Day 1 – 2: Thursday 7th July & Friday 8th July 2016
We have arrived at Stumble Inn, Elmina. After a nearly 7 hours flight. An overnight stay in the capital Accra, and a 4 hour journey on the converted lorry, the tiredness did not have any effect on our excitement.
Stumble Inn was a surprise to us all as we truly did not know what to expect. It is cosy little jungle hideaway with a beautiful view of palm trees and the ocean.
After settling in to our home for the next 2 weeks, we set out to meet our Ghanaian buddies from Essaman United Junior High school. It was great to finally meet our buddies after exchanging letters. They welcomed us with big smiles and open arms. My buddy Mavis had used her artistic talents to draw me a ‘welcome to Ghana’ poster and gave me vibrant bracelets. The happiness was overwhelming and definitely heart-warming.
Subsequently, we headed back to stumble inn for dinner which was spaghetti bolognese and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Day 3: Saturday 9th July
Today’ we were awoken by the exotic birds singing, refreshed and ready to start the day, apart from me who was still asleep 5 minutes before breakfast! Never-the-less, I made it to Elmina castle with my buddy Mavis. At Elmina Castle, we experienced perspectives of the african slaves before they were shipped to Portugal and America. This was a very eye-opening day as after our tour, we headed back out into the town of Elmina. I can definitely say, it was as though we were watching a documentary on Ghana, but live and happening right in front of our eyes.
Despite the pungent smell, our buddies and people around us smiled and waved. My highlight was the Reggae music blaring from speakers in which I could not resist dancing to…
To sum up our first two days in Ghana, I shall use the words, eye-opening, sweaky, memorable, surreal, and TOP BANTS!
P.s, I miss you all at home but I can assure you I am having a once in a life time, great experience.
Jophey Harrison-Harding
Day 4: Sunday 10th July 2016
Another great day. We went to church with our buddies and sang Shine Jesus Shine to the congregation. We then visited a crab market at cape coast and lots of successful bargaining ensued! In the evening a few of on walked down the beach to a neighbouring hotel to watch the football. The match was a bil ull bah Mr. Pollard’s humble on the way home made up for it. Tomorrow is our first day in the school and the welcome ceremony.