Kwesi and I started our Thursday morning early, around 6 am. Personally, I didn't want this day to come. It marked the closing of my trip and I knew in a couple of days I would be back on a plane to the United States.
It rained the previous night, roads were still muddy. So, some drivers wouldn't drive us to Nkrumah Circle to catch a *trɔ trɔ; they feared flooding. We would take a trɔ trɔ from Zongo Junction at Madina. We were traveling to Kwahu. Kwahu or Kwawu is a mountainous region about two hours drive west of Accra. Kwahu is also Kwesi's home.
The trɔ trɔ station was muddy and the place was congested. People were everywhere - screaming and waving people to their vehicles! Kwesi picked the first trɔ trɔ going to Kwahu, he didn't want me in the crowd. I enjoyed all the interaction, but Kwesi was worried I would get lost in all the confusion. Once the trɔtrɔ was packed, like a can of sardines; we were off!
Now, this was a ride! We had a stunt driver from the movie Fast and Furious. He drove through the Ghanaian country side at hyper-speeds. With me being on a swivel seat, I felt everything; every hill and dip as we went up to Kwahu. We passed various smaller towns and villages, and I held on the entire way. Kwesi thought my caution was hilarious, but I wasn't amused. I was relieved when we finally made it to Kwahu.
Kwesi's older brother, Osei pulled up with the biggest smile on his face.
Osei greeted me, "Welcome, Afia! We are happy to have you!"
The city was crowded because of the Easter Festival. It was like the old Freanik in Atlanta or New Orleans during Mardi Gras. It was a sea of people and it was HOT! We drove around, then we picked up Kwesi's mother, which I affectionately now called Mommy.
After lunch and resting, Osei took us up the mountain, so I could see where they grew up. On top of the mountain, it was another little city. We first went to see their sister. She was the owner of a very popular club in Kwahu, Eastern Palace. She was at the club getting ready for the upcoming Easter Festival activities. Upon arrival, I was again warmly welcomed and fed. Family members were all around the club helping and getting things ready for the Easter Festival crowd.
After leaving Eastern Palace, they took me to their childhood home, Atibie Palace. Their father was a chief. Since his death, 15 years ago, no one has lived in the palace. The majority of tribes in Ghana are matriarchal. The lineage is inherited through their mother not the father. Therefore, the father's sister's children would be next in line to be chief, not Kwesi or any of his brothers.
I was impressed. I could see where this once was a very nice place to live out your childhood. Kwesi and his family poured libations for their father and another late Chief, both were buried behind the palace. Hearing Kwesi pour libations for his father, moved me. The palace workers that opened the gates for us were also moved; one had to walk away to keep his composure. I felt a presence in the palace. As if I could see Kwesi as a little boy; playing and running around his mother, palace workers cleaning and cooking and then their father sitting watching it all with a small smirk on his face. In an instance, the palace was not abandoned, it was alive; welcoming Kwesi's family back home.
Friday night Kwesi, Osei, Mommy and I all went to Eastern Palace. Driving up to the club, you could see international flags flying to welcome all quests. The place was jumping! Being from the dirty south, I had my purse open to be checked at the front gate. We walked straight in, without being frisked.
I asked Kwesi, "No one is going to check us?"
"Check us for what?!"
I said, "For weapons, duh!" He just laughed at me. He assured me, they didn't have those types of problems. I was a little nervous because it was over 300 people there. I just waited for something to "pop off". People were drinking, eating, dancing and enjoying themselves. I just knew something was about to "go down". It was too many black people in one spot! Kwesi assured me to relax and just have fun. We were fine and no one was going to fight.
After coming back from a dance, Kwesi turned his back to me and Mommy came and sat on my right side, so I was now sitting in between both of them.
Kwesi turned and said, " Afia, I love you and you have made me very happy. Will you accept my ring and be my wife?"
Afia said, " OH YES!"
Mommy and Osei clapped and the camera man came and took numerous pictures. Kwesi's sister came and took pictures and congratulated me and welcomed me to the family.
It was a perfect night and everyone partied with us until 3 o'clock the next morning.
By the way, there were no fights or gun shots firing. Everything was peaceful. Everyone just danced and enjoyed the night with no altercations. I wished we could enjoy each other's company over here in the United States. Sometimes it's momentous occasion when we can get more than 300 black Americans together with no shenanigans. Easter Palace wasn't a fashion show, either! Can you believe people actually came to dance and have a good time?! Not to sit in a corner, looking cute, or walking in the club trying to reenact a rap video - stunting and making it rain.
We danced the night away Friday and then return Saturday night to do the same thing!
Kwesi and I were so happy and newly engaged Saturday night, but my tripping episode to Ghana was coming to an end.
When Kwesi grabbed my hand to lead me out the club, I squeezed his hand trying to hold back my tears. It didn't work; I broke down. I didn't want to leave. I had thoroughly enjoyed myself and I would miss the new half of my family. Osei and Kwesi tried to console me, but I couldn't stop crying. Everyone just stopped talking and let me cry.
The next morning Kwesi and I went back to Accra. My flight was leaving late Monday night. Musa, the security guard, drove up on his motorcycle to let us in. He had just return from running errands.
I just wanted to move in slow motion, I didn't want to leave.
My experience in Ghana was unforgettable. I'm glad I decided to take the trip. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't be engaged to one of the wisest men I know. I wouldn't have seen just how beautiful Ghana is and how hospitable the Ghanaian people are. I now have proof - all Africans aren't poor and not suffering from malnutrition. Ghana isn't perfect, just like the United States. Nevertheless, I've seen that Ghana and Africa have resources and culture that black Americans are not tapping into. The culture, the values, and the sense of community alone would enrich anyone's life.
