First Day in Africa

Oh Oh, Hey Hey, we are in Africa!  I can't believe I am actually here!  Another dream fulfilled.

We sailed across the Atlantic for the past 9 days, taking the same route (in reverse direction) that was taken by the slave ships in centuries past, transporting slaves to South America.   We docked in Takoradi on the West coast of Africa this morning and will be here for five days.  I will go exploring the small town here today, then leave for an overnight trip to the capital city of Accra tomorrow.  I also have day trips each day, including a visit to the Nuzelo Water Village and an all day hike in the Ankasa National Park.  I hope my supply of bug spray holds out as they have warned that all those mosquito-based diseases exist here.

I can look off the dock and see all the merchants below selling the large bongo drums and other ethnic arts and crafts.  Much to their dismay, the students have been warned not to buy any drum sets since they will not be allowed to bring them onboard the ship.  It seems the animal skins used to make them are not legal since taking any live plants or (recently) live animals is forbidden.  I told them to ship a pair home if they want a pair that badly!  I will post Africa pics soon!!