAZING! You can buy anything and everything there. I got some cloth to have a sarong made in Cape Coast. Also bought a beautiful acrylic painting from a guy on the street.

Writing is tough and computers slow, quick observances:
1. everyone carries everything on their heads, some of the craziest - platter of live snails as large as salad plates, basket of live chickens, basket of yams the size of a man's thigh, fruit, water, etc
2. i've felt very out of place the last day, it's incredible how different it is here - we lose electricity at least once a day for hours often at night, cars drive insanely, their seem to be no real traffic signs/signals - but today I'm starting to feel more at home
3

Fresh pineapple

. when walking around lots of people call out 'Obruni' to us - it means white person. It's interestingly not racist, more of an observation. There are very few white people we see, except at the place we're staying or sometimes when we eat. Little kids smile and wave - even in a big city like this they rarely see Obruni!
4. fresh pineapple cut on the street tastes delicious! I'll never enjoy pineapple in the states again.

Heat is incredible - after one day i'd had it with my hair and this morning got it all cut off! All the Ghanians thought I was crazy cause they love white people's hair, but I love it! It will grow back - Lisa said it looks good, but I think she's just being nice :) It's so much cooler. I'll send pictures when I can! Lisa is a much more experienced traveler than me which has made everthing much easier - we travel well together. Everything is great - I'm loving the adventure.

Love to you all - touch base again when I can.

Slideshow

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Kejetia Market, Kumasi	Kumasi street	My new Hairdresser	View into Kejetia Market
What can you carry on your head?

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Comments

vnelson on

A-ha!
Now finally someone really understands why I shaved my head in Ghana. I was hot! Glad you are having a good time!
Val

pds13 on

Hi!
Love your postings, especially the visual descriptions. I read with amazment...you truly are experiencing a different world. Wild you got your hair chopped off --good for you! I had to laugh, your reference to everyone walking around in long sleeves, pants > that'd be me! Love you tons, be safe.

Pam

theps on

That's really Cool!
Wow! What an adventure! Thanks for the imagery.

After this trip you'll be thinking that Philly in the summertime is a breath of fresh air.

Love Ya

Mom and Dad