Dave Why didn't I know about this earlier? Looks like your talents are wasted teaching poetry. A well travelled blogger such as yourself should be lighting the fires in young minds over in Geography. It would be great if you could speak to a few of our classes about your experience as it would really enhance the teaching of Ghana in Year 8. Plus any Ghananian recipes you could pass over would be great.

John Davidek Really loved your "take" on things, Darren! Sure wish we would have known each other more than just the happenstance of being on the same dormitory floor and zzzzzzzzzzzing next to each other. It would have been neat to hang out with you and your friends at Big Milly's place...I'm talking at night/the dances, etc. Anyway, your perspective is refreshing and appreciated! You have to admit: the whole experience was a bit rushed and for me it's all a blur now. You helped me focus on some things in a unique way. Thanks, mate!

Olly I've just finished reading all your blogs and there's so much to say in response, especially as you raise so many interesting questions. I won't respond in full now as the main thing is that I'm really pleased that you had such an amazing time and learnt so much. It's also excellent that you shared it with others through this blog. Perhpas you've got me over my minor prejudice against this form of communication. It was great to have a number of things clarified about the different stages of development in relations between Europe and Africa, such as the initially healthy trading relations and the attempts to create plantations in Africa before the instigation of the middle passge. Of course, I can't be sure how much of this new information to trust as there were one or two wildly factually inaccurate statements in your blogs - I think you meant late 20s!! Anyway, I look forward to talking with you at some point on all you've gained from the experience and keeping in touch with how what you've learnt will feed in to your teaching this year and beyond. Perhaps we can compare drumming and dancing experiences. Had great fun with the Maldivians with their drumming and singing on the traditional dance evenings. The varying rhythms required a full physical response and the more the music went on, the more I lost myself in it. Far more engrossing than the disco nights! Speak soon fella!

johnson Sup!!! Its good to know how loved to be in Ghana. Thank youn for making friends and family know how sweet and nice it is to be in Ghana. Ghana is booming with fresh sounds from Local Artists. Not to talk about the clubs,,,,, theeeeemmmmm...... Recently, the people of Accra celebrated their festival and it was climaxed with a street CANIVAL on the oxford street and i tell you Bro, it was great. Tell friends to try and visit Ghana to get their groove on. Bless Bro

chris kept trhat one quiet DAZ....well done sounds like an amazing experience. Just come back from Kenya as you know purely holiday with Michelle, Katie and Emma..but equally amazing experience. Warned from the the start to stay away from the beach and stear clear of the locals..but you know me ...market man.. by this Friday I ran the beach including all trips safarris and wood carving sellings (small commision) Seriosly I was lucky to embrace local hospitality and get involved with the real Kenyon people and we, as a family spent time in the village(cheapest beer in Kenya) and got involved in the local school. I can honestly say it was the most humbling experience of my life (and one of the best) We really must do something as a school to help in the future! Chris. ps dont mark my spelling and punctuation..still drunk, not only on alcohol but on human kindness and hospitality!

Mark (SkotZ) Hey DaZ Truly an amazing experience, I so envy you. Very interesting that you are getting to understand that the encounters between Europe and Africa have not always been that of what we have become acustomed to focusing on. The whole thing of them discovering us and immediately taking us as cargo across the atlantic to be enslaved has always been what people understood to be the entire story. Well it's not, there is so much more to it which you have discovered and will continue to discover. Take care. SkotZ

Janice Durham Hi Darren This is is beautifull idea and extreamly well thought of and presented. Looking at the walk our brothers and sisters (slaves to others) were forced to make gave me a heavy heart. But it was good for those of us who have not yet been able to make the trip to see. Oh gosh "D" you need to sleep man. Hope you had a really great time, safe trip back. Hope the family are well. Lots of love Janice

Luke Alreet lad, Enjoying the blog and the fotees. Especially this bit: "And when I say students I mean ALL students of all cultural backgrounds. There are always issues when Brits start trying to promote their culture but my personal belief is that every country should be able to do these things without worrying about how it is perceived and insulting other cultures." St George's Flag, anyone? ;)

Moner Darren sounds like you are having a great experience. Looking forward to more updates! Take care and good luck with you presidential campaign. Moner

Ellie Darren, What an amazing experience you must be having....I know how emotional the museum in Liverpool is, but to be out in Ghana walking in the steps of our ancestors must take your breath away. I love the idea of the blog. Take care, travel well Your sister friend x

Earl I know u can feel the heartbeat of Africa and u will be telling the pupils how lucky, lazy and spoilt they are comparing them with african kids all the while, I did !! enjoy and take care bro see ya soon Earl

Kevin D Bet the weather is better out there than it is here. Make sure you cream your ashy skin. Most of all take care oy yourself. K

nixon Hi Darren This is a first for me as i have never used this mode of communication before. Its called blog i believe. You probably only just arrived but i am looking forward to read your thoughts as you travel around. Claudette sends her love and will blog you next time. Have fun. regards nixon

Helen Hey babe, hope you're well and enjoying your experience? I'm looking forward to seeing some pics. XXX