Who wants to rock??

As my trip winds to an end, I did More exploring of London and the English countryside. Yesterday I hopped on a bus for s 2 hour ride to see Stonehenge. It really is an architectural masterpiece. What’s interesting is that no archaeologist can agree on what it’s purpose was for. 

Stonehenge has been around for 5000 years. The stones, mostly sandstone and blue stone, were strategically placed in the circular form taking place over 500 years. 

I learned that a misconception about Stonehenge was not for the Druids. The Druids first appeared a few thousand years after Stonehenge. There was a theory of human sacrifice too, but scientists can’t agree. 

Stonehenge was either a religious temple, an astronomical clock, or a burial ground as the outlying areas are full of burrows that contained human remains. There is one angle too that is a strategic marker for both summer and winter solstices. 

It is a mystery. And fascinating. We could only walk around in a circle going no closer than 100 feet from the ruins as the grounds are an archaeological treasure. 

I also did more exploring of London just walking the streets and saw where the Beatles Recorded Abbey Road, and the pub where the band, Iron Maiden, was created. Sadly is was closed. 

But London is a fun, culturally diverse, walking city. One just needs to learn to go with the flow and if you can navigate the Tube, you can get around. Much like New York 

Come From Away: a must see

The west end. Well I decided on seeing a show and I saw one highly recommended, a must see as many of us lived through this experience, Come From Away. 

It’s the story of Gander, Newfoundland citizens, a small town with a big enough airport that took care of many passenger jets after 9/11 and the US airspace was shut down. It’s a very heart warming thought provoking story of how people can come together and work to help each other, even overcoming various barriers like religion and racial backgrounds.  Plus it also deals with the passengers who want to call their loved ones, some might’ve lost relatives that day and deals with the aftermath. The audience was moved by it as it was action packed and never missed a beat. 

Definetly worth it. 

Welcome to the rock as they say 

Lovely Day for a Tour

Another fun day in site seeing London. It’s a very historical and yet cosmopolitan modern city. Really the easiest way to see it is by one of the double decker site seeing tours where you can hop on and off quite frequently. Half the buses are audio recorded in many languages and some have a guide which are more enjoyable. You begin to learn how old the city is and how it’s survived many wars and destructions. Many of the buildings have been deemed of significant historical value and have a placard of who lived there. Those buildings will never change. Much of the architecture is of the Victorian era. I even see how New York is designed too with the close row of homes and stone facades. 

BI also learned that London itself is only 1 square mile and only 9000 people live there. The rest of the London area is Westminster and other communities which make up the London proper. But the small area of London is where St. Paul’s Cathedral, the high magistrate courts, and the financial epicenter of the city and one of the leading in the world is based there. Hence much of the 400,000 plus commuters work there daily. It’s also the home of the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror after the battle of Hastings and at the corner of the old Roman city. It’s where the Crown Jewels are and the site of many executions done by the monarchy. The most known that I knew was Anne Boleyn by Henry VIII. He imprisoned her for not bearing a son and then beheaded her. The tower and grounds are quite beautiful as the Beefeater Guards still protect it and live there. A highly recommended tour to see.  As there is much to enjoy 

Cheerio from England.

Greetings from jolly old England. 

I can honestly say this last day, mainly the last 24+ hours have been a blur. It was yesterday I did shopping in Tamale in under 15 minutes and then a nice final lunch and Happy Hour. At 4:30 Ghana time I bid a Thomas a farewell and gave him a gift as a token of my appreciation to be used for the school at his discretion.  The flight to Accra was nice and then checking in onto my flight to England. Check in, passport control, and security, such ease. Then wait. That time of the night, all the main international flights were leaving to Europe and JFK. My flight landed late, so we boarded late close to 10 and departed about 11:30 ish. Of course British Airways is a great airline and service and decent seats in economy, minus the legroom. I never have enough, at least an aisle seat and maybe only 2 hours of consistent sleep. 

