It took 27 hours of circling the Capetown harbor area, but we finally were able to take on the pilot who has to be on the ship to give docking instructions. The pilot is dropped off on our ship from the pilot boat. We heard that we would be docking in 45-60 minutes at about 9am this morning. Hundreds of us went up to the 6th deck forward to watch the proceedings! It was an awesome site for us to see this beautiful harbor as we entered. We could see why the pilot was anxious all day yesterday and this morning to let us enter. The entry into the harbor is very narrow and with the winds and tide swells we might have been tossed into the barricades.
As we entered the harbor with the waters calm, we saw people on other boats and others on docks all waving at us, so we must have been a site to behold! This ship looks awesome when we are returning to the dock from a side trip, but I can't imagine what we look like gliding into a harbor...all 500 feet of us!! Then the captain maneuvered this ship by making a 90 degree turn to park this thing on the starboard side! Fun to watch and be a part of. Some family members flew in to meet their relatives and were wildly waving.
We now are hearing about all the trips that people thought were cancelled and now have been rescheduled. Quite a feat by the staff here. They have been amazing through this whole ordeal and have been working nonstop on contacting tour guides, airlines, buses and vans and letting them know our predicament! They now are rescheduling many of the trips including plane trips to go on a couple of safaris.
The girls and Fred and I are ok with our trip today. It was to be at 9 am-1pm but is now set for 1 pm-5 pm today so ours was relatively easy. So we are heading up to lunch and off we go! Another day of delay, boredom, excitement, and lastly overall feeling of gratitude for this amazing voyage!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Phyllis Journal #4
Friday, February 11, 2011
Went on bike today. Had Global class this morning. It has been so interesting. I’m glad I don’t have to take tests though I like the students. They work very hard and have a lot of homework and preparation. After lunch this afternoon, Jean, Carol, Linda and I played Hand and Foot . I’m trying to learn to count. Had meeting at 4:00 PM to discuss what we have seen in Ghana. It’s interesting to hear other people’s view of city. Had dinner then listened to a speaker on Cape Town which is our next stop.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Had breakfast. Read my book. I have been tired today. Tonight we had our extended family for dinner and then we had an ice cream cake for them. It was chocolate and white ice cream and decorated very nicely with sprinkles and said “To our Extended Family”. The students all enjoyed and so did we, Betty, Boyd and myself. We had too much so we had them send their friends over for ice cream cake too. They were happy to share with us. Tonight we set clocks ahead one hour again. I think we are about six hours ahead of MN now. Today went across 0/0 latitude and longitude.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Went to breakfast and then to Global class and then for a ride on bike. Played hand and foot this afternoon with Carol, Laura and Linda. We are all learning to count. Had meeting at 4:30. We had students and lifelong learners show us pictures and talk about the poverty and bad conditions in Ghana. It is really sad. Drinks in Joe’s room before having dinner. Then we played cards again tonight. Days sure go by fast here. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in my family.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Breakfast and then bike. Read my book. Then meeting at 4:00 PM. We had an interesting speaker from Cape Town talk and she was very interesting. Told us about the city and what places we should be careful of going. Always go in numbers. Saturday we are going to rent a bus for day (12 of us) and go shopping and sightseeing. That will be fun. After dinner tonight we played cards.
Is anyone reading the blog? I never have comments. Please let me know how everyone is. Does anyone talk with Diane? Does Dord read the blog? Let me know. Love, Phyl
Went on bike today. Had Global class this morning. It has been so interesting. I’m glad I don’t have to take tests though I like the students. They work very hard and have a lot of homework and preparation. After lunch this afternoon, Jean, Carol, Linda and I played Hand and Foot . I’m trying to learn to count. Had meeting at 4:00 PM to discuss what we have seen in Ghana. It’s interesting to hear other people’s view of city. Had dinner then listened to a speaker on Cape Town which is our next stop.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Had breakfast. Read my book. I have been tired today. Tonight we had our extended family for dinner and then we had an ice cream cake for them. It was chocolate and white ice cream and decorated very nicely with sprinkles and said “To our Extended Family”. The students all enjoyed and so did we, Betty, Boyd and myself. We had too much so we had them send their friends over for ice cream cake too. They were happy to share with us. Tonight we set clocks ahead one hour again. I think we are about six hours ahead of MN now. Today went across 0/0 latitude and longitude.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Went to breakfast and then to Global class and then for a ride on bike. Played hand and foot this afternoon with Carol, Laura and Linda. We are all learning to count. Had meeting at 4:30. We had students and lifelong learners show us pictures and talk about the poverty and bad conditions in Ghana. It is really sad. Drinks in Joe’s room before having dinner. Then we played cards again tonight. Days sure go by fast here. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in my family.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Breakfast and then bike. Read my book. Then meeting at 4:00 PM. We had an interesting speaker from Cape Town talk and she was very interesting. Told us about the city and what places we should be careful of going. Always go in numbers. Saturday we are going to rent a bus for day (12 of us) and go shopping and sightseeing. That will be fun. After dinner tonight we played cards.
