Exploring the Sights, Sounds, and Culture of the Gold Coast
This past summer, I was able to embark on a trip to the motherland to the country of Ghana. It was a surreal experience from the moment I landed until even now as I have returned home. This trip is worth considering if you have always wanted to experience the passage most of our ancestors went through on the way to this country or if you ever wanted to immerse yourself in the beauty of Africa.
Preparing to travel to Africa there are additional costs that most don’t consider. Besides paying for flight, lodging, and incidentals I also needed to consider the other requirements needed.
- VISA
- YELLOW FEVER IMMUNIZATION
- MALARIA PILLS
VISA: This can be done electronically on Ghanaembassydc.org. You have 2 choices of $60.00 process time is about 3 weeks to one month. The other choice is to expedite for $100.00 per visa.
Silver Spring: Passport Clinic,
Prince Georges: Lakewood Clinic
Malaria Pills: Needs to be prescribed by your doctor. Start this procedure at least 1-2 months prior to your departure.
Delta Airlines has a direct flight from JFK or Atlanta. Upon arrival in Ghana, you are greeted with the saying, “Welcome home.” Of the 10 days we traveled, two days are considered travel days, so technically only eight days are on the continent. We started in Accura, the capital of Ghana and visited three of the 16 states: Accura, Kumasi, and the Cape Coast.
The experience that stood out to me the most was at the Ivory Coast. We walked to the slave river where slaves took their last bath. We were greeted with a traditional dance and experienced the somber vibe that was heavy in the air. Slaves took their last bath with chains on and then had to walk 25 miles to the Slave Castle nicknamed The Point of No Return, awaiting shipment to the Americas or the Caribbean.
There was no difficulty understanding the guides, they were all English-speaking. Tipping is encouraged (exchange to Ghanaian currency). The tour guys can help you with that exchange. The exchange rate is lower than the US currency (100.00, 50.00) meaning the value of your money is better. Air conditioning is provided on the motorcoach, hotels, and almost of the tours you will visit.
Overall, this is a must-see Destination.
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