We landed at 6:30 and I thought the airport would be quiet. It wasn’t. Many flights arrived and customs was an ease. Passport check, no problem. Baggage, takes forever, and then go through customs without declaring anything. Then I caught the Heathrow Express for the 15 minute ride to Paddington Station. 

I found my hotel but check in was at 2. They were nice enough to hold my bags for me, so I did some exploring after having a Starbucks. 

I walked, and walked, and walked some more. Over 12 miles to be exact, 24,000 steps. But I had a map and I figured out my way. I saw Hyde park, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, Thames River, and the west end. The beauty of it was. There were so many people out an about as it was 75 degrees  in London. Perfect weather. 

And I had pub grub which tasted so good and a cold beer. It was nice just to see the city on foot. I know I felt it in the afternoon and my room is nice, small but nice. And a hot shower felt so good. Was nice to wash my hair and now relax. I have a few days in London and a few things I’d love to do if possible. Who knows what’ll happen. If not, I’ll just have to return. 

But now I’m fading and need rest. Peace out peeps 

Farewell to Ghana.

Farewell to Africa. This dad day has come, but I ended it on a nice night out over a nice Ghanaian meal and beers on Tamale. Plus some shopping where I did the Art Reardon method. 

As i reflect back on this half of my journey words alone can’t not even begin to describe how amazing it has been. Ghana and its people have been so kind to me as I was a guest in their country.  I know that 

my trip was as the guest of honor in Wiaga for all my family has done.  That is only the beginning. I liked to sit back and just observe. Many things I noticed struck me and I wish many westerners, Americans could take to heart. For instance, the people always address each other with Good Morning or afternoon, whether it’s English or their own dialect. Politeness is a key as it is considered ride to ignore the person.  It doesn’t even matter what social class they are as many especially in the north live a modest by their standards to an impoverished life. Everyone is there to help each other as well.  For those that love in traditional mud homes, they are in danger of losing their house after a rain. However, many will come to their aid and help rebuild as community is family.   Everyone considers each other their brother, sister, auntie, uncle, especially the same tribes. They love life even with what little they have. 

One thing that really struck me was the respect I saw, the respect for life and dignity. My first experience was at lunch with Thomas, it was a big Ghanaian meal of rice, chicken, and vegetables, spicy of course. I was getting full and tried to eat as much as possible. Thomas told me no worry, they will take it back and then give the rest of my meal to someone who could use it as there are many they would appreciate it. So, in all my delicious meals I never finished my plate. I ate until I was stuffed and the left overs were given to people.  We Americans can learn to not be so wasteful.   

Another thing is their love of beer as Ghanaians are very social. I taught them the phrase, every hour is happy hour. And we toasted a lot. Thomas knows people in every place we went, and we’d sit there for hours just shooting the breeze and solving the worlds problems over a pint or two. The bottles were not discarded as they are collected and returned to the brewery to be reused. And water bottles given to children or returned. There is not waste disposal system so it’s coming to see trash on the streets and in fields. And as for paper, if there is no septic system, it’ll be burned to start the local fires used for cooking. They are very resourceful.  I won’t describe some of the foods I tried, but I am also one that believes people need to eat to survive, and if it’s an animal product it was done so in a humane way. 

Watching the country side as I drove. I also noticed there were no speed limits. You drive and bigger vehicles have priorities over motor bikes. And you just pass when you can and keep going. But, get used to unpaved and unkept roads.  My mother would be saying many prayers as she was a passenger. However she’d love the people. 

Seeing the towns, cities, and villages really reminded that much of the world is impoverished. It reminded me of Mexico, not the resort cities that have lavish hotels; but mainly Tijuana, not the nightlife area, or just driving to Rosarito. For those that have been, or been to other countries like India or South Africa would get the idea I’m describing. 

Ther northern region where I was in also reminded me of Native American life on the reservations. The land is spread out, and the homes are scarce, or built with natural materials or makeshift homes. The people know how to live off the land, cultivate it, and live their lives daily. 