Is anyone reading the blog? I never have comments. Please let me know how everyone is. Does anyone talk with Diane? Does Dord read the blog? Let me know. Love, Phyl
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Captain's Table
Fred and I received an invitation to have dinner with Captain Jeremy of our ship along with his senior officers on Sunday, February 13. We were to meet for cocktails in the Glazer Lounge at 7:30 pm and then to dinner in the Aquamarine Dining Room at 8 pm.
With two hours to spare, we were trying to settle on what Fred would wear to a somewhat dressy affair. He had not brought evening attire, so he said he would wear jeans and a shirt! When we were having cocktails in Chrissy and Joe's cabin before the event, I told them my concerns about it. Fred had already had a drink or two, so he went back to our cabin and brought some of his possible choices back with him. He proceeded to show his sisters, brother Joe and Phyllis this and that and pretty soon he started trying everything on!! We were all laughing at him, which really egged him on even more. It was hysterical! When Fred was done, we all decided that no one would care if he wore a pair of jeans. But we sure had fun critiqueing him.
When we arrived for cocktails, we had a great discussion with John, the Hotel Manager. He told us all about the provisions that would be coming aboard while we are docked in Capetown. He is in charge of arranging for all the food and supplies for the kitchen and dining rooms as well as housekeeping. It was very interesting.
Then we headed down to the dining room where we saw 4 tables all set up for us. As we all entered, we were led to our table. The waiter led us to the Captain's table where we were seated just on his right side! The table arrangement looked very fancy with several forks, knives and spoons to choose from. We were served white wine through the first three courses of appetizers, salad and soup. We were then offered red wine with the main course or we could stay with the white. The entrees were either South African freshwater fish or Prime Rib and the dessert was Black Forest Cake and coffee. It was all delicious and elegantly served. Your glass was never empty!
The conversation at the table was lively and entertaining. The Captain was quite the host telling stories of his life and travels around the world. A couple of the students at our table also kept things going by asking him lots of questions. We all were chatting so much that we realized the other 3 tables had all been cleared away and no one remained but our table. We were surprised so it seemed like the right time for us to go as well. A memorable evening to say the least!
Pat
With two hours to spare, we were trying to settle on what Fred would wear to a somewhat dressy affair. He had not brought evening attire, so he said he would wear jeans and a shirt! When we were having cocktails in Chrissy and Joe's cabin before the event, I told them my concerns about it. Fred had already had a drink or two, so he went back to our cabin and brought some of his possible choices back with him. He proceeded to show his sisters, brother Joe and Phyllis this and that and pretty soon he started trying everything on!! We were all laughing at him, which really egged him on even more. It was hysterical! When Fred was done, we all decided that no one would care if he wore a pair of jeans. But we sure had fun critiqueing him.
When we arrived for cocktails, we had a great discussion with John, the Hotel Manager. He told us all about the provisions that would be coming aboard while we are docked in Capetown. He is in charge of arranging for all the food and supplies for the kitchen and dining rooms as well as housekeeping. It was very interesting.
Then we headed down to the dining room where we saw 4 tables all set up for us. As we all entered, we were led to our table. The waiter led us to the Captain's table where we were seated just on his right side! The table arrangement looked very fancy with several forks, knives and spoons to choose from. We were served white wine through the first three courses of appetizers, salad and soup. We were then offered red wine with the main course or we could stay with the white. The entrees were either South African freshwater fish or Prime Rib and the dessert was Black Forest Cake and coffee. It was all delicious and elegantly served. Your glass was never empty!
The conversation at the table was lively and entertaining. The Captain was quite the host telling stories of his life and travels around the world. A couple of the students at our table also kept things going by asking him lots of questions. We all were chatting so much that we realized the other 3 tables had all been cleared away and no one remained but our table. We were surprised so it seemed like the right time for us to go as well. A memorable evening to say the least!
