To Takoradi

Sunday July 13

We enjoyed a leisurely morning as we weren't being picked up until 11:00. I hung out at the bar and typed up my blog stuff and sorted photos.

We loaded into the van and headed out on a four hour journey to Takoradi. The drive is along the coast but we were far enough inland that we couldn't see the ocean very often. As usual looking out the window was endlessly fascinating and we observed lots of things that are very different from home. The traffic was busy and when we got to the one lane highway, passing became somewhat scary with cars in the wrong lanes and cutting the timing very close.

We stopped at a local highway restaurant for lunch. Here we met all the union exec who were traveling in a convoy of three pickup trucks with our luggage and all the materials that we need for our workshops in the three regions. While we waited for them Angela and I stood outside in the parking lot watching as traffic went by and at one point we both stood with our hands on our heads. Eric quickly came over to us and told us we couldn't do that! He seemed a bit upset and told us that position meant that we had lost someone, as in a recent death! 

The union executives were hungry and we weren't, so as they were eating Owen and I went for a little walk along a path parallel to the road where we saw termite mounds, a corn field, and some young children who were delighted to see 'abronis' (white people). When we came back all of us walked across the highway to a small village where we walked around and talked to people and I took pictures. An older man came out and challenged us about who we were and what we were doing there. Our leader Thomas was able to explain to him and everything was okay.

We continued on with our journey and near to Takoradi we saw the ocean, beaches, big fishing canoes and oil rigs. We arrived at the Hillcrest Apartments about five and settled into our rooms. Each floor has a common sitting room, a kitchen, and a combined washer/dryer (one machine does both!). Each room has its own washroom, shower and flat screen TV. Really a nice place. There is a pool too, so we all headed over there to cool off and have some fun. After we changed we came down to have dinner out by the bar and watch some of the World Cup Final, which Germany won.

After dinner we went back to our rooms. Barb was feeling really poorly and retired early (and was subsequently up sick all night). The rest of us went to bed shortly afterward.