Ghana has its problems like the rest of the world, corruption, untrustworthy politicians, and but there are many that care. Thomas is an example of one who care. The only help he asks for is to help his school and village. I tell him when there is a will there is a way.  Things cost money, but Thomas will make it happen for his school children.  His vision is for the kids to take day trips to see animals, more classrooms, more students, and technology. 

There’s so much more to say. I just will say I have fond memories of the people I met. Thomas’s family who were so kind and welcoming into their homes. Victoria, the villager who would come over and cook our meals in Wiaga and did my laundry. The staff of St. Thomas Aquinas, young teachers dedicating their life to the education and well being of the children and the villagers as they help Thomas. The local parish staff who were a joy to get to know even when it was over a beer or three. And the students,  all had smiles on their faces trying to teach me to dance, yelling me to use my right hand, wanting to learn, laughing at my accent, or even trying to play hide and seek from me.   I also enjoyed meeting everyone in the village, who were so kind hearted and i had a beer or two with them. Everyone else who was helpful too, the guides at the Crocodile pond who told me how crocs are a totem to their culture and respected. And my guide in Mole National Park who dedicates his life to wildlife conservation. I got to experience nature at its best. 

I got to experience so much and I’ve learned a lot too. I can’t wait to get home and really upload the pictures I’ve taken and post here. 

But first, my next adventure on my trip. Playing a tourist in London. 

Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Matata,,, 

After a couple days rest with Thomas’s family in Bolga, then on to Tamale, I got to experience something imaginable.  I went to the Mole National Park in Damongo, two hours from Tamale. It was a drive where we left at 5am and once there I got to see beauty. Mole National Park is almost 1800 square miles of preserved land for wildlife. 

We met our armed guard/ guide, Sedu, who too us further into the park to see wildlife of warthogs, baboons, antelope, elephants, etc.  The only rule was, don’t approach the animals, feed them, or litter. It was amazing from the beginning because I saw warthogs roaming near the visitor center. I thought of my colleagues, Jen and Cheryl, the musical theater directors who’d break out into Hakuna Matata. 

As I made the journey in, Thomas drove, a very unpaved road and we would stop when we saw wildlife to take pictures. At first all I saw were the occasional baboons and then antelope either close by or off in the distance. It brought memories of a wild park visit in Hawaii, my parents have fond memories of. However, we stopped and then proceeded on foot to watering holes hoping to see elephants. None appeared at first,  but our guide radioed other guides and low and behold elephants appeared. A pack of 10 all walking. All we had to do was stay 50m from them. But I snapped picture after picture. Sedu, the guide said about 10 years ago there was 600 elephants in the park. And as of a few years ago, they counted 800. It was just amazing to watch them move and interact. A few males got mad at each other when feeding. He said it’s close to mating season as well. No I didn’t see any elephant hanky panky.  But we drove and saw them as well as antelopes just frolicking about the day. 

We even went to another watering hole and saw two elephants in the water bathing, as water cools their tough shin. They also cover themselves in mid to protect them from elements and bugs. Off in the distance I saw a croc keeping is distance. Our guide said that even though crocs are predators, they won’t go near elephants due to size. 

I kept asking about natural predators elephants had and he said honestly there aren’t any. Not even a lion. A lion is the king of a jungle, but an elephant would be emperor. Their size, thick skin, and speed, lion would have a tough time to kill its prey, hence it’s easier to prey on antelope, gazelles, etc. 

There are other predatory animals inside the park, lions and hyenas, but they’re mostly nocturnal. 

This was just amazing to see nature in the wild. This park has inns even inside the park overlooking everything so once can watch it all from a distance. Who knows maybe I might stay there sometime. 

What a nice final full day of my Ghanaian adventure. Tomorrow, Saturday, it’s time to say goodbye and head up to London. 

