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.