Pat
Monday, February 14, 2011
Dave's 8th Blog about Africa
Dave’s 8th Post
February 14, 2011
Today’s post is a response to lectures we’ve heard the last two days on Apartheid in South Africa. Some is editorial in tone, and includes comparisons to the U.S. and South Africa. Those of you who do not agree with my position on politics and social justice may want to move on to someone else’s blog.
Yesterday Rhoda Kodalie, an African social justice activist, described her work as head of a NGO, helping South Africans who have good ideas bring those ideas into existence in the form of companies and organizations that empower citizens. Two examples were a clinic staffed and operated for Africans by Africans and a multi car train that tours the country offering free medical, dental, and vision care with state of the art equipment. To date, this Harvard trained miracle worker’s NGO has created over 200 organizations that today work to better the lives of Africans. She is truly a remarkable individual.
Here is a very short history of Apartheid for those of you unfamiliar with the issue. I’m sure others will write more detailed information in their blogs.
• In 1910, laws were passed to curtail the rights of native Africans by the ruling white minority that instituted an oppressive policy of segregation called Apartheid.
• In 1960, blacks rebelled and 70 were killed at Sharpsville and Mandela was imprisoned.
• In 1961, SA became an independent country and in 1958 Africans were relegated to separate “homelands” by the white minority
• Mandela was released in 1989 by President DeKlerk and apartheid ended.
Although comparisons were made to American segregation and data was presented to show how American cities are racially segregated in similar patterns to African, Kodalie stated that “comparisons to the U.S. cheapens apartheid.” She said that blacks called apartheid “black hate” and they understandably wanted equality, political power, and recognition of their humanity. Whites, after the Reconciliation Committee hearings in the aftermath of apartheid, wanted forgiveness, no black revenge or backlash, to be released from the role of oppressors, and didn’t want to be held responsible. She was critical of the commission’s results and thought those in power should have been held more responsible. She said blacks told their stories but whites did not confess enough. She claimed the commission only partially did its work and was basically a compromise between elite groups to share wealth and harmony.
Kodalie said that in SA today,
• Whites are worried
• There is a brain drain of educated blacks and whites out of the country
• Disease is prevalent and aids is decimating the population as men have many sex partners.
• Living conditions have improved but SA is an underfunded welfare state
• Women are unequal. SA’s leader and others practice polygamy.
• Black foreign nationalists who have moved in are hated by native Africans.
Our last speaker today spoke about the movie Disgrace (also a book) which is mandatory watching and reading for students. He claims it raises the issue of “Whiteness” which is never discussed in Africa and is accepted as the norm. Everyone else is “the other” and less than the white norm and defacto model. I had never heard the term “whiteness” before and it offered a perspective I had not fully considered. It would be an interesting subject to explore and I’m sure the students will be doing so.
I had a heartfelt talk with a recovering Republican yesterday who in a hushed tone confessed that he had voted for Junior twice. Whispering so no one would overhear, his contrition was so obviously sincere that I told him as a devout liberal who had voted for the Great Communicator once because of Reagan’s stance of fiscal conservatism and promise to balance the budget, I understood. I tried to comfort him with the thought that whatever god he believed in would surely forgive him. He seemed to feel better after our talk and I’m glad I was able to provide an understanding ear. He was relieved to hear that I know a lot of good people who are Republicans and are probably also embarrassed and guilt ridden for their past votes. This brings me to my personal observation and a comparison that some conservative readers, if they are still reading, may not agree with.
We went on to discuss an article I had read in the NYT on 2/12/11 by Bob Herbert titled Weakened Democracy. Herbert claimed that “we are in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only”and that
While millions of Americans are struggling with unemployment and declining standards of living, the levels of power have been all but completely commandeered by the financial and corporate elite. It doesn’t really matter what ordinary people want. The wealthy call the tune, and the people dance…what we get in this democracy of ours are astounding and increasingly obscene tax breaks and other windfall benefits for the wealthiest, while the bought-and-paid-for politicians hack away at essential public services and the social safety net, saying we can’t afford them.
Herbert concludes his essay by stating that if there is going to be change in the U.S., “it will have to work its way from the bottom up, from the people themselves.” Having written my master’s thesis on the three great crisis’s in American history, the revolution, the civil war, and the great depression, I have to agree. We are now faced with the fourth great crisis in our history which I relate to Africa’s apartheid history and would label Economic Apartheid. How will our apartheid end? How will the majority of lower and middle class Americans take their country back from the increasingly entrenched and powerful political and financial elite? Will people take to the streets as they did in South Africa or will it be a peaceful revolution? The clock is ticking.