Good Bye Wiaga, but I will return

Good bye to Wiaga. This has been a heart-warming life changing memory for me. You can see the happiness in these villagers with what they have. The villagers are so thankful, polite, and grateful for the kindness and compassion done unto others. It makes one stop and think, why can’t all be like this. Many of us, Americans especially, take much for granted. However, the children here are receiving an education to further enrich their lives administered by a dedicated staff whose mission is the same as all educators worldwide. The villagers, some would live modestly to their standards with a cement brick home, electricity, and running water, and those that depend on the local boreholes dug into the ground and live in mud homes. But all are thankful and grateful for everyone. They have been thankful and grateful for my family’s and others contributions. 

Seeing the kids and saying good bye was wonderful. They all still called me Master and had smiles. I promise to return to them. 

Now I got to do some exploring of northern Ghana and went to the Paga Crocodile Pond near the Burkina Faso border. Here, after paying our donation, I was led by a guide to the pond and they whistled for a croc to appear. One approached slowly and sat there. I discovered she was 85 years old and I approached from the rear and got to pet the croc gently on the back and hold its tail. I wasn’t scare after I saw they it was ok. The croc was fed afterwards. And since I was the only one there, they said many crocs already ate and only came up if hungry.  But all she did was bask in the sun, mouth open to let air in. Thomas explained that this local tribe reveres the croc as a totem, sacred. The croc was the one who saved their people and they now worship it, will never eat it, nor abuse it. I found that fascinating 

I also got to see the border of Ghana to Burkina Faso. It wasn’t crowded like US Mexico, but cars, trucks, and pedestrians have to go through customs  checkpoints and declare their goods. Burkina Faso is also a Francophone country, French Speaking, but also part of ECOMWAS, the same as the EU is for West African states. Thomas and other Ghanaians can travel freely with proper ID. It was very interesting to realize I was that close. 

Now I’m back being hosted by Thomas’s family in Bolga ready to see what tomorrow, Thursday has in store. God 

Tuesday, years in the making. A dream comes true

Today, Tuesday, June 12, 2019, has been years in the planning. The students and staff of St. Thomas Aquinas Preparatory School, Wiaga  have been waiting for this day for a very long time. It all started with a dream. A dream of an education opportunity for students, a school. That dream turned into the construction of the Primary school, a food distribution program, and educational opportunities for many. Now, there is a Junior high building under construction which will easily double the student body population. It started from 17 students to 117 students. This was Thomas Awiapo’s dream. 

Today marked the official inauguration and blessing of this school and the staff’s hard work and dedication has paid off. I knew I was the guest of honor, but I had no idea what was in store for me. There were chairs under canopies for over 200 to view. Thomas’s wife, Felicia, son Melvin, and daughter Lindy came. A representative from the village chief came as well as representatives from the local diocese. 

The children were so excited to see me. There were musicians and dancers from a local cultural group and others from an adjacent school performed traditional dances. Mass finally began and the children sang, When the Saints Go Marching in. Once again I was welcomed to this event and witnessed a beautiful celebration.   They finally called me up as Thomas told people of his dream. He told everyone of my mothers dream as well. There was a piece of silk over an area near the office with a ribbon. I took the scissors and with the pastor I cut the ribbon to see the plaque that would bring tears to eyes. The plaque was honoring the Reardon Family in their support of the building and continuing education of this school. I was moved. The school had officially been blessed and Thomas’s dream was a reality. 

I had the privilege of witnessing many dances, traditional and modern, by the students led by one teacher, Benedictine. I knew they had practiced hard because I heard the music yesterday when I had to stay in hiding. This was all wonderful to see. 

I also received a nice speech from Thomas on behalf of the school receiving a couple honorable gifts. Afterwards, I had to make a speech. As a representative of the Reardon family, I read messages of thanks and gratitude from my parents. I then told everyone how happy I was to be here and what an honor this was.  I also told them of another family member, Aunt Carolyn who bonded with Thomas immediately. I told the villagers how Auntie Caroline as he pronounces is watching over Wiaga from above and gave the school the gift of her portrait. She will always be watching over St. Thomas Aquinas. 

