West Africa: Ashanti Gold Mine
Ghana is one of the largest gold mining countries in the world. The West African region was once known as the Gold Coast. So our class took a trip to the Ashanti Gold Mines. What we thought was going to be a quick tour, soon turned into a 2 hour hike 40,000 feet underground. And another 1 hour wait for the mine elevator to pick up us from down below. Imagine the terror after 30 to 45 minutes pass and you are that far underground. It started to get pretty freaky. But all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the hike in the damp, clammy, musky mine. Minus the whining crybaby girly girls who couldn’t take the heat, or the hike itself. Smh. Suck it up!
We had to wear these fancy outfits before we could go into the mine.
Yes. We had to wear their socks because we had on sandals when we arrived. Gross!
Class photo before entering the mine.
The Ashanti Gold Mine!
Heaviest rain boots ever!
Me and the tour guides.
Elevator shaft headed down!
We are now 41,000 feet under the earth!
And we walk.
This is that moving equipment we are to be aware of. Nasty.
And we continue walking.
Trolley Loco? Crazy Trolley? They speak spanish in Ghana?
So that was the crazy trolley they were speaking of. It literally wisked past our faces. Scary!
Cara and a miner. Peep her clenched fists. It was pretty nasty. LOL.
Yea after 3 hours in the mine we are a little worried. But I kept everyone’s spirits alive by singing “Im a Survivor, Im not gon give up!”
West Africa: Wli Agumatsa Waterfall
We visited a lot of unique places while in Ghana but my favorite by far was the gorgeous sight of the Wli waterfall before we crossed the border over into Togo. The Wli Agumatsa waterfall is the tallest in Ghana. I was not prepared for the beauty that I was about to encounter. We had to hike through the African forests to reach the site. We ate a picnic dinner [peanut butter and jelly sandwiches] right at the foot of the waterfall shortly after jumping into the spring that bellied beneath the marvel. It was one of the many amazing experiences while in West Africa.
View from the van on the road to the waterfall.
Welcome! or as they say in Twi, AKWAABA!!
Hiking to the site.
OMG.
You can’t really see them but there are bats all alongside the waterfall. Look closely!
Fun in the waterfall.
My classmates and I being silly.
And yet again. Definitely a day to remember!
West Africa: Black Stars Soccer Game!
I have never been a fan of soccer but after this game I was a changed woman. The excitement and enthusiasm that spilled through the crowds made my first professional soccer experience one to remember.
The rain storm that showered us before the start of kick off did not encourage my change of heart, but being in the midst of a crowd so full of joy even while soaking wet in full clothes will make you smile and cheer along.
The funniest part was a man singing the national anthem so loud and prideful at the end of the game and ridiculously off key. Then he proceeded to douce his face and mouth with an entire water bottle as if he just killed the song. LMFAO. Vanessa and I were in tears [literally]. I wish so badly that I could have caught him on video.
GO BLACK STARS!
We were no too thrilled after the rain storm.
We eventually warmed up to the game. Although we were still freezing and wet!
This dude was out of control. They are very prideful of their soccer team.
Me and my love Katie Sasser showing our Black Stars Pride wrapped in Ghanian flags!
West Africa: Canopy Walk.
One of the first places we visited while in Ghana was the Kakuma National Park. In the park there is a canopy walkway that covers some of the highest points on the grounds. The walkway is a rope bridge and can hold up to 2 full sized elephants.
The van ride leading up to the park had my palms sweaty from nervousness. But once we hiked through the park up to the point where the canopy walkway begins, I became less nervous. And once on the actual walkway I was completely confident. The view was amazing and I wished we could stay up there and eat lunch on the check points.
This was our tour guide. He was so fine and the accent was sexy. He is a strong, Ashanti man.
The path to the walkway.
One of the bridges on the walkway.
This is how high up we were.
I was clearly enjoying my experience.
This is West Africa. Beautiful.
We were having a great time.
WE SURVIVED.
Class photo after our brave, treacherous walk!
Signage in Africa.
So while I was in West Africa this summer I could not help but to notice all of the barber shops and beauty salons everywhere! They were literally on every block and sometimes more than one per street.
But the funniest thing was the signage. I saw every male celebrity from Ludacris to Bow Wow to Eddie Murphy on the signs. I even recall a Rick Ross sign at one point. LOL. And the beauty salon signs weren’t much better.
LOL at Ludacris!
Not that weave ponytail tho! Is that Missy Elliott?
Im too through with that needle and thread.
