Phyllis Journal #3

Sunday, February 6, 2011
Today we went to Ghana for Twin City orientation. Left ship at 9:45 and onto bus. It is quite a ways from the ship to town. It would be a long hot walk. We went to a fishing village and the children were very excited to see us. They all wanted their pictures taken and then to see them. We saw how they make boats and saw the casting out of nets, saw fish drying. Women carrying babies on their backs while they do their carrying jars, etc. on their heads. I don’t think I could do that. It’s an art. Went to lunch to a nice restaurant and then more sightseeing. Back at ship at 3:00. Then up to top deck of ship for a nice cool ice cream cone. It felt good to take a nice cool shower. Later Carol and I walked off ship to a few shops where the vendors were selling various items. It was very interesting. They have colorful items everywhere. Had dinner and went to bed at 10:00 as we are going again tomorrow at 7:15 to see Kakum National Park and Bamboo Orchestra. Will be gone most of the day. This is what they tell us and the students:

Don’t get bit
Don’t get hit
Don’t get lit
Don’t do it
Don’t eat shit

Monday, February 7, 2011
We had a fun time today. It took about two hours to get to Kakun National Forest. It was an interesting drive as we went thru many little villages and they all have little huts where they sell their wares. You see chickens and goats and dogs. The women and men too can really balance items on their head. They have straight posture too. They even carry their babies on their backs and carry items on their head with ease. They sell many different fruits and bread and rolls that they have made. Of course we are told not to eat anything from them. Then we stopped at a hotel and restaurant to eat lunch. Afterward we went outside to see Bamboo Orchestra and dancers. We sat under a canopy so it was shady but still very hot. They performed about an hour and even got the audience dancing. It was very hot for the dancers in the sun. I’m glad I was in the shade. Then we took the bus back to the ship. Left at 7:30 this morning and got back about 5:00 so it was a full day. Tomorrow we go to a water village.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Yesterday we went to a water village on the bus. It took about 2 ½ hours to get there. Then we got life jackets on and walked down to a little stream, got in canoes that were about 2 inches from the water. It was a hair razing experience for me. I was really scared!! Went on stream for about 2 miles and then on lake and then to an Indian village on stilts on the water. I was so scared I could hardly move. We took a tour of the village which was on water also. Watched the little children and then went to the chief’s son for a visit. We walked on boards to get around the village. The kids go to school on the village. They have free uniforms, get books free, pens and pencils. It is free for them and paid for by the government.
They have to go to school thru 9th grade. The people were friendly and seemed to like us. We then got into the canoes and went back across lake and then downstream again for two miles. Back on land again and then to lunch right by Atlantic Ocean. It was beautiful and very nice breeze. I really, really liked being on land again. Do not plan on going on a canoe ever again. I’m glad I did the canoe thing but no more!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Had kind of a quiet day today and it was nice not to be rushed. This morning I read my book and relaxed. Went down to the shopping center close to the ship. After lunch, Dick, Linda, Laura and I took the shuttle to the start of the town, then took a taxi to the post office and then to downtown area. It is a very busy place and not very clean. We had a few people begging us. They sell everything you can think of right on the streets – shoes, furniture, food, fish, fruit, etc. Most people are friendly. Interesting day.

Thursday, February 10, 2011
This morning I went shopping for souvenirs. They have a lot of nice things to buy close to the ship. You need to barter a little bit but they were really happy to see to us. I read my book part of the time and visited with lifelong learners and teachers. It is fun to visit with them as they have traveled in a lot of different places and have many stories to tell. Today they fueled our ship and we sailed tonight at
8:00 PM. The vendors all waved and said, “We love you”. To Becky, Thanks for the note. I have read
“ Three Cups of Tea” and enjoyed it. I have been riding the bike a lot and my knee if fine. Just worry about holes in the street. But I am careful. Will have you for dinner this spring.