This day was amazing but far from over, refreshments were served and everyone enjoyed this day. Much music and dancing were being played, even trying to get me to dance. 

What a truly wonderful honor it was to be a part of. The evening was a nice relaxing, celebratory one at Thomas’s for dinner, beers, and watching Ghana in the African Cup of Nations tournament.

I can honestly say this was one of the best days of my life. 

(Pics will follow these posts as the signal gets better)

Monday’s Special Visit

Monday’s adventure was what I had all imagined.  I had the privilege of watching the school children in action. I sat in on the various classrooms and interacted with the children. The kids became less shy as well as they remembered who I was, asked me questions, and even thought I was older than Thomas and or in my 50s/60s. 

Every class was amazing as they are typical schoolchildren. They love to learn and try their hardest, yet can be mischievous at times too. I had the privilege of working on reading with the Primary 3 grade students. As with many students, everyone is at a different reading level and I helped them pronounce words and applauded them for a job well done. In the  Primary 2 class, they learned division, as sharing. Many understood and many had visual aids to use which I helped them with. 

It’s the same as any school, you see the children smile. Their morning break I watched them interact with each other playing games, and even trying to hide from me and tease me, and laugh. It brought joy as I taught them high 5s and kept moving my hands away from them. But many children, even the nursery children, wanted a high 5. 

Then I was told I had coffee made for me, as I arrived they told me to wait in the office a they were practicing for Tuesday’s big reception and inagural ceremony. 

The joy I had today was seeing the kids wanting to learn, and then all telling me to use my right hand as, the left is never used for writing. I even saw their religious studies class which teaches them not only about Christianity, but Islam, and local tribal religions. 

Such an amazing day and many cheerful children. A highlight is everyone called me, Master. That’s how they address a teacher. A throwback from the British. But I can get used to it. 

Now we finally have the rain and when it rains, it pours, even no power. 

Saturday & Sunday from Wiaga

Saturday and Sunday in Wiaga have been even more amazing. I can’t even describe how life changing this experience is becoming. I’m seeing the simplicity in life and how people are grateful for the littlest things. 

The morning started off attending the weekly food distribution to many people.  Thomas has said this is mainly because of my family’s influence as well as the generosity of others.  The families all receive a coupon where the neediest line up first.  Many of them are blind, widowed, hearing impaired, or have a disease such as leprosy. The volunteers will then open up the large bags of grain, corn in this case. Each person receives 4 big scoops, enough to feed them for a week.  When Thomas introduced me, many stood up and sang songs or praise. I met many, even attempting to communicate in Buli. Only knew how to respond Good Morning and Welcome.  After two hours of hard work, they went through 40 large bags. 

The teachers who helped Thomas with this all deserved a cold one. I insisted on paying.   And as I taught them, every hour is happy hour. Especially in Ghana 😊

In the afternoon I had the privilege of meeting students who benefitted from an education provided. Many of them are hearing impaired, but they attempted to teach me basic phrases. As I typed what I wanted to say and they all taught me.  They all laughed as I took a long time just to say, Nice to Meet you.  They were, Vivian ,Moses,Agumbapo  Atambil

Keelung,Elijah. Sandra. Precious.  All had smiles on their faces. I know this would make my parents hearts melt. 

As for Sunday, an even more productive (and hot) day. Due to it being the feast of Corpus Christi. I got to witness their celebration. Also I was honored in the parish as I gave gifts to the choirs on behalf of our family. Everyone was overjoyed by this. 

In the afternoon, I then had the privilege of visiting a couple of families who benefited from the food distribution. They lived in traditional mud houses with one little building for their bedroom, 1 for the kitchen, and then a washroom (makeshift toilet). There’s also the area for livestock and a courtyard. However after rains, they need to remake the houses constantly. Both of the women were visually impaired, and so generous and thankful.  I was very honored to meet them. 

