By Evy Linkous
Study & Service in West Africa Program
A little over a month ago I, along with 13 fellow classmates, was taking my first step off of the plane and onto Ghanaian ground. A wave of heat and humidity greeted us all as we left behind what was familiar and prepared to embark upon the unknown. When I signed up for this trip at the end of the previous school year, I had no idea what to expect. To be honest, Ghana was not my first choice. I had no particular previous interests in the country, but the desire to travel anywhere and everywhere propelled me forward. Home sickness and culture shock has never been a problem for me, but I was skeptical about my ability to cope in a place so unlike my home. As the trip grew nearer and nearer, I became more excited about the prospect of traveling to Africa. I viewed the trip as an opportunity to diversify my travels and culture myself.
Study & Service in West Africa Program
A little over a month ago I, along with 13 fellow classmates, was taking my first step off of the plane and onto Ghanaian ground. A wave of heat and humidity greeted us all as we left behind what was familiar and prepared to embark upon the unknown. When I signed up for this trip at the end of the previous school year, I had no idea what to expect. To be honest, Ghana was not my first choice. I had no particular previous interests in the country, but the desire to travel anywhere and everywhere propelled me forward. Home sickness and culture shock has never been a problem for me, but I was skeptical about my ability to cope in a place so unlike my home. As the trip grew nearer and nearer, I became more excited about the prospect of traveling to Africa. I viewed the trip as an opportunity to diversify my travels and culture myself.
So here
I was, close to half a year after applying, actually standing in Ghana. Suddenly it all became real. Our trip
consisted of several sections - the first of which took place in Accra (the
capital of Ghana). Accra offered us the opportunity to experience what Ghanaian
city life consisted of. I was taken aback by how much more advanced the city
of Accra was than I expected. When you hear about Africa, the focus is on the
poverty and harsh conditions; however, it became obvious that Ghana is a
quickly developing country. Our time spent in Accra was largely focused on
acclimating us to the culture and history of Ghana.
Accra
holds many fond memories and firsts for me. My first sip from a coconut bought
at a roadside stand, my first view of a shantytown, my first time salsa
dancing, and my first taste of authentic Ghanaian food are just a few of
many. Of my time in Accra, my favorite
night was not one of the designated group activities but was instead a side venture
embarked upon by only those who wished. This excursion was primarily to
experience the night life of Ghana. We went to both salsa dancing and a reggae
concert on the beach. Needless to say the experience was surreal. I was blown
away by the talent of almost everyone salsa dancing. They effortlessly moved
across the dance floor like they were born to salsa. I was also very grateful
for the patience shown to us by the men as they attempted to teach a handful of
Americans how to dance. It made me wonder why dancing is not valued in America.
In Ghana, dancing is enthusiastic; it is a way to show that you are thankful
for your life and your body. In the U.S., there is no national love for dance, and aimlessly swaying our hips is about as far as most of us get, which I find
somewhat sad.
After departing from salsa, we were transported into the entirely different world of reggae. Dancing here was quite a bit easier for us since all it required was moving like you loved life with every ounce of being, and at that moment, I believe we all did. The entire time I could not stop thinking, “I am on a beach, in Ghana, dancing to reggae music. Is this even real?” That was the highlight of my time in Accra, but there were many other enjoyable times. Such as our farewell dinner on the rooftop of a hotel where we danced the night away to the music of African drums and bid farewell to many amazing people and the country of Ghana.
After departing from salsa, we were transported into the entirely different world of reggae. Dancing here was quite a bit easier for us since all it required was moving like you loved life with every ounce of being, and at that moment, I believe we all did. The entire time I could not stop thinking, “I am on a beach, in Ghana, dancing to reggae music. Is this even real?” That was the highlight of my time in Accra, but there were many other enjoyable times. Such as our farewell dinner on the rooftop of a hotel where we danced the night away to the music of African drums and bid farewell to many amazing people and the country of Ghana.
I owe a lot of my fond memories of Accra to the people I was with and the long conversations they were willing to have, the adventures they were willing to go on, and the overall excitement shared by us all.