The Last One: Ghana, Africa

So, last week we covered my plans for the first two months of my summer. Although I am having difficulty thinking much farther ahead than two months in Spain because I’m so excited, I will dedicate my last travel blog post ever to Ghana, Africa, a.k.a where I’m headed in August.

Malaria. Snakes. Dust. All initial impressions of Ghana seem to either scream “Danger!” or murmur “Ehhhh,” so why would I go to such a place?

Naja nigricollis nigricollis 

Well, my mother was invited to present a paper at the University of Accra (the largest city in Ghana) called “Si que no es: Approaches to Afro-Caribbean Identity.” Although I have seen many of her presentations before, this one is particularly exciting because I kind of collaborated on the paper. Kind of. By that, I guess I mean I proofread some parts...

With some research on Accra, however, the city is not terribly dangerous. Every travel website I read basically tells tourists to be smart, stay in at night unless it is absolutely necessary to go out, and just be aware of surroundings. Considering all of these instructions also apply to Wilkes-Barre, the city I live in, I should be golden.

That being said, I am not sure just how much there is to do in Accra, as far as tourist-y stuff is concerned. This contrasts my other blog posts, where I yammer on about all the cool sights there are to see. Accra’s description on Lonely Planet says it has “good shopping, excellent nightlife, and definitely the best eating options in Ghana.” Well, since I’ll be staying in at night, looks like I have two great ways to spend my time. I do love food.

I’m only kidding, there are lots of things to do. Since the city is right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is definitely an option.

White Sands 

There is also the Osu castle, which is a beautiful city hall. Apparently, Obama and Queen Elizabeth II have visited regularly and stayed there. The structure itself was built in 1650, so it’s really old. Although it still houses the seat of the Ghana government, this building has a long and violent history due to colonial battles for control and nasty shipwrecks.

Also known as the Elmina Castle

There is also the Jamestown Lighthouse, from which the entire city and harbor can be seen.

Or the Usshertown Lighthouse

So, regardless of its potential flaws, I’m really excited to be going back to Africa because it has a culture that I’m largely unfamiliar with. So, wish me luck with airport security, because, according to the T.S.A, I’ll be a health risk (not just Ebola, but they’re pretty worried about that, too) for 30 days after my return. Thanks so much for reading these 20 travel posts and happy sophomore year!