Tomorrow (Monday) is the day I’m looking forward to most, visiting with the students and interacting with them. I know they are preparing for the big inauguration on Tuesday and have much celebration in store for them. 

Here are just a few of the pics. I promise to upload more when I get home (and edit the bad ones of me out of them) 

Hello from Wiaga (Friday Day 1)

Hello all. I apologize  for taking some time to update this blog. The internet connection is very poor and it’s rare I can get a decent signal.

Anyway after spending a wonderful evening at Thomas’s Bolga home, we departed for the hour trek to his home village of Wiaga. Upon arrival at his nice home, I noticed how spacious the town is. Homes are spread everywhere, from the modern cement brick home with satellite tv and running well water, to the more traditional Ghanaian homes made of mid. Thomas told me the northern part of the country, including Wiaga, is the poorest. And, this is the start of the rainy season where their crops should be grown to almost full bloom. Sadly, we are nearing the end of June and not much rain at all. Thomas is saying they are headed into a drought which will be tough as many villagers rely on their own crops and food dependencies.

Anyway, everyone in Wiaga is so polite and friendly. They welcome me with big smiles on their faces and saying Good Morning in their native language, Buli. They also say welcome and I’m to respond back to them in Buli. Luckily I had Thomas there to tell me what to say although I had skewed the pronunciation.

Thomas showed me around the village on the way to St Thomas Aquinas Prep School. As I arrived. I received the warmest kind hearted reception from the students. They marched out singing a welcome song and officially welcoming me to Ghana. I thought that was it. The kids had smiles on their faces and I meet the head school master, Benjamin and the teachers, many of them young in their 20s.  We walked into the office and I was greeted by two young children who gave me a ceremonial drink of water inside a gourd. I had to rely Jiem Jiem (typing uncertain) meaning thank you. I was told to pretend to take the sip as the water was well water.

I took many photos and had photos taken with me from the teachers, the two students who welcomed me. Even Thomas and the teachers were taking photos.  I got to go into each class room and learned that the school runs from a nursery up to Grade 3 as of now. They are in the process of building another building which will enable to school to go up to High School.
Many of the kids were shy at first. They thought I had a funny accent when they asked me questions. I’d ask them questions too about what they were learning. Of course there were some kids who were the class clowns. The 1st graders even showed me how they were learning phonics.
I got to tour the grounds to see all that was because of my parents and my Aunt Carolyn’s influence. Everyone at St Thomas Aquinas was so happy and grateful for generosity and compassion.  I know how I’d love to get others involved, including my own school. The teachers loved the gifts of school supplies I brought them. They could always use school supplies, books, library books, and their dream os to have a computer lab with decent laptops.
The students are so excited I will spend Monday with them and interact with them in classes. Tuesday is an even bigger day as they are doing the official building dedication and have a surprise for me as i have for them.

I must say how humbling and heartwarming this experience is.  I see the simplicity in their  hour is lives as many lack running water and basic items we take for granted.  Later in the evening I got to meet the local pastor who came over for a drink, Fr. George who is a character. I told him every hour is happy hour in Ghana as he was embedded in watching the African Cup. I know the trip will only get more amazing.

Attached are only a few of the photos of my days adventure. Only the tip of the iceberg as I have much more 

Made it To Tamale

Good morning. Well yesterday I successfully completed leg three of my journey up to Tamale in the northern region. There I met our dear friend Thomas and had a nice Ghanaian lunch, even had peas in it.
Afterwards, we made the two hour trek to Bolgatanga where Thomas family lives. I really got to see the country side. The villages are very beautiful. They’re also very impoverished. But everyone has a smile on their face. The northern region also has a larger Muslim population. Of the total population of Ghana, 30 million, about 10% are Muslim. And, everyone lives in peace, no matter what religion they practice.  The countryside is beautiful, green, spacious,  many have to walk to get their fresh water, and carry their baskets of food on their head. I didn’t want to take photos of these villages driving out of respect, as many northerners in Tamale region are shy and don’t want a photo taken.  Yet I saw smiles. And the driving in Ghana is no speed limit per se, everyone shares the road going both ways, plus you watch out for crossing pedestrian traffic, I mean animals.

