9/25/10 Our Last Day

During the morning a few of us made our way to the markets to explore. The markets are more targeted towards the locals so there was a lot of food, spices and household items. It was really fun exploring the market in Takoradi, seeing how they shop and live. Everyone would say hi and the children would follow you around.

That afternoon we all got together again for lunch and final goodbyes with Fred and Olivia. It was sad saying goodbye to them because they had been so kind to us over the last few days. And I can’t say enough good things about Fred and Can Do Land Tours. Although I was on a tour for the past few days it really didn’t feel like one. I felt like I was hanging out with my good friend who was showing me his home and I couldn’t have asked for anything more! Everything happened exactly as it should have. I met the most amazing people and have made lifelong friends! :)

We headed back to the ship and stopped at the markets that were set up right next to the ship. I bought some nice souvenirs which will help me remember my times in Ghana. The few days following Ghana was very overwhelming. Before Semester At Sea I always told myself I wouldn’t experience culture shock and that I was ready to see what I was going to see. But Ghana was definitely culture shock for me. These past few days were full of things that I have never experienced before. And I’ll always hold them close to me and never forget them. I would find myself tearing up when I thought of the people I met and places I visited, how the children in Akatim village deserve so much more then what they have. I hope someday that I will be able to help them and give them what they need.