Ghana Bound----An Amazing Trip..!

Calling the Crocodiles, Prince's Town, Ghana

2009-11-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Libation ceremony to get the crocodiles to come out.

Unfortunately, they had eaten fish earlier in the AM.

As you will see, there were two chickens that were

going to be sacrificed.....

Collecting DNA Samples Prince's Town, Ghana (10/31/09)

2009-11-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Paula being interviewed by SKYY TV, Accra, Ghana

The group just enjoying Ghana....

2009-11-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Group pictured with the Chief of Prince's Town (in the center)

Group picture with Kakoo's family...

Faye surrounded by friends at the DNA sampling....

Viola and Sabastian

Ms. Dot enjoying the garden ...

This is Katie, Viola's seat-mate on the plane who is volunteering for 12 weeks in Ghana as a teacher. Viola ran into her while touring.....small world!

Viola and Sabastian

Malcolm enjoying some sun...

Viola with a wonderful family

Ms. Dot, Rev. Samuel, Linda, Marvelous and others...

Linda and Richard Kojoe...

Richard Kojoe and Sydney...

Taking pictures in the outfits given by the Chief...

Patty enjoying the Atlantic....

Viola soaking up lots of sun...and the smell of the ocean...

View from the top of the fort....

Mary admiring the large...vase in the lobby of the hotel...

Finally got in early enough to take a swim....

Patty enjoying the water also....bats were flying around the pool!!

Indian restaurant....

Sydney and Patty with Labi, our phenomenal driver....

Final breakfast in Ghana at the Cocoanut Grove Hotel Restaurant....

Viola, Mary and Linda in the W.E.B Duboise Museum

Paula showing Patty the tribal dance before attending the Kundum Festival...

Walking into Prince's Town to the Chief's house....

Ms. Dot reading about the history of Ghana

Faye and Linda looking at the menu..I think Faye will order vegetable fried rice....

Linda and Viola dancing the tribal dance at the festival...

Viola, Patty and Paula enjoying the breeze by the ocean

Visit to the slave castle- The Elmina Castle

2009-11-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

The door to no where........

You need top experience this for yourself because it will bring you to tears just the thought of our Ancestors being held in a dark, room made of stone and bars with very little air even when there were only a few of us were in there. Male and females were held in separate rooms labled Male Slaves and Female Slaves

View from the village looking up at the castle...

Kakum National Park-- Canopy Walk

2009-11-09T09:57:00.000-08:00

Do you have any fears????

This was absolutely one of the most daring things that you can ever experience.

It was very hot, humid beautiful day when we entered the Kakum National Park. To be assured that you'd be able to walk up to the Canopy Walk, the tour guide asked that you walk on the pathway and see how it felt before going. Several group members had already decided not to give it a try and several more were unable to go, some because of health reasons and some were not wearing the proper shoes for the hike up to the canopy. Well, we started and before long we were breathing quite heavy and stopped for a moment to catch our breath and get a sip of water. One thing about being in Africa, you must stay hydrated. The rocks that we walked on were very difficult to walk on because they were various sizes and were not flat. The scenery was gorgeous, just seeing the trees, plants, flowers and huge bamboo trees while walking up was beautiful. Hearing the 14 species of birds was also very 'enchanting' and sometimes a little scary because there are monkeys in the forest also...we didn't see any! Taking that first step will make your legs wobble, but once you get your stride it gets better. You can not go across until the person in front of you is halfway across. A couple of us had our bracelets and watches to get caught in the netting, but were able to get them before they fell. Once making it to the landing after crossing we were just counting how many more were left. There were 6 altogether! My hero was Ms. Dot, 84 years young and she walked like a champ up to the canopy with very little help. Everyone was amazed at her agility and strength..."You go Ms. Dot"

Sydney

Viola waiting to go...

Sydney, Ms. Dot and Vera crossing...

Vera and Patty making it to the top...

It may look easy, but there are so many more to go...

Test area...if you can walk the rocks, you may be ok...

Paula, Faye, Frances, Lois and Sydney taking the test..

Our hero, Ms. Dot!

I made it!

Scenes of Ghanain People

2009-11-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Blowing us a kiss....

We were totally fascinated with the people as we drove thru the various villages. They are up very early in the morning, usually as soon as there is light and they begin sweeping and preparing for their day. Many making food items to sell along side the roads or from their shops. Just watching them carry everything on their heads including refrigerated items was exciting to see. The children were facinated with our cameras. They had not seen a picture of themselves before, so when we took their picture, and showed it to them, they laughed and called other children to see the picture also.

