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| On the way to the center of Takoradi |
The center of Takoradi is a large circle, occupied by the main market. Today was Sunday, so only about 20% (if that many) of the stores were open, and the city in general was pretty empty. Below are a few shots from the market area.
Since we were staying on the ship, we missed the opportunity to overnight at the Zenith Hotel (in the background, below)
Nor did we have the opportunity to purchase any cows feets.
There were a few modern buildings in Takoradi, as we saw on our way back to the ship.
At dinner that night we had a chance to sit at a table with Edward Peck, a former ambassador, and one of the lecturers on the ship. We had a lively conversation about the current state of the world, and we agreed upon a solution to the crisis in the Middle East, but due to the unlimited wine, I forgot what it was.
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| Ambassador Peck and a distinguished guest |
November 22
Today we arrived at the port in Accra, Ghana where our cruise ended. We had to be off the ship by 9:30 AM, but our flight home didn't leave until 10:00 PM, so I booked a tour of Accra with a local tour company. We successfully navigated ourselves off the ship at 9:30 and proceeded to the spot where the tour guide was supposed to meet us. Of course, there was nobody there who gave any indication of being from the tour company. There were a couple of people directing traffic around the (mobbed) area, so we asked one of them if they were aware of the tour company. He then asked another person, who asked another person, who asked another person. Eventually, one of the people told us to get into an unmarked SUV. The SUV driver seemed to be trying to make contact with the tour company, and eventually they drove us about 50 yards to another SUV that had 2 Russian tourists in it and we were told that this SUV was our vehicle. The guide from this vehicle called the owner of the tour company, and we eventually verified to my satisfaction that this was the correct vehicle. So, at about 10:00 AM, and with another cultural experience in my pocket, we headed into Accra.
Ghana, which was originally a British Colony (Gold Coast) is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in West Africa. Accra is the capital, and has about 2.7 million people. The port for Ghana (Tema) is actually about 15 miles out of town. On the way into town, we passed several impressive modern buildings, including the Presidential Palace.
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| The Presidential Palace (Flagstaff House) |
Our first stop was at the National Museum, which considerably more impressive than the National Museum in The Gambia.
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| Exterior of the National Museum |
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| Interior of the National Museum |
We then headed for the center of town, which had several British Colonial buildings, including the old Supreme Court building.
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| Old Supreme Court |
In west Africa in general, but particularly in Accra, we saw lots of people walking around with huge boxes and packages on their heads.
During the coup, a statue of Nkrumah was toppled and the head came off. The statue and head have since been moved to the memorial park.
In the center of the park is the mausoleum, shown in the pictures below.
Another statue (with head) is in front of the mausoleum.
Also on display is Nkrumah's 1963 Cadillac.
From the Nkrumah memorial, we went to a (relatively) upscale part of town called Osu. I became very agitated, thinking we were going to a satellite campus of Ohio State University, but I eventually determined that was not the case.
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| More package balancing |
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| In the Osu (not OSU) district |
While we were in Osu, our guide asked us if we wanted lunch, and we said "sure". The driver then pulled into a KFC and asked if it was OK with us. I said "fine" and got out of the car. The two Russian tourists (women in their 20's) didn't get out of the car, and the guide asked them if they wanted lunch. One of them said (and I quote), "Ve dahnt eet in places like dis". So they stayed in the car. We went in and I had a spicy chicken sandwich, which was quite good. I am also pleased to report that the restrooms far exceeded the standards of KFC's in the United States.
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| In the KFC |
After lunch, we went back to the center of town to Independence Square, (also known as Black Star Square) which is the second largest public square in the world, after Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
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| Independence Square |
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| Reviewing stand at Independence Square |
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| View of the beach from Independence Square |
Next to the square is the National Stadium
From the square, we went to the craft market, where the vendors easily met West African standards for aggressiveness.
Next, we went to an area about 2 miles from central Accra called James Town, which was the location of the original British settlement.
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| An old British Church, just outside James Town |
Today James Town is basically a slum, populated by people who make a living fishing. Some of the views of the fishing boats are photogenic, but if you turn the other way, it's not pleasant.
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| A James Town resident |
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| Fishing boats at James Town. The reviewing stand at Independence square is in the background |
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| Mr. Bannerman is running for MP from Odododiodioo |
One can climb the lighthouse at James Town for a view of the surrounding area.
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| James Town Light House |
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| View from the lighthouse, looking towards central Accra |
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| Looking in the other direction |
From James Town, we headed to the airport. On our way we passed through Makola Market, the main market of Accra. To say that it was mobbed would be an understatement--it took us about a half an our to go about 5 blocks.
From the market, proceeded to the airport.
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| The National Theater |
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| Selling corn near the airport |
Finally, we were dropped off at Kotoka International Airport, for our 30-hour journey home, via Amsterdam and Atlanta.
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| So long, Ghana! |
