Monday, May 28, 2007

Ghana Part 1 "Family"

Here I am with my Dad. He was born in Ghana and grew up in a village. In his 20's he made it over to America, went to medical school, became an Oncologist and Hematologist and recently moved back Home. He is now a real estate developer!
Here I am with my beautiful Grandma "T" and my Sweetie Auntie Geta!
Here I am at a restaurant in Ghana with my little cousin Katsina (Geta's daughter). Don't we look alike?
Here I am with my cousin, NiiK. We went to a lagoon to look a crocodiles! It was scary!!!
Here I am with my Grandma and her sister, Auntie Ruth...who just had her 80th birthday!

Ghana Part 2 "Family 2"

Here I am with my sister-in-law, Maame!
Here we are again!
My Grandma and Auntie at dinner!
My cousins NiiK and Katsina.
Me with Tyrone, Katsina and NiiK.

Ghana Part 3 "Daddy!"

On our way to the pool.
On our way to lunch!
Busy working!

My last day with dad, at lunch. (I took it myself, in case you didn't notice)

Ghana Part 4 "Shopping for Art"

My dad and this man were having fun determining the price of my artwork. This place, The Art Center, is where tourists go to get art to take home. They give you a price and say, "but that's not the lowest" and then you go back and forth until you agree. When I spoke, hearing my American accent, the price was JACKED UP...and then my dad would step in and do the negotiating. But in the end, it was always a win-win. I now have beautiful carvings and painting in my home!
Some African Masks.
A view of part of The Art Center. It's actually HUGE with indoor/outdoor markets...clothing, jewelry, instruments and artwork.

These two tag-teamed me and dad for some art I was 'dying' to have. They were giving me the "American Price" which for 7 paintings was not cheap...I should have let my dad done the talking from the start. But there were lots of laughs and we negotiated for awhile. I got my paintings and they also gave me a bracelet "on the house".

Ghana Part 5 "Rainforest 1"

The Journey of the Ghanian Rainforest Begins!
Climbing Up!
On the way!
Our tour guide gives us some pointers. Mainly, 'be careful!'
Me and my Auntie Geta, getting ready for the experience!

Ghana Part 6 "Rainforest 2"

Here I go!
My cousin's a pro!
My Auntie Geta!
The view. There were 6 or 7 of these, varying in length. It was wobbly and a little scary!
Another view

Ghana Part 7 "Rainforest 3"

THE VIEW!
Time for some FRESH coconut juice!
Yum!

Me and the Tour Guide!

Ghana Part 8 "The Crocodiles 1"

Looking innocent...
Coming near us...
This one thinks he's sneaky!
So does this one!

For a small fee, this man will put meat on a stick and feed the crocodile. He was hungry!

Ghana Part 9 "The Crocodiles 2"






Ghana Part 10 "Dad's Office"

On my way to my Dad's office!
Getting closer.
Almost there!
At the entrance!
We're here!