Day 6: Rest day, Visiting Accra and the beach
The next morning all our party bar one reported an incredible storm which had woken them at 3:00am. Torrential rain and almost continuous thunder and lightening continued for about an hour. Morag had wanted to observe the storm but was afraid her bathroom lodger (the bat!) would spring into action. She decided her best course of action would be to armour herself with her sheet! Toby tried unsuccessfully to capture the event on video. Meanwhile in the adjoining room Mr Dawson remained sound asleep and dreamt of the forthcoming eviction of Morag’s bat.
Day six had been assigned as a rest day and a chance for us to visit the capital Accra. We were accompanied by Gloria (Anthony Pile’s Personal Assistant) and a couple of other employees of Blue Skies who made us very welcome and proved to be great company. After a late lunch a visit to the town beach allowed Toby the opportunity to rent a surf board and catch some waves whilst the rest of the group opted for the more leisurely British pursuit of paddling in the sea.
None of us paddlers had quite considered the power of the Atlantic Ocean along the Gulf of Guinea as Padma was lifted off her feet by the waves and strong current. She arose from the ocean resembling a small but scary sea monster! Morag, incapable of rescuing her as she was laughing too hard, fought to remain upright herself. Meanwhile Michael made his way back to the beach and safety from the sea. Mr Dawson was very pleased that he had opted to look after the bags and remain a safe distance from the water.
On the way back to our lodgings we stopped off at the main Accra shopping mall to pick up some emergency rations. Although not as large as some British malls such as Meadowhall, this was very well stocked and frequented by seemingly wealthy Ghanians.
We reflected at the stark contrast to what we had experienced in the ‘Central Region’ communities the previous day and tried to imagine what some of the villagers would make of it, if given the opportunity to visit.
We arrived back to our lodgings at 9:00pm and were greeted with the sad news of the death of Morag’s bat. We were informed that the probably cause of death was the intense heat. We were saddened by the news but reflected that Morag could now sleep safely again.
May 25th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Derek
This is becoming like an ‘Out of Africa’ novel!
I didn’t realise you had such hidden writing talent ….maybe this is the beginning of a new vocation?…. is Morag going to tell us her story or is she too traumatized by events????
May 25th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I have just reviewed the whole blog site and it makes amazing reading!
Well done to all for making us feel as if we are actally there with you!
May 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
This site is becoming a riveting read , I said I was looking forward to hearing all about it
when you all return I now cant wait.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Derek
This is a special request. Can you find a fridge magnet probably at the airport on your return. This is to add to a big collection for Paul.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Just been catching up on the whole blog of your adventures. It sounds both amazing and exhausting, certainly life changing I guess. There seems to be such need yet such hope and optimism. I guess the difficult decision is what to do to make a difference without assuming to know what is needed? I’m slightly concerned about the death of Morag’s bat??? Did anyone ask what Morag was doing at the time?