by Ryan Trinidad (written on July 28)
The group before we head into town.
Today we have the day to go into Accra. We leave very early, and anyone who is anyone knows that I am not a morning person. Although, with so many things going on I am excited to be up. This time we ride into town in a nice van. We arrive at the Parliament building and receive a tour. We then go to the Commission on Human Rights & Administrative Justice. The presentation was very interesting but policies aren’t my style. Others were interested so that was good. We eat lunch next to Kwame Nkrumah’s Mausoleum and there are young school kids next to us. Keisha starts talking with the kids and we all join her happily. The kids start giving us trivia. Let’s just say that they are smart and have a great sense of humor. This was probably the best time I’ve had here thus far. I’m always smiling and laughing, but this time was different. This was unplanned, and happened so seamlessly. It was one of those times that you will never forget…
Our group having fun with young students during lunch.
We toured Kwame Nkrumah’s Mausoleum. The history is rich and there is a lot of information. The actual tomb is made out of Italian marble. Kwame did a lot in his time and it definitely shows. Inspiration was definitely instilled within me to do it even bigger when I get back home.
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's memorial statue and mausoleum in the background.
Photo taken from inside of the van with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's mausoleum in the background.
We arrive at the market and everything we were taught starts running through my mind. But you can’t really use your skills unless you practice them, and this is how we do it first-hand. The second I step off the bus, the vendors flock around me. They don’t play around here. If hustlers were born in one place, I can safely say that they were born here in Africa. Some people are overwhelmed, at first I am, but I’m cool. I actually like it here; it’s a very social scene with a live market. I end up getting a bracelet and a necklace. The price could have been a little lower but bartering is a learning process, and I plan to do better next time.
Photo of heavy traffic in Accra. This photo was taken with high exposure and gives the effects of streaming light.
