I popped into central Accra and took out a little more money to buy some last minute souvenirs. I rode the trotro for the last time up to East Legon. I stopped on the way to Nubuke and bought some kente cloth from a really young weaver at the side of the road. He was so pleased that I bought some and I took his picture at his loom. Mira came up to East Legon for lunch and we enjoyed our last Ghanaian meal together at Chez Afrique, the restaurant Kofi took me to a few days ago. I had chicken and spicy jollof rice and she had red red and plantains. We followed it up with, of course, a mighty FanIce.
After lunch I went to Nubuke where Odile and Kofi presented me with a beautiful photography book, Max Milligans "Ghana: A Portrait" as well as an ArtHause t-shirt and bag. I was thrilled and we all spoke about the importance of staying in touch and spreading the word of the Nubuke Foundation far and wide.
So, what will I miss about Ghana.... FanIce and in fact eating/drinking products out of small plastic bags in general, EVERYONE saying hello to you everywhere you go, the amazing efficiency of the trotro system (despite the ridiculously battered vehicle, you can always get a ride) and the mangoes. I'll also miss everyone I met whilst I was here from the Ikando staff, particularly the legendary Quarshie to the other volunteers particularly Mira, Amy (and boyf Nick), Lola, Sofia, Erik, Sarah, Minsoo, Ravi, Xi, Margaret, Lyla, Laura who made my time in Ghana so special, providing endless laughs, dinner companions and fellows adventurers. For those who went, we'll always have Ada.
I probably won't miss open drains, the occasional Ghanaian who treats you like an ATM, being unable to drink water from the tap or eat salad and the carb-heavy diet.
Christopher, you ought to know that when you pick me up at Heathrow tomorrow my first priority will be finding somewhere selling a double-shot Americano.
Thanks for reading x
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