Accra

Arrival in Accra
The plane cannot pull all the way up to the terminal building. A common thing I am told outside the US. Fortunately I have only one large carryon and the ever present laptop, Other Ghanaian women carrying infants, car seats and all that you need for a ten hour flight and a visit “home” look less encumbered than the Americans. We are bused the short distance to the terminal, welcomed at immigration and on to baggage retrieval. From there we are walked uninspected through customs and into the waiting throngs of Ghanaian helpers. The young driver from the Hotel greets us and while there are five women with two large bags and two carryon’s each he tried to fend off the aggressive young men offering help. We muscle our luggage and travel weary bodies into the waiting van and twice must slam the van door on one of our own for fear of the helper boys climbing in begging for a tip for having done nothing except walk along side us. Against our wishes. Van doors closed, all bodies and luggage accounted for and we are quickly and efficiently off to the Golden Tulip Hotel. It is early. Our arrival was on time at 0725 and the hotel is accommodating. They let us destroy their lobby as we gathered needed swimsuits, cooler clean clothes and miscellaneous stuff. From touchdown to hotel door is about one hour 40 minutes. All in all amazing.
Off to the pool area, a relaxing refreshing beverage and soon we are checking into our rooms. Every American needed necessity. Best of all, comfortable cozy beds with fluffy duvets!
Together the four of us, decide to travel to the National Cultural Market. That is an adventure not to be missed. While booth after booth is filled with beautiful cloth beads, banana skin paintings, and the ebony carvings!! But the aggressive “hello’s”,” where are you from”,” how much you pay me?” were a bit overwhelming. We were tired and hot and not willing to tolerate. It takes only a few minutes to discover that a cold shoulder, lack of acknowledgement, and walking away seems to work. We left with only a single purchase among us. The colors, the noise, the adventure ….. I am glad we did not miss it. But…. I am glad that we left quickly as well.
A plan to rejoin at the pool… but no…the body takes over and a nap ensues. 2 hours later feeling refreshed a fantastic dinner in the hotel restaurant of carbonara beef tenderloins and a great bottle of red. A planned adventure to Alliance Frecois… it was supposed to have a great dance/cultural activity…but a cab ride there and a locked gate. ! Back to the hotel a new friend Michelle, ( a sweet Texan translocated to NYC) stories of loves and lost loves, we had a great time! A comfy night with a slow start to Saturday morning. We are off to the beach!
Our friend Jeanette Rack, the world traveler, is negotiating prices planning adventures travel book in hand. Thankfully she is guiding us throughout limited time in Accra