The Song Begins

*Sigh* Sleeping horizontal is a real treat after a long journey. I (Laura) had a leisurely morning day two in Ghana... reading in my room, breakfast in the Afia's open air restaurant, and yoga lead by one of the group participants... 

Kristen, the assistant trip director, took a group of us on a walking tour.  We went to "the arts center," which is an open market full of tourist-friendly souvenirs. Being Sunday, many of the stalls were closed, but still we had our fair share of eager salesmen approaching us. "Looking is free... come in please... look free!" Overall, I found the sellers less aggressive than in Turkey and India. We were just looking today, and will perhaps try our hand at bartering tomorrow. 

The walk continued a short distance to Accra's "Freedom Square." Being the capital, Accra is covered with splashes of patriotism, including displays of honor for Ghana's recently deceased president.

Next was another tasty meal at the Afia, and then it was off to David Amoo's drum workshop. More about that from Mark, but here is some powerful wisdom from one of David's colleagues, a wise and distinguished master teacher, pictured below second from the right.

"Drumming (in West Africa) is more than drumming... it is about life. You are born into a family. You do not choose that family, so you learn to live in it... and this teaches you tolerance. The drums are a part of the family. They represent the different voices, so you must listen... listen to each other... listen to yourself. Many of the world's problems would be solved if people learned to truly listen, as they must when drumming."

I hope to be able to truly listen both in my drumming and in my life.

Cheers!

Laura