Cape Coast

This past weekend we took a trip to Cape Coast, which is a city on the coast where there were posts in the triangular trade to export gold, ivory, and slaves. They kept the kidnapped slaves in these huge dungeons (which were ironically right below the churches), and walking through them reminded me a lot of walking through Terezin (a concentration camp) in Prague. Although I have to say, the conditions were worse. Essentially all the men or all the women were forced into a stone dungeon, and they were not let out for 3 months. You can't imagine the darkness, the smell, or the fear.

After a very depressing tour, however, we went shopping in a small courtyard area where some Ghanians were drumming. After they left a few of us picked up the drums and started our own drum session. Immediately the Ghanians came swarming back, with more drums and instuments in tow, and we started to all jam out together. Then the rain started, a torrential downpour, which led to an impromptu dance party in the rain. We all learned some traditional ghanian dances (I tried to teach them the running man but I don't think they really got the essence of it...) It was quite an experience.

I'm really falling in love with Africa. The land is thriving and thick and beautiful, the people are hospitable and friendly and so much fun, and don't get me started on how cute the babies are. Can't wait to see what the next three weeks hold...