Bread

Fish from the Atlantic Ocean

Young girl selling bananas...they are so sweet!

Ghanaians dress in black for funerals...

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Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park

2009-11-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park (KNMP) is a National Park in, Accra, Ghana named after Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the ‘’founding father’’ of Ghana.Dr. Nkrumah gained independence from the British, then a colonial authority over what was known as The Gold Coast, on March 6, 1957. He became the first Prime Minister from that date to June 30, 1960. He led Ghana into a Republican status on July 1, 1966 and became the first President of the Republic of Ghana. On February 24, 1966 his government was over thrown in a Military coup d’etat and was ousted from power.The mortal remains of Dr. Nkrumah lie finally after 2 previous burials-first at Conakry, Guinea in Camayeen Mausoleum and for the 2nd time at Nkroful his hometown. A huge bronze statue (about 10.8 ft. in height) of Dr. Nkrumah erected on a pedestal and mounted at the same spot where a platform was raised for him to deliver his statement of independence by the eve of March 6, 1957. A personal museum on Dr. Nkrumah. Fountains, significant trees planted by distinguished personalities who have been requested to do so whilst on state visit to Ghana and manicured lawns.

Farewell to the Students

2009-11-09T08:46:00.001-08:00

High Street S.D.A Nursery & Prep School-Students

2009-11-09T08:25:00.001-08:00

High Street S.D.A Nursery & Prep School

2009-11-09T05:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome Ceremony at the High Street Nursery and Prep School

11:30--Arrived at our 1st stop, The High Street Nursery & Prep School. As we turned into what appeared to almost be an alley-way, we saw these beautiful girls all lined against a wall waving Ghanaian flags, with excitement in their eyes. They began to sing and march in front and alongside of the bus. It was a good feeling to see how they appreciated our visit.

As we left the bus, we were directed to seats where we were made the center of the school grounds. There were drummers playing as we approached our seats. The Director of the school spoke about the importance of education to the Ghanaian parents and children, but there is little funding. There is a cost to attend school in addition to purchasing uniforms. One of the greatest request from all of the kids we met was asking for a pencil or pen... The welcome ceremony included singing, dancing and several children reciting bible verses.

School helpers watching the ceremony.

Awookoo and Labi

2009-11-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

Malcolm with our tour guide, Awooku and Labi, our driver....

This is our tour guide, Awooku.

Alisha Hotel-10/29/09

2009-11-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

9:30-Stopped at the Alisha Hotel to drop off bags and freshen up..you must hit the ground running! The hotel was very pretty, but electricity must be conserved, so no lights in the bathroom until later in the day. Used an LED light that I had.

Arriving at the airport in Accra-Ghana

2009-11-09T04:07:00.000-08:00

After a long flight we were awakened with the Capt. announcing that we were ready to land in Accra, Ghana! ...6:45 a.m. -what a wonderful feeling! After going thru Immigration, we finally waited on our bags. Thanks to Frances, most of us had yellow bows that helped to identify our luggage. All of us lined up and waited on each other before going down the last ramp to the outside. I looked to my right as we went down the ramp and saw a face peeking out of an opening with a cheerleader's pom-pom--it was a familiar face, it was Sabastian (in pic)! As we walked out, I could hear him saying Viola-Viola and he ran towards us, welcoming us to Ghana....Then we saw more faces that we knew, KaKoo and Richard. There were several others with them and immediately they took our bags and we could feel the love in our 'Mother Land'. We met the tour guide, Awookoo, a nice young man in his 30's who looked very American wearing his company tee shirt. **Patty, Viola, Sabastian and Vera**

Ms. Dot taking it all in--

Boarding at JFK ...Interesting!

2009-11-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Just before we were about to board the plane, the Capt. came out and said that a 'Deportee' was on-board and was causing a ruckus (yelling and banging his head on items in the plane). He said there were two Officers sitting beside him and there should not be any problems during the flight #166. They will move others from around him, so not to worry! Yeah-sure... Naturally, folk were quite worried and began making telephone calls to alert family of the situation..I called my daughter and husband and I sounded quite nervous....everything went well. The plane was very crowded! It was so crowded that many people had to check their bags after all. Also, many had to un-pack some items because they would not fit on the plane.

JFK.....They're Here.

2009-11-08T03:31:00.000-08:00

JFK- Brunch at Chili's

2009-11-08T03:21:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the other group members coming in at 1:00 p.m. from Washington National/DC. Paula & Sydney (Fredricksburg) Frances & Malcolm (Fayetteville, N.C.) and Lois (Florida).

