Hello!

 

This will be my last update from Ghana, as I will be arriving back in the UK early on Tuesday morning- I?m preparing myself for quite a climate and cultural shock!

 

Kate and I will spend our last weekend here at Green Turtle Lodge, which now feels like our second home here in Ghana. It is just such a beautiful, quiet, remote spot, with delicious fresh food and friendly staff. Plus it is very eco-orientated ? it is nice to know that your money is going back into the local community and towards turtle conservation- very inspiring stuff! We celebrated Kate?s birthday there last week, and were joined by many of the friends we have made here in Takoradi. We had cake and bubbly, and in the evening an acrobat performed, complete with fire eating! After that, we had a big fire on the beach with various Ghanaians and other travelers, with guitar and djembes playing till the early hours (a mixture of traditional drumming, Beatles and Slovenian folk songs, sadly not all at the same time!). A great evening of music and merriment! As another birthday surprise (thanks to Kate?s mum), we went on a canoe trip through the nearby mangrove swamps, where we spotted some jumping fish and Toucans in the trees! We have also been back to Busua beach twice, after our surfing lessons there last month. We?re both improving all the time, and are able to stand up (most of time anyway!). I?ll try and upload some pictures soon of us looking like surfer dudes.

 

Of course, I have also been saying my fond farewells to the staff and students at Mansek. We had an orchestra practice this afternoon, which made me realize how much they have come on in 6 months. They played Mozart?s ?Andante Grazioso? with some much finesse and control and balance, very moving. On Saturday, we will have a leaving party at Fiifi?s house, which all the staff will come to. They have become as much my family as my colleagues here in Ghana, I will miss them a lot! The party will also be a welcoming party for a new volunteer- Jessica. She has been to Takoradi twice before, on trips organized by Milton Keynes Music Service, but is now here for 3 months on her own. It is a lovely feeling to be able to ?pass on? my students to her,  as I know she will keep them all on track, and in particular will help prepare students for upcoming ABRSM practical exams in June. There are a further 4 volunteers who are currently interested in coming to Mansek, which is wonderful news. A steady stream of volunteers would be invaluable help for the school, and so I am looking forward to speaking to those people and hopefully persuading them to come out here!

 

Whilst I will be sad to leave I feel that this is a natural time to do so. I am really happy with my achievements at the school, and with my travels around Ghana. Above all, I have felt very much part of the community here and for the last 6 months and have been made to feel more welcome than I could ever possibly imagine by the people of Takoradi - I will never forget the warmth, humility and humour I have been met with every day in Ghana.

 

But, I am very much looking forward to seeing my friends and family, drinking real milk (and real ale), and feeling cold again! When I?m back home I will write a longer, final blog reflecting on my time in Ghana. But for the moment, I need to buy some last minute presents, and pack my bags for Green Turtle Lodge, and watch my last African sunset?.  for this trip anyway?..!

 

Thanks for reading, look forward to being home soon-

 

James x