As I arrived to Thomas home (Bolga House) I met his family, Felicia, Kelvin, Melvin, and daughter Lindy. We had a lovely meal of rice, pasta, and guinea fowl.  Was yummy. I spoke with the kids seeing what they liked and learned, ie Lindy is an Ariana Grande fan. Thomas didn’t know who that was. But I’ve enjoyed their hospitality. Even took a Shower without running water as the running water supply is scarce.
Today on to Wiaga where I get to see the school and Thomas’s home village.

Good morning from Accra

 I hear the drums echoing tonight.

Well after a semi restful evening. I am ready explore all that Ghana has to offer.
The people here at the Ibis style Hotel have been very helpful and resourceful when
I had a question or needed something,  even a toothbrush which I forgot to pack.
This hotel caters to many foreign nationals so I saw I mix of people from all over the world.
There might be some Americans, but I met many from South Africa.  And I need to realize
The difference in currency.  When I paid 40 Cedi last night for a couple beers and water, it was only
$9.00.

Now I’m getting ready to embark on the real journey, up to Tamale to see our friend Thomas
And the students of St. Thomas Aquinas in Wiaga.

Here is a pic of what Accra looks like from my hotel, more scenic than my hotel room which faces a construction site.

Hope this log is enjoyed by all. Feel free to comment if you like. I think it’s easier if one does it from a computer or iPad. But who knows. Anyway.

That’s all for now

.

London Calling

London Calling to the Underworld,
Come out of the cupboard you boys and girls...

I’m a little jet lagged but made it safely to London. Great airline and service, but no legroom and
Maybe only three hours sleep. Just waiting for my next hop.

The Beginning of the Journey

Well I am officially on my way to this amazing adventure. LAX is crowded as usual, more so with the construction going on. Check In was easy as British Airways cheeked my bags in for free. Security was easy. And now I have plenty of time before my 17 hour trek to LHR and Accra.

I’m more excited now than anxious and nervous. As I’ve stated before, the villagers Wiaga and students of St. Thomas Aquinas are more than thrilled I am representing the Reardon family.

Itinerary

And the journey soon arrives. I’m looking more forward to this trip, still anxiety. However, after having a nice talk with Thomas, I feel more at ease on what to do upon arrival in Accra.  Luckily the hotel is only 2 minutes away where I can rest before my next flight to Tamale, oh and buy bottled water too.

Thomas said the village is excited for my arrival and even have surprises in store for me.

Attached here is a rough detailed outline of my itinerary. Perhaps I will just rest when I get to London. 😀