October 28, 2009 - Richmond International Airport

2009-11-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

Arrived at the airport at 8:20am, Linda and Tesha were already there. Waiting on Delta flight #6401 to JFK leaving at 10:31 am, arrival at JFK at 11:55 am. A little confusion as to which line to get into before going to the departure area. We needed to get into the 'special services' line since we were going abroad. Excitement is building after planning for a year to visit our ancestral home "The Mother Land". ..GHANA

Linda, Viola, Ms Dot and Vera* Patty Parks taking the pic*

We're back!

2009-11-08T01:16:00.000-08:00

In Princestown wearing the outfits that were given to us by the Chief(in the middle wearing light blue).

Nzema Language

2009-10-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

Hello KE--OODIA

How are you? APKO-KE- NOO

Very good OYE-DIEE- PKAALE

Please ME-BODO-WOO

Thank you (very much) MEDE -WAASE KPALE

You're welcome ME-YE-WO AKWAABA

Goodbye TIA BOE

Thank you!---------MEDA-WO-ASE

September 29 2009

2009-09-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Got all of the shots about a week and a half ago at Ukrop's and my Doctor. I didn't have a very bad reaction, except a few bouts of headaches and a little nausea. The insurance covered a large portion of the cost..great!

Working on collecting the necessary items that I'll need on the trip and considering how many bags to check-in. Since there is no charge for bags on Delta for an International trips, I guess I'll carry two (not too large) but to bring back gifts for family and friends. I am actually getting excited and a little nervous due to the long flight. Got a list of movies that'll be played, so I'll naturally find something funny:-) to take off the edge that I'm sure that I'll have. Also collecting pencils and a few clothing items for the kids in PrinceTown.

Akan language

2009-08-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

While most Ghanaians speak English as the colonizers of Ghana were British, there are still many different 2nd, 3rd and even 4th languages for which to communicate. The Akan people are comprised of many different tribes including Asanti and Nzema. Below are the simple common phrases that we can work on now before we get there to impress our hosts.

PHRASE / SPELLING / PRONOUNCIATION
Hello / Etise / E-ti'-se
How are you? / Uhu tise / U-hu-ti'-se
Very good/ Eyeh paa / E-yeh-pa'
Please / Mi pa wo kyew/ Mi-pa-wo-ki-yoo'
Thank you (very much)/Meda wo ase (pa paaa pa)/ Me-da-wo-a'-se (pa-pa'-pa)
You're welcome / Me ma wo akwaaba / Me-ma-wo'-ak-wa"-bah
Goodbye / Nante yiyie/ Nan-te-yi-yi-eh

I will get the Nzema equivalent for these as well.

Village on Stilts!

2009-08-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

Nzulezu (pronounced zu lay-zu) is in a remote part of western Ghana. There are varying stories about how the tiny population of 600 came to build their village on water.
One story is that the Nzema people asked their God where they should build the village, and he led them to a spot on Lake Amansuri, so they obeyed and built the village, calling it Nzulezu meaning 'built on water'. A fire destroyed the original village, killing much of the population, and it was relocated in its present spot, further round the lake. The other story is that a god in the form of a snail floated across River Amansuri leading his tribal followers to safety after they quickly crafted raffia rafts to row behind him. These people were fleeing slave raiders who were in hot pursuit. Living in a village on water made it more difficult for them to be tracked down.

However, their adversaries relentlessly pursued them and discovered their hideout. The gods transformed the water into land, giving the enemy a seeming opportunity to overtake and capture their prey. But, as they approached the village, the gods changed the land back to water and the unsuspecting attackers were swallowed by the river and drowned. This is believed to have taken place on a Thursday, making this day sacred. On Thursday, no tours are conducted in Nzulezu, the village on stilts.

The villagers are from the Nzema tribe and have adjusted to life in the middle of Lake Tandane. They have electricity that comes from car batteries lighting their wood and raffia constructed neighborhood.

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Traveling to the village is done by canoe. Children are taught at very young ages how to master their canoes to be able to get around the village. It will be quite an adventure!

Blogging?!!!!?