February 14, 2011
Today’s post is a response to lectures we’ve heard the last two days on Apartheid in South Africa. Some is editorial in tone, and includes comparisons to the U.S. and South Africa. Those of you who do not agree with my position on politics and social justice may want to move on to someone else’s blog.
Yesterday Rhoda Kodalie, an African social justice activist, described her work as head of a NGO, helping South Africans who have good ideas bring those ideas into existence in the form of companies and organizations that empower citizens. Two examples were a clinic staffed and operated for Africans by Africans and a multi car train that tours the country offering free medical, dental, and vision care with state of the art equipment. To date, this Harvard trained miracle worker’s NGO has created over 200 organizations that today work to better the lives of Africans. She is truly a remarkable individual.
Here is a very short history of Apartheid for those of you unfamiliar with the issue. I’m sure others will write more detailed information in their blogs.
• In 1910, laws were passed to curtail the rights of native Africans by the ruling white minority that instituted an oppressive policy of segregation called Apartheid.
• In 1960, blacks rebelled and 70 were killed at Sharpsville and Mandela was imprisoned.
• In 1961, SA became an independent country and in 1958 Africans were relegated to separate “homelands” by the white minority
• Mandela was released in 1989 by President DeKlerk and apartheid ended.
Although comparisons were made to American segregation and data was presented to show how American cities are racially segregated in similar patterns to African, Kodalie stated that “comparisons to the U.S. cheapens apartheid.” She said that blacks called apartheid “black hate” and they understandably wanted equality, political power, and recognition of their humanity. Whites, after the Reconciliation Committee hearings in the aftermath of apartheid, wanted forgiveness, no black revenge or backlash, to be released from the role of oppressors, and didn’t want to be held responsible. She was critical of the commission’s results and thought those in power should have been held more responsible. She said blacks told their stories but whites did not confess enough. She claimed the commission only partially did its work and was basically a compromise between elite groups to share wealth and harmony.
Kodalie said that in SA today,
• Whites are worried
• There is a brain drain of educated blacks and whites out of the country
• Disease is prevalent and aids is decimating the population as men have many sex partners.
• Living conditions have improved but SA is an underfunded welfare state
• Women are unequal. SA’s leader and others practice polygamy.
• Black foreign nationalists who have moved in are hated by native Africans.
Our last speaker today spoke about the movie Disgrace (also a book) which is mandatory watching and reading for students. He claims it raises the issue of “Whiteness” which is never discussed in Africa and is accepted as the norm. Everyone else is “the other” and less than the white norm and defacto model. I had never heard the term “whiteness” before and it offered a perspective I had not fully considered. It would be an interesting subject to explore and I’m sure the students will be doing so.
I had a heartfelt talk with a recovering Republican yesterday who in a hushed tone confessed that he had voted for Junior twice. Whispering so no one would overhear, his contrition was so obviously sincere that I told him as a devout liberal who had voted for the Great Communicator once because of Reagan’s stance of fiscal conservatism and promise to balance the budget, I understood. I tried to comfort him with the thought that whatever god he believed in would surely forgive him. He seemed to feel better after our talk and I’m glad I was able to provide an understanding ear. He was relieved to hear that I know a lot of good people who are Republicans and are probably also embarrassed and guilt ridden for their past votes. This brings me to my personal observation and a comparison that some conservative readers, if they are still reading, may not agree with.
We went on to discuss an article I had read in the NYT on 2/12/11 by Bob Herbert titled Weakened Democracy. Herbert claimed that “we are in serious danger of becoming a democracy in name only”and that
While millions of Americans are struggling with unemployment and declining standards of living, the levels of power have been all but completely commandeered by the financial and corporate elite. It doesn’t really matter what ordinary people want. The wealthy call the tune, and the people dance…what we get in this democracy of ours are astounding and increasingly obscene tax breaks and other windfall benefits for the wealthiest, while the bought-and-paid-for politicians hack away at essential public services and the social safety net, saying we can’t afford them.
Herbert concludes his essay by stating that if there is going to be change in the U.S., “it will have to work its way from the bottom up, from the people themselves.” Having written my master’s thesis on the three great crisis’s in American history, the revolution, the civil war, and the great depression, I have to agree. We are now faced with the fourth great crisis in our history which I relate to Africa’s apartheid history and would label Economic Apartheid. How will our apartheid end? How will the majority of lower and middle class Americans take their country back from the increasingly entrenched and powerful political and financial elite? Will people take to the streets as they did in South Africa or will it be a peaceful revolution? The clock is ticking.
Sister Wifes?
