Kristen Kenny’s Blog

Mini Adventures

8/31/08

This weekend I tried to be a little more adventurous. I didn’t quite do as much as I had planned but with my guide book in hand managed to have some mini adventures. Friday night after the eye clinic I was ready to go somewhere, anywhere. Miriam and Tina the girls across the street were both tired and in bed early. After stopping by their place I came back to the mission house frustrated. After some pacing and convincing I decided to go out on my own. I wasn’t sure exactly where to go so decided to try La Palm Hotel just to see it mainly and get out of the house. It is a fancy hotel on the ocean at La Beach. I chartered a taxi there and then wandered around the hotel for awhile. It is very nice and expensive. There is a small casino, restaurants, and bars. I found the pool and the Ghanaian village, an outdoor bar with live music overlooking the ocean. I was watching the waves and listening to the music. Then a group of Ghanaians introduced themselves to me and we talked for a bit. They asked if I wanted to go with them to a near by bar/club. So I went. At the bar the djs played good music, old American rap and R&B and then some Ghanaian and Nigerian songs as well. I had a great time dancing but eventually called it a night. I caught a taxi home and fell asleep the moment I hit the pillow.

On Saturday I tried the girls but they were not home. Since I had such a fun night I decided to venture out on my own again during the day. After consulting my guide book I decided to go into Accra and hit up the typical sites one should see as a tourist. I attempted to get a tro tro but was having a hard time understanding where exactly each one was going. I stood there for quite awhile and probably watched a dozen pass by. Finally I just got in one that was going to Accra and luckily it happened to be going to the station closest to where I wanted to go. Tro tros can be hot, crowded and a bit uncomfortable and the driving can get crazy. However the best part in my opinion is that you can do your shopping right from your seat. When the tro tro is stopped or at the station loading, people come by trying to sell almost anything. Often they are selling food or drinks like crackers, plantain chips, fruit, bags of ice water, soda but they also sell random stuff. I saw people selling belts, straw cowboy hats, razors, toilet paper, thermoses, even cell phone chargers. I can’t imagine how those people sell their wares. The interactions have to be very quick and they nearly get run over by buses and cars.

I arrived at the station which was bustling. Accra is much more crowded then Teshie where I am staying, well it is the capital city of Ghana. My first stop was the cultural center. The place is full of stalls with people selling souvenirs. I wasn’t really in the mood to deal with shopping but wanted to take a look around. When I got through the gate this man wanted to show me his shop which was towards the back. I tried to make it clear that I wasn’t there to shop/hadn’t brought a lot of money with me/was a student. He was very friendly but not in a pushy way. He carves masks and statues. He asked if I knew how to play mancala which I didn’t. So he taught me how and we played a bit. As I was leaving I mentioned I was going to the lighthouse, my next stop. The man, his name was Tetteh, said he would take me there and his boss allowed/told him to do it. I am usually wary of people who are so friendly but so far everyone I have met has been extremely helpful and genuine. I eventually agreed.

We walked to Jamestown, it is the oldest area in Accra, with colonial buildings, a fort built in the 1800s, and a light house. I went up in the lighthouse and thanks to Tetteh got a reduced entrance fee. There is a beautiful view of the ocean and all of Accra from the top. I will try to post some of the pictures. Then we went to the harbor. It is at the foot of the fort and full of large wooden boats, people fishing and selling fish, and interesting smells. We continued our walk along the ocean for quite a ways till we got to Independence square. It was nice walking on the beach but at the same time I was trying to hide my disgust for all the trash. I would cringe as the surf would wash trash over my feet. Independence square is a large open space surrounded by stadium seating. It is where people marched when Ghana gained independence. Now it is used for concerts and programs. There was hardly any one there and it was quite, a nice place to sit for a bit. After all the walking I was sweaty and tired so thanked Tetteh and headed back to the tro tro station and on home. It turned out to be a wonderful day and I finally got to see some of Accra.

Today I decided to take it easy. After church I have been relaxing, reading, watching tv. I felt very satisfied with my mini adventures. Thankfully God is watching over me and I met some truly kind and helpful people. Tomorrow is back to the hospital and good experiences in the out patient clinic.