"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,we must carry it w/ us , or we find it not." R.W Emerson
The people of Ghana are a kind and seemingly happy people. Our encounters during our travels were always met w/ people ,men , women and children who seemed to have a desire to make you feel comfortable. They were generous w/ their efforts to meet our needs. Philip our cab driver was a real sweet guy and looked out for us . He drove us all over , to the fishing village, the market, an orphanage http://www.egyamorphanage.com/ . He did this for a very small some of money. For example we got in his cab around 9;00 am and he dropped us off around 3:00pm for 50 cedes which is $35US .
The market in Takoradi was bustling and exciting , Traci bought some of her favorite old Kente' cloth , bracelets , necklaces and even a couple small carved drums . Traci knows how to bargain and isn;'t afraid to offend w/ an offer even if she wants the particular item. It say this in the best way. I found it was better for me to perhaps point out something to T and sick her on the poor shop owner. They might say 100 cedes Traci would say you must be crazy - 30 is what I will pay and it would go on , she would walk away only to be followed w/ a counter offer. I don't think she ever paid more than 1/2 the starting price. :) Marshall's beware she will likely start setting her own prices there at home!!
We experienced so much in 4 days traveling w/ the kids . The kids loved it and were exhausted by the time we left port .
I'll let Traci tell you of our experience at the orphanage as she was able to speak w/ the director for sometime while I was being mauled by a bunch of polite and curious kids. Boy do they love cute white kids!!!
There were so many highlights to this part of the journey its hard to put it all down , I talked w/ an economist from the ship about his perspective of the country (70 yr old professor at UVA) a very intelligent and well travelled man who said he had never seen such a poor place and didn't know what they could do to change the economic disaster that is Ghana. The poverty was abject, the living quarters were on top of each other w/ out running water or electricity in most cases. The days were spent hacking at the jungle and "gardens" to pull out Yams, coconuts , tomato's , garlic ,and all manner of veggie. The men did the hunting and fishing . All for the village to eat that day while selling some to buy the bear necessities.
There is an upper class but we didn't see it. Like all countries like Ghana the corruption of the Gov. and the exploitation by big business (mining,cocoa farming and now drilling for oil is real)
The power is separated from the people. This is a country that could truly use some sustainable energy , Wind and solar.
I speak for all of us,The Ghanaian people have left lasting memories for all of us.
Current position :
0' 09minutes N- Latitude
0' 03'minutes W Longitude
Water depth - 16148 feet
sea temp 79'F
distance to CapeTown 2201 NM
Over and out
JD
The people of Ghana are a kind and seemingly happy people. Our encounters during our travels were always met w/ people ,men , women and children who seemed to have a desire to make you feel comfortable. They were generous w/ their efforts to meet our needs. Philip our cab driver was a real sweet guy and looked out for us . He drove us all over , to the fishing village, the market, an orphanage http://www.egyamorphanage.com/ . He did this for a very small some of money. For example we got in his cab around 9;00 am and he dropped us off around 3:00pm for 50 cedes which is $35US .
The market in Takoradi was bustling and exciting , Traci bought some of her favorite old Kente' cloth , bracelets , necklaces and even a couple small carved drums . Traci knows how to bargain and isn;'t afraid to offend w/ an offer even if she wants the particular item. It say this in the best way. I found it was better for me to perhaps point out something to T and sick her on the poor shop owner. They might say 100 cedes Traci would say you must be crazy - 30 is what I will pay and it would go on , she would walk away only to be followed w/ a counter offer. I don't think she ever paid more than 1/2 the starting price. :) Marshall's beware she will likely start setting her own prices there at home!!
We experienced so much in 4 days traveling w/ the kids . The kids loved it and were exhausted by the time we left port .
I'll let Traci tell you of our experience at the orphanage as she was able to speak w/ the director for sometime while I was being mauled by a bunch of polite and curious kids. Boy do they love cute white kids!!!
There were so many highlights to this part of the journey its hard to put it all down , I talked w/ an economist from the ship about his perspective of the country (70 yr old professor at UVA) a very intelligent and well travelled man who said he had never seen such a poor place and didn't know what they could do to change the economic disaster that is Ghana. The poverty was abject, the living quarters were on top of each other w/ out running water or electricity in most cases. The days were spent hacking at the jungle and "gardens" to pull out Yams, coconuts , tomato's , garlic ,and all manner of veggie. The men did the hunting and fishing . All for the village to eat that day while selling some to buy the bear necessities.
There is an upper class but we didn't see it. Like all countries like Ghana the corruption of the Gov. and the exploitation by big business (mining,cocoa farming and now drilling for oil is real)
The power is separated from the people. This is a country that could truly use some sustainable energy , Wind and solar.
I speak for all of us,The Ghanaian people have left lasting memories for all of us.
Current position :
0' 09minutes N- Latitude
0' 03'minutes W Longitude
Water depth - 16148 feet
sea temp 79'F
distance to CapeTown 2201 NM
Over and out
JD
Great pictures!! The kids look so happy. Wonderful picture of Dec. I love Anna and Layne with their new friends. I love the story of"Bargaining Traci." How poor all these countries are and how corrupt. How sad.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the wonderful blogs. They are so special.
Love Mom
Dear Doherty Family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and bringing us with you as you experience these new lands and cultures so far from our little MA! Photos are priceless! It's eye opening, humbling and certainly has been thought provoking for us. Can't wait to hear more!
Best!
Jen, Cary, Ethan and Eva Greene