Monday, February 14, 2011
Today is Valentine’s Day and Dave and I are having dinner with John and Carol in the special occasion dining room. It will be a nice change from the regular meals we eat every day on the ship but the ship food has all been good as far as I’m concerned. Too good! I’m sure I have added a few pounds even though I try to watch it and I go on that elliptical machine for half an hour every day we are at sea even though I hate it. Yesterday we had a tour of the kitchen. It is immaculate. We were told the ship always gets 100% when it is examined by the officials and I can see why. We were told we will get a tour of the provision room too. At the start of the voyage we had 500 lbs. of peanut butter on board.
This morning Dave and I were both proctors for the students taking a test for global studies. Just had to check the students in and watch so that no one cheated. Easy job!
I have been to my class on Domestic Violence twice since we left Ghana. I was asked in class to tell about our home stay experience. When I told about the sisters in the house, they asked if I was sure they weren’t sister wifes. Now I’m confused and want to go back and talk to them again but Dave says no way. The more I think about it the more I think that might be the case that they are sister wifes. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this when we were staying there. It is definitely a man’s world in Ghana. When a man takes a wife he pays the wife’s family a bride price of a cow or cows and money or whatever. Once they are married the man feels he owns his wife and can do what he wants to her. If a woman doesn’t produce a child within two years he is able to take a new wife. With all of the religious signs around that country it is hard to comprehend all the polygamy that goes on there. I guess it is part of the culture and everyone looks the other way. Some students from my class went to a maternity hospital. There wasn’t a man in sight except for a doctor. Women were lying in labor and women were lying in pools of blood after just giving birth. Our guide had told us that women went to the hospital to have babies and used pain killers for delivery these days, but it seems that is the exception. I think most women in the villages have no access to doctors and medicine and a midwife comes to the village to help deliver babies. One of the students asked where the men were and they were told they don’t come to the hospital with the women. Some women have to get on a public bus six hours after giving birth to take their baby home. Supposedly abortion is against the law in Ghana but it is performed in the hospital those students went to. On to South Africa and their problems.
Today is Valentine’s Day and Dave and I are having dinner with John and Carol in the special occasion dining room. It will be a nice change from the regular meals we eat every day on the ship but the ship food has all been good as far as I’m concerned. Too good! I’m sure I have added a few pounds even though I try to watch it and I go on that elliptical machine for half an hour every day we are at sea even though I hate it. Yesterday we had a tour of the kitchen. It is immaculate. We were told the ship always gets 100% when it is examined by the officials and I can see why. We were told we will get a tour of the provision room too. At the start of the voyage we had 500 lbs. of peanut butter on board.
This morning Dave and I were both proctors for the students taking a test for global studies. Just had to check the students in and watch so that no one cheated. Easy job!
I have been to my class on Domestic Violence twice since we left Ghana. I was asked in class to tell about our home stay experience. When I told about the sisters in the house, they asked if I was sure they weren’t sister wifes. Now I’m confused and want to go back and talk to them again but Dave says no way. The more I think about it the more I think that might be the case that they are sister wifes. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this when we were staying there. It is definitely a man’s world in Ghana. When a man takes a wife he pays the wife’s family a bride price of a cow or cows and money or whatever. Once they are married the man feels he owns his wife and can do what he wants to her. If a woman doesn’t produce a child within two years he is able to take a new wife. With all of the religious signs around that country it is hard to comprehend all the polygamy that goes on there. I guess it is part of the culture and everyone looks the other way. Some students from my class went to a maternity hospital. There wasn’t a man in sight except for a doctor. Women were lying in labor and women were lying in pools of blood after just giving birth. Our guide had told us that women went to the hospital to have babies and used pain killers for delivery these days, but it seems that is the exception. I think most women in the villages have no access to doctors and medicine and a midwife comes to the village to help deliver babies. One of the students asked where the men were and they were told they don’t come to the hospital with the women. Some women have to get on a public bus six hours after giving birth to take their baby home. Supposedly abortion is against the law in Ghana but it is performed in the hospital those students went to. On to South Africa and their problems.
Valentine's Day dinner with Carol's extended family
This being valentines day I invited my extended family to dinner and ordered an ice cream cake for dessert. We met at 6:00 in the main dining room and I think everyone had a good time. Below is a picture of my family. Grace is first on left, then Ben and his date Patty, Tyler, Erin and Katie. The ice cream cake was a big hit! We will probably meet again soon for game night. I am also including a picture of me with my grandchildren, which would be my extended family kid's nephews!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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.
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.
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