I just arrived in Ghana's Cape Coast for a few days of much needed R&R. The bus travelled with an armed guard. I'm not an expert in high caliber weaponry but the gun he was holding sure looked like an AK47. Here we were cruising through the jungles of the Cote d'Ivoire with a bunch of 25KG bags labeled “Uncle Sam” rice from Thailand strewn all over the floor. I soon found out this rice was for a humanitarian mission; apparently public … [Read more...]
Exploring Abidjan
Took an early initiative today to explore Abidjan. Thank goodness for some European styled food and salads with real vinegar - been craving salad ever since I arrived in West Africa! Abidjan is the world's 4th largest French speaking city and my English doesn't go too far here, although I've met a few Ghana expats and Ghana travelers who speak English. Prices are high for taxis, lodging, food and most everything else I found. This is a city … [Read more...]
Internet Cafe, Abidjan
I spent all morning walking around downtown Abidjan, cursorily looking for a net cafe. Imagine my excitement after 4 hours of searching to come upon the "Cyber Cafe" - I walked up stairs ready to get online and asked to use a computer. "sorry, we don't have any internet access here." … [Read more...]
Arrived in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
After 19+ years of writing my first Pen Pal friend, first starting with postal mail I met up with Kwesi, a journalist in Accra. I’ve been staying with him and it was amazing to finally meet in person after all this time. I had re-read all his original letters before this trip. Today I woke up in Accra without any real plans other than I was going to leave the country for some additional exploration of West Africa. After a few phone calls it … [Read more...]
Off to West Africa this Weekend!
Wooo Africa looming on the horizon this weekend. The World Cup craziness should be spilling out onto the streets everywhere! Every since my last trip to Africa I've been craving the shores of this huge continent. This will be the year of Africa for me, later trips are planned to Egypt and South Africa. I will be going straightaway to outskirts of Accra in small villages to volunteer with YCC Ghana for a few days. Their work is with villages, … [Read more...]