arrived in accra! first impressions...

So after a pretty epic journey, leaving home at 3am we eventually arrived at our hostel after 11pm. We spent a few hours outside in the sunshine in Rome, so it was not all spent in planes or airports. I had a mad rush to buy some contact-lens solution, because they "stole" mine at heathrow, cos it was larger than 100ml =( never have I been so glad to see a 100ml bottle of contact-lens solution in Rome airport! The only other thing of note on our journey here, was a stop-down in Lagos, Nigeria. Landing in the dark, the whole city was illuminated by the cars headlights, as there was no (or very little) mains electricity, it made the city look quite eerie. In contrast, Accra was amply lit with street lamps, and house lights.

The author of our West Africa LP, describes his first experience of arriving with the usual 'East African vigilance", quick to say "no" to any potential heckling. I had a similar defensive nature on arriving in Accra, but quickly realised this was completely unnecessary. Where-as in Kenya, and Tanzania it is almost impossible to walk down the street without shouts of "mzungu" following you. But people here seem far less interested in us; though they are also exceptionally quick to offer any help if we look at all lost (this happen quite a lot, especially in tro-tro (local bus) parks!) If the same was to happen in Kenya, we would be asked for tips for the help. So generally, first impressions are very positive, extremely caring and friendly people.

Since we have arrived, we have been to a party on the beach, with a random mix of rastas, American Marines, and NGO volunteers. Trekked up to the highest waterfall in Western Africa, visited a monkey sancutary at an ecotourist resort in a very remote village. This afternoon we are heading into Togo.

Sorry- i've realised I don't have that much time to blog, have loads i want to say but just not enough time... if you want another opinion on our trip, check our Karin's blog at www.karinpurshouse.blogspot.com

Lintha's new school building

The new school building has been completed in Lintha Village, and the latest newsletter from Andrew Clark Trust emphasises just how much of a difference it has made. The two storey building was very much in demand as numbers attending the school have increased dramatically. As a result of employing two permanent teachers, they now have 48 classes a week, 9 extra lessons daily during summer school, making a total of 17 lessons a day. This is an enormous increase since I taught there in my gap year, when there were just 3 or 4 lessons a day!

So thank you so much to everyone who sponsored me to shave my head, you can now see that the £3050 raised has gone to very worthwhile cause.

On an entirely different subject, it is that time of year again- summer! and this year it is taking me to West Africa. I will be travelling with Karin- housemate, medic, and generally known as my joined-at-the-hip second-half! Karin has been to Ghana before, so we may have the opportunity to visit the hospital where she volunteered. Other plans include popping over into Benin and Togo and visiting Mole NP in the North of Ghana, but we will see how things unfold.

So check this site over the 6 weeks to keep up-to-date with how we are getting on...