Koforidua - located about a two hour Tro Tro or car ride from Accra, the capital of Ghana. We have arrived in a vibrant and bustling town. There are lots of people in the markets selling various items such as fruits all the way to household items. All Nations University stands near the back mountain, overlooking the town. We are able to see the markets and the streets from our location. While it is much hotter here than what we are used to, it has been fantastic to experience such a beautiful city.
For the first part of our journey we had the opportunity to travel other towns and see more of Ghana.
First we spent time in Cape Coast at the Oasis Beach Resort - a lovely little resort that is along the shoreline in Cape Coast. It was nice to be able to relax, visit a new town and see some different sights. We took a day trip to Elmina where we were able to visit the Castle and learn about the history. We walked through some more markets, found some great places to eat and met a lot of new friends! Cape Coast had lots to offer and we had a fantastic stay there.
After Cape Coast we headed to Kakum National Park where we completed a canopy walk! The sights went on for miles, you could see the tops of the trees from all directions. It was breathtaking.
After leaving Kakum National Park we headed to the Volta Region. We took a long Tro Tro ride and had lots of people help us find our way - which we are grateful for! Then we arrived at "Mountain Paradise" where we would spend a couple nights. We jumped on motorbikes to head to Mt. Gemi where we hiked to the top of the peak, hiked into the waterfalls, and had the best meal we have had in Ghana. The community was small and so kind to us. The motorbike experience was amazing, and the ride up the side of the mountain (although daunting) was breathtaking. This beautiful country has made a lasting impression.
After visiting the beautiful Mt. Gemi we headed to the monkey sanctuary and then onto the Kente Weaving Village. The monkeys were adorable and the rainforest walk was spectacular. The Kente Weaving Village was incredible. There were so many weaving stations and the patterns that filled the cloths were so complex. I am so lucky to have witnessed these beautiful patterns being made. We visited their market afterwards and purchased some patterns. We learned that each pattern that is made into a bag or a cloth has a special meaning. Our guide told us about the Chief's Walk pattern and then a Pattern that means unity.
Again we were off on the motorbikes and headed to Wli Village where we would visit two large waterfalls and part take on another hike. We stayed at the Waterfall Lodge and walked over to a small restaurant for some dinner. Leisure Gardens an absolutely FANTASTIC place to eat. Joyce and Mac (the two owners) are so friendly and welcoming, their menu has food for all, and the service is great. We were definitely a happy bunch. Then we woke up early and went on a 6 hour hike over the top of the mountain and down into the waterfall. While the hike was tiring and the sun was beating down on us, the view was outstanding and the waterfalls were very refreshing.
That night we made our way back, bought some groceries and went into the jungle to camp at the lower waterfalls. We made about a 45 minute hike in, set up our tents, made a campfire and talked for a bit. The whole experience was wonderful. Although in the middle of the night there were a couple mangos that fell on the tent - note to self don't place your tent under a mango tree!
The next morning we packed up and headed for the university. We had so many memories and had met so many people, it was truly a wonderful experience. Ghana is beautiful with a variety of activities to see and do. The people that we have met are so friendly and welcoming.
Here at the University we are excited to have been teaching and learning from our students! The cases are going fantastic and I can't wait for more to come!