A break in Ghana!
on Julia in Nigeria (Nigeria), 05/Sep/2007 16:54, 34 days ago
Some might say the last few weeks have been a tad hectic. I am all for travelling, but I was actually strangely relieved to be back in my little house this week, without the prospect of moving for the foreseeable future. That's not to say I haven't had a fantastic time. As the photos show, Ghana is a beautiful country and it was great to finally lie on a beach and soak up some sun for a few days after the week long Pan African reading For all Conference in Accra. ( I presented a workshop there along with some colleagues from my school in Nigeria.)No rest for the wicked though, so instead of staying in one place, and together with some friends, I toured the coast of Ghana , stopping off at castles, stilt villages and Wildlife Parks along the way. It's a shame that the wildlife proved to be particularly illusive, and I think the most we saw in Kakum National Park was a few butterflies! Still, it was a lush rainforest and it was worth it for theextremelyhigh up canopy walkway..the only one of it's kind in Africa apparently.The bad luck with Wildlife spotting continued with us as we reached Nigerian soil again. After visiting my school for a couple of days , we went to two different national parks in Nigeria, but were foiled from seeing elephants both times, even though we saw their footprints and droppings so we knew they had been there!! In Yankari Game reserve, the Baboons jumping around the car park made up for it, as did the Wikki Warm springs which are a constant hot temperature..great for the rainy season! We went on a two day car journey to get to Gashaka Gumpti National Park, and were proud to be two of only a handful of foreign visitors who visit each year. It's a wild and remote part of Nigeria , but the countryside is spectacular and it's an interesting place to visit as much as to meet the friendly local people as for the wildlife itself! ( although luckily a few monkeys popped into view at least !)Perhaps the best part of travelling in Nigeria though is that you are generally made to feel welcome and important...great for your ego!But the problems of lack of power and running water , and the bumpy roads with umpteen potholes are sent to try us!I am now trying to adjust to getting back to work ...But it's great to see the kids again, and try out the new equipment that we have been donated from the US. ( a basic electronic talker and switch )