2009-08-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am SO inept at this sort of thing! I never ever thought I'd be "blogging"!!!!!
I'm still not quite sure just WHAT it's all about.
If this gets read by one of my Ghana Bound buddies, do me a favor and write something back?!?
As of this moment, there isn't anything in my brain that I feel is worth sharing, but hopefully, in time, there will be and I'll be able to find this site again!?!?!?!
Until then, take care, "whoever" you are out there!
Amma

Visitor Map

2009-08-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,

I put this visitor map online (scroll down to the bottom) so that we can track our movements via the map. If you click on the link below the map that says "Visitor Live" it will take you to a larger map view with the location of the visitors to the blog. Check it out, we already had company!

Visa Applications

2009-08-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Download the visa applications here. Remember, you'll need 4 passport sized photos, 4 copies of the application in order to have the visa processed. The cost is $50 for single entry and $80 for multiple entry.

Ghanaian Names

2009-08-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

Ghanaians name their children according to the day of the week they were born. Check the list below to see which day you were born on.

Day Boy/ Girl
MONDAY Kojo (KO-joe)/ Adwoa (AH-u-ah)
TUESDAY Kwabena (KWAH beh nah)/ Abenaa (ah BEE nah)
WEDNESDAY Kwaku (KWAH-Koo)/ Akua (AH-koo-ah)
THURSDAY Yaw (Ya-ow) / Yaba (Ya-ba)
FRIDAY Kofi (KO-fee) / Afia (AH-foo-ah)
SATURDAY Kwame (KWAH-mee) / Amma (AM-ma)
SUNDAY Kwesi (KWAH-say)/ Akosua (AH_koo-sah)

If you are feeling lucky, you can click here to hear the pronounciations from school children. Listen carefully as they are pronouncing bth first and last names.

Immunizations

2009-08-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

When getting your shots at Passport Health, mention you are going n a humanitarian trip with the Fredericksburg-Prince’s Town Sister City Association so you can get a discount.

Vaccination or Disease
Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Routine
Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.

Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers to Ghana: Required upon arrival from all countries. CDC recommendation: For all travelers >9 months of age. Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Hepatitis B
Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

Typhoid
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in West Africa, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

Meningococcal (meningitis)
Recommended if you plan to visit countries that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June (see map).

Rabies
Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. For updates on the rabies vaccine supply, please check the Rabies News and Highlights page regularly.

Polio
Recommended for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV). They should receive another dose of IPV before departure. For adults, available data do not indicate the need for more than a single lifetime booster dose with IPV.

Malaria
You will receive a prescription from the health care provider for anti-malarial drugs.

Kundum Festival

2009-08-02T15:52:00.001-07:00

Kundum is a very old festival by the people, for it is known to have been originated around (17th Century). Hence, most of the people came to meet its existence. During the celebration of most of the festivals in Ghana which Kundum is no exception, travelling outside the towns are not en¬couraged. This is so, since participation in the celebration of the festival is greatly welcomed by all (chiefs and people).

Besides, going far to farm for instance, most of the people in Western Region of Ghana are cocoa farmers so it is not advisable to go deep bush for farming activities. Likewise the fishermen, they do not have to go deep sea fishing where they will stay very long on the sea for turnout on the festival grounds should be high.

Mode of Celebration During the celebration of the Kundum festival, certain activities that go on include;The pouring of libation at five traditional spots at the periphery, outskirt of the town. These spots are believed to be the abode of five gods/ goddesses, some of which may be mountains, trees, rivers, lakes, streams or even the sea goddess. Drumming and dancing on some of the days especially in the evenings to keep the festive spirit mov¬ing also take place.
Again, the ritual of lighting the special fire goes on. This activity is done in the evening at about 7.00 p.m. at the chief’s palace. In the process, a whole lot of people gather around including, sub-chiefs, elders, people in the town and visitors who are in to witness the festival. Here, grievances are brought and solutions found to them, libation is also poured by the chief to get the ancestors involved in the celebration ebration of the festival.

However, it must be noted that, some of the sub-chiefs and elder. (familyheads) light such fires on which meal are prepared (Kundu festive meal) for kingsmen, visitors and the public for a general Ghanaian hospitality.

In course of the festival, individual and family diferences are settled and deceased relatives are also remembered and mourned.The chief sits in a palanquin through the principal streets in the to and durbar of chiefs and people is held. There is also an entertainment package like the Kundum state dangme and the crowning of Miss Kundum which seek to climax the festival occasion.

Travel Updates

2009-07-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

With the exception of a few more people to confirm their plans, our trip is all set. We will spend 10 days and 9 nights traveling Ghana with stops in Kumasi, Cape Coast and of course, Prince's Town.

Yellowfever is the only required immunization to enter the country but please check with yor physician for his/her recommendations priot to travel.

Stay tuned to the blog for updates as we go....