Aburi Botanical Gardens and Boti Falls

     This past weekend I traveled with some friends to the Botanical Gardens in Aburi, which is part of the Eastern Region of Ghana. I had been to the gardens once before, but couldn’t stay away from their beauty. It took us 90 minutes to get to the falls, even though some Ghanaians said it would take 30. This happens often, so when they told me 30 minutes, I assumed 60. I have learned to double the amount of time given to me. Perhaps the Ghanaians told me what they thought I wanted to hear.

     My friends and I also traveled to Boti Falls, some waterfalls in the eastern region. They were also gorgeous. We took a hike around the falls, as well. Check out the pictures.   


Here are some pictures from the Gardens: 

Climbing a Tree in the Gardens

Here are some pictures from the Waterfalls:

Clearly we were excited about seeing the falls...

Historic Sites in Accra (Ghana's Capital)

A few weeks ago, my Ghanaian friend took me to the historic sites in Accra. The nerd that I am, I was so excited to see them. Besides, why would I travel to a country for half a year and not visit its historic sites?

     We first went to the National Museum, which exhibits a collection of Ghana’s and West Africa’s historical artifacts, from farming tools to pottery to drums. I was so grateful to have gone with my friend, because he answered all of my questions and explained a lot about the artifacts in the museum. We then went the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of the first president of the Republic of Ghana, Presdient Nkrumah, and his Egyptian wife, Fathia. Apparently Fathia is Anwar Sadat’s sister. Adjacent to the mausoleum is a mini museum with pictures of Nkrumah by himself and with other world leaders, especially communist leaders including the leaders of Russia, China, and Cuba, since Nkrumah was a Marxist. The museum also displays some of his old furniture. The walls of the museum are decorated with Egyptian art.

     After the museums, we headed to the Centre For National Culture, which is locally known as the Arts Centre. Vendors there sell all types of artwork including woodcarvings, drums, cloth, leather bags, beads, and imported items from surrounding countries. I didn’t buy anything, but I one vendor approached me and told me to buy his drum to bring back to Obama.

   

Correction!

Videos work. They just take forever to load. Have a good day.

Correction!

Videos work. They just take forever to load. Have a good day.

Ramadan Festival II

     It appears that the videos I took cannot be displayed on my blog, but here are a couple of pictures that I took through the crowds:

Ramadan Festival

I saw a Ramadan parade downtown this past Wednesday, August 31. People rode down the streets on horses and some carriages, and every few minutes a gun was shot off to scare people and move them out of the streets. Thousands of people crowded around the parade and took out their phones and cameras to film the parade. Many people held their cameras on my friends and me for several seconds, most likely because we stuck out as the only white people. I took tons of pictures and videos too. They capture the crowds and madness of the situation quite well if you ask me. I was getting pushed side to side as I was filming. I am trying to upload some videos. Hopefully they'll work when posted on my blog.  

Oguaa Fetu Afahye Festival

Hi Ya’ll:

     I’m sorry I haven’t written for a while. The internet is often down here. Where do I begin? This past weekend I traveled to Cape Coast in central Ghana for the Oguaa Fetu Afahye or Cape Coast Festival. People filled the streets to the point where I struggled to walk and had to guard my bag with extra caution. The Ghanians hold the festival every year in September to pay homage to the local dieties, and to celebrate the New Year. People wore all types of clothing from beautiful multicolored African wear to what appeared to me as clown costumes. Some people cross-dressed, and some painted their entire bodies in red, green, and yellow with black stars to match the Ghanaian flag. People danced African dances, sang African songs, and played African instruments and music in the street while the chiefs were brought out in large thrones that rested on top of people’s heads! OUCH! One white woman performed in one of the dances, and the Ghanaian next to me asked if she was my sister. I replied, “Of course! How did you know?” Not to mention, this woman was probably old enough to be my mother.

     The festival eventually moved through the streets and to a local park, where more African dance and music were performed. I love the sound of the drumming! During the second part of the ceremony, several people gave speeches, and the president of Ghana, John Atta Mills, made an appearance. Yes – I saw the president of Ghana! He was just a few steps in front of me. I was able to get close to him, as one Ghanaian next to me left the festival early, and kindly let me use his pre-paid seat.   

     At night, the streets were packed! I saw different dance groups perform both African dance as well as what seemed like American hip-hop.

     All in all, the festival was super fun! It helped me observe more Ghanaian culture, and has placed me one step closer in understanding the Ghanian lifestyle.

     Here are some pictures from the festival. Enjoy!