Itinerary for Wiagaj

ITINERARY FOR PETER REARDON’S VISIT TO GHANA JUNE 19TH – 29TH 2019
Day/Date	Time	Activity
Wednesday, June 19th2019		Arrive at the Kotoka International airport Accra via flight # BA 081; go through immigration, claim your luggage (baggage claim is slower than it is in the US). As you exit the main door, look straight in front of you and you will see different hotel representatives (holding placards with names of various hotels) waiting to pick up their passengers, look out for Ibis Styles Hotel and the representative will take care of you. People will approach you asking if you need a taxi/ride, dismiss all.
Thursday, June 20th 2019	1:30pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-3:00pm 5:00pm-till bedtime	Peter arrives at the Tamale airport with AWA. Thomas will pick Peter from the airport. Have lunch together at Luxury and drive to Bolgatanga (2hr drive)  Arrive at the Awiapo’s home, have dinner, interaction and spend the night in Bolgatanga with the Awiapo family.
Friday, June 21st 2019	8:30am-8:30am 9:00am-10:00am 10:00am-2:00pm 2:00pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm	Breakfast  Depart for Wiaga (Thomas’ village where St. Thomas Aquinas Prep. Sch. is located. It will be approximately 1hr drive. Visit to St. Thomas Aquinas Preparatory School, welcome by students and staff of STAPS, tour and interaction with students and staff. School closes at 2:00pm, go to Thomas’s village home for Lunch and rest Social time, dinner and social time
Saturday, June 22nd 2019	8:00am-9:00am 9:00am-12:00pm 12:00pm-1:00pm 1:00pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-6:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm	Breakfast The Reardon family has supported the food bank financially for many years. Peter will experience first hand the impact of the program by helping to distribute food to vulnerable people and interact with beneficiaries and those who manage the program. Refreshment with staff of the food bank Lunch and rest Meeting and interaction with beneficiary familieswho have benefitted from the Reardon tuition fund.   Dinner, social time and go to bed anytime
Sunday, June 23rd 2019	8:00am-8:45am 8:45am-9:00am 12:00pm-1:00pm 1:00am-1:30pm 4:00pm-6:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm	Breakfast  Depart to Church at St. Francis Xavier Church. Mass may last for at least 2 hours but will be lively I promise. You will see faith and culture in display. Lunch and interaction with the priests  Return to residence for rest  Visit Reardon education fund beneficiaries’ homes  Dinner and interaction with priests and nuns in the parish
Monday, June 24th 2019	7:00am-7:30am 7:30am-2:00pm 2:00pm-2:30pm 2:00pm-4:00pm 4:00pm-7:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm	Breakfast  Depart for school and spend the whole day in school. This is will offer Peter the opportunity to experience a typical school day of teachers or students. Peter will spend time in each of the classes. He can teach English, ICT, Reading, just give a talk, etc. Will have coffee break in school School closes  Return to residence and rest Do something fun – Take a walk, visit food bank beneficiaries in their homes Dinner and social time
Tuesday, June 25th 2019	7:00am-8:00am 8:00pm-9:00am 9:00am-2:00pm 2:00pm-2:30pm 2:30pm-3:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm	Breakfast  In school to prepare for Inauguration Mass for St. Thomas Aquinas Preparatory School – Wiaga Students, staff, PTA members and community members will be invited for the mass.  Inauguration activities will start with mass and include the following: cultural display, games, poems, short drama, debates and refreshments. Inauguration activities end. Return to residence for and down time Goodbye dinner with staff at home
Wednesday, June 26th2019	8:00am-9:00am 9:00am-10:00am 10:00am-11:00am 12:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-3:00pm 3:00pm-6:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm	Breakfast Drive to Crocodile Pond in Paga – (1hr drive),  Drive to Bolgatanga Lunch at Comci-Comca with Felicia (Thomas’ wife) Visit Art and Craft shop in Bolgatanga – possibility of shopping for souvenirs. Free time Dinner with the Awiapos and extended family members and spend the night at the Awiapos
Thursday, June 27th 2019	8:00am-9:00am 12:00pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-4:00pm	Breakfast Lunch with Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta at his residence. Drive to Tamale (2hr drive), dinner at Luxury and spend the night in Tamale at M&J hotel.
Friday, June 28th 2019	5:00am-7:00am 7:00am-10:00am 10:00am-3:00pm 3:00pm-5:00pm 5:00pm-7:00pm 7:00pm-8:30pm	Drive to Damongo Visit Mole National Park & game reserve, see wild life including elephants. Have brunch at the park. Free time Drive back to Tamale (2hr drive) Arrive in Tamale, check into M&J hotel, freshen up. Dinner at Mariam hotel
Saturday, June 29th 2019	8:00am-9:00am 12:00pm-1:30pm 1:30pm-3:30pm 3:30pm-4:00pm	Breakfast at M&J hotel and free time Lunch at SWAD Rest Freshen up and drive to the Tamale airport (leaving the hotel at 4:00pm) for check in and departure to Accra en route to the US

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