Hot and Spicy

Heat!  That's the first thing I felt arriving in Accra, Ghana.  Not unexpected of course, just something you know what feels like but still surprises you every time.

I landed at night so my first vision of the city was of its lights.  They weren't super bright and there wasn't streams of freeways packed with cars, but the expanse of the city was more than I imagined.  Immigration, baggage claim, and customs all went smoothly and I was able to exchange money at a Forex before leaving the airport (the ATM was for Visa credit/debit cards only).


I was met by a member of Global Mamas and she drove me to their office/home which can best be described as a small secured complex.  It is all walled in with barbed wire atop the wall and a 24hr security guard.  It houses volunteers, employees, a family, several pets, and serves as a main office for operations.  The place has a great atmosphere and the people are friendly with interesting stories to share.  It is also a great location for local shopping or getting around Accra.

For my dog-lover friends

Spicy!  Yes I unexpectedly (and happily) discovered the food can be quite spicy if that's what you're looking for.  A simple bowl of rice with chicken came with a nice dollop of very spicy sauce.  Apparently, spicy is not hard to find everywhere, so I guess I won't need the Cholula or cayenne pepper I brought.


If I had to pick one place Accra most reminded me of, I'd have to say Belize.  It has an easy going feel even though there is all sorts of hustle and bustle; the dirt streets are filled with life, vendors, and trash; people approach you everywhere to be your "friend"; and it's hot.


These were just a few of my first impressions of Accra (yes, I'm behind on my blogging).  Oh, did I mention it is HOT?


-Charlotte