Coda

Coda

(Aug 16-17)

After sadly leaving Kopeyeia, we soon found ourselves on the Western edge of Ghana, viewing it once again as tourists. On Wednesday, we enjoyed touring the Kakum Rain Forest, where for the first time during our stay in Ghana, it actually rained.

The highlight of the tour was the Canopy Walk, a series of suspended rope bridges ranging from 30 to 120 feet above the forest floor, which fell further from our feet with each successive bridge.  My "healthy" fear of heights was put to the test, especially as I had just learned that the forest is home to scorpions and a number of species of snakes.  Walking along 4x6 planks just seemed like a more appropriate activity for the likes of Gabby Douglas. Backflips were out of the question.  Yet, with the support of the group, I soon discovered that I had a knack for executing the time tested "white knuckle" technique.  

Laura here! Following the canopy tour we had lunch at a restaurant/hotel/music venue where many of us paid two cedis to pet one of their friendly crocodiles... I was more interested in my coke and fried rice, but it was fun to see others be adventurous. 

Then it was back on the bus... I must say, we've done our fair share of bus riding in the later portion of our trip. Luckily our group gets along very well. Some of our favorite bus activities included: sharing iPods, telling stories, and "the milk song." This helped the time pass and we were back at the Anamabo Resort and ready for some beach time. None of us ventured a swim, but I certainly got my  more than toes wet. :-) This was such a treat and a time to unwind from our weeks of intense studies.

Yesterday we made our last sight-seeing tour at the Cape Cost Castle.  This fortress was established by the British and played a major role in the slave trade. It was surreal being there and I found it difficult to truly take in all the atrocities that took place at Cape Cost. If prisoners resisted or tried to fight they were labeled as "stubborn slaves" and put into a cell where they would slowly die of starvation or affixation... there were still gashes in the walls from the struggles of the prisoners as they lashed out on the cells walls in anguish. Each place told story of the darkness humanity is capable. Our guide eloquently emphasized the importance of learning from the past, of forgiveness and healing, and of each individual's responsibility to make a difference.