Today we have two Class36 teams: the group exploring the area around Ghana's 2nd largest city - Kumasi, and the group exploring the area around Lake Volta. These notes describe the Kumasi team's experience.
Hey! We did a little something related to agriculture today. On impromptu roadside stops, we saw/poked/tasted cocoa pods hanging from cocoa trees, pineapples, cassava, palm-oil nuts, and calabash.
Also, having carried a big box of crayons, pencils, pads, hats, and toys halfway around the world, we finally found an ideal recipient. A first grade teacher (wearing hair curlers!) welcomed our unannounced arrival and donation to the delight of 35 students (and 12 gratified Ag fellows).
Next we explored the arts & crafts of the Ashanti region, visiting individual villages with different specialties such the famous Kente cloth, stamped textiles called "Adinkra", and wood-carving. Actually, we felt like bait on a hook. Wherever the bus stopped, a hoard would be waiting outside. We would send out the sacrificial PF to test the waters. A buying/selling/negotiating frenzy would then ensue. "What's your name?" "Where are you from?" "I have a friend in California. His name is David, do you know him?" "Because you are my special friend, I am going to sell this bracelet to you for 15,000 Cifas. What are you going to do for me, friend?"
Two bored shoppers decided to get a haircut at the "California Barber & Boutique", ending up looking like poorly shorn sheep. The haircut only cost $.70 - it was worth what they paid for it. We also ran into Marisa, a Peace Corp volunteer with three months on the job helping to promote tourism in this impoverished region. Having already caught and survived malaria in her first month, she still wore a big smile, and we felt that she was a perfect ambassador for the US in these villages. Hurray for the Peace Corp!
We rounded out the afternoon learning about the Ashanti kingdom & monarchy at the Manhyia Palace & the Ashanti Cultural Center. A day well spent!
Trip Writers: Jackie Crabb, Bob Knight, & Carlos Castaneda
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