I'm glad I was tripping! It was my first trip to Ghana, but I know it will not be my last!
*Ghana, Ɛnkyɛ mɛ hu wo!
www.carricequinniewriter.com
Follow me on Twitter @carrice_writer
*trɔ trɔ - Privately, owned minibus that travels fixed routes, only leaving when filled to capacity. While there are trɔ trɔ stations, these vehicles can be boarded anywhere along their routes.
*Ghana, Ɛnkyɛ mɛ hu wo - Ghana, see you soon!
It rained the previous night, roads were still muddy. So, some drivers wouldn't drive us to Nkrumah Circle to catch a *trɔ trɔ; they feared flooding. We would take a trɔ trɔ from Zongo Junction at Madina. We were traveling to Kwahu. Kwahu or Kwawu is a mountainous region about two hours drive west of Accra. Kwahu is also Kwesi's home.
The trɔ trɔ station was muddy and the place was congested. People were everywhere - screaming and waving people to their vehicles! Kwesi picked the first trɔ trɔ going to Kwahu, he didn't want me in the crowd. I enjoyed all the interaction, but Kwesi was worried I would get lost in all the confusion. Once the trɔtrɔ was packed, like a can of sardines; we were off!
Now, this was a ride! We had a stunt driver from the movie Fast and Furious. He drove through the Ghanaian country side at hyper-speeds. With me being on a swivel seat, I felt everything; every hill and dip as we went up to Kwahu. We passed various smaller towns and villages, and I held on the entire way. Kwesi thought my caution was hilarious, but I wasn't amused. I was relieved when we finally made it to Kwahu.
Osei greeted me, "Welcome, Afia! We are happy to have you!"
The city was crowded because of the Easter Festival. It was like the old Freanik in Atlanta or New Orleans during Mardi Gras. It was a sea of people and it was HOT! We drove around, then we picked up Kwesi's mother, which I affectionately now called Mommy.
After lunch and resting, Osei took us up the mountain, so I could see where they grew up. On top of the mountain, it was another little city. We first went to see their sister. She was the owner of a very popular club in Kwahu, Eastern Palace. She was at the club getting ready for the upcoming Easter Festival activities. Upon arrival, I was again warmly welcomed and fed. Family members were all around the club helping and getting things ready for the Easter Festival crowd.
Friday night Kwesi, Osei, Mommy and I all went to Eastern Palace. Driving up to the club, you could see international flags flying to welcome all quests. The place was jumping! Being from the dirty south, I had my purse open to be checked at the front gate. We walked straight in, without being frisked.
I asked Kwesi, "No one is going to check us?"
"Check us for what?!"
I said, "For weapons, duh!" He just laughed at me. He assured me, they didn't have those types of problems. I was a little nervous because it was over 300 people there. I just waited for something to "pop off". People were drinking, eating, dancing and enjoying themselves. I just knew something was about to "go down". It was too many black people in one spot! Kwesi assured me to relax and just have fun. We were fine and no one was going to fight.
After coming back from a dance, Kwesi turned his back to me and Mommy came and sat on my right side, so I was now sitting in between both of them.
Kwesi turned and said, " Afia, I love you and you have made me very happy. Will you accept my ring and be my wife?"
Afia said, " OH YES!"
Mommy and Osei clapped and the camera man came and took numerous pictures. Kwesi's sister came and took pictures and congratulated me and welcomed me to the family.
By the way, there were no fights or gun shots firing. Everything was peaceful. Everyone just danced and enjoyed the night with no altercations. I wished we could enjoy each other's company over here in the United States. Sometimes it's momentous occasion when we can get more than 300 black Americans together with no shenanigans. Easter Palace wasn't a fashion show, either! Can you believe people actually came to dance and have a good time?! Not to sit in a corner, looking cute, or walking in the club trying to reenact a rap video - stunting and making it rain.
We danced the night away Friday and then return Saturday night to do the same thing!
When Kwesi grabbed my hand to lead me out the club, I squeezed his hand trying to hold back my tears. It didn't work; I broke down. I didn't want to leave. I had thoroughly enjoyed myself and I would miss the new half of my family. Osei and Kwesi tried to console me, but I couldn't stop crying. Everyone just stopped talking and let me cry.
The next morning Kwesi and I went back to Accra. My flight was leaving late Monday night. Musa, the security guard, drove up on his motorcycle to let us in. He had just return from running errands.
I just wanted to move in slow motion, I didn't want to leave.
My experience in Ghana was unforgettable. I'm glad I decided to take the trip. If I hadn't, I probably wouldn't be engaged to one of the wisest men I know. I wouldn't have seen just how beautiful Ghana is and how hospitable the Ghanaian people are. I now have proof - all Africans aren't poor and not suffering from malnutrition. Ghana isn't perfect, just like the United States. Nevertheless, I've seen that Ghana and Africa have resources and culture that black Americans are not tapping into. The culture, the values, and the sense of community alone would enrich anyone's life.
I'm glad I was tripping! It was my first trip to Ghana, but I know it will not be my last!
*Ghana, Ɛnkyɛ mɛ hu wo!
www.carricequinniewriter.com
Follow me on Twitter @carrice_writer
*trɔ trɔ - Privately, owned minibus that travels fixed routes, only leaving when filled to capacity. While there are trɔ trɔ stations, these vehicles can be boarded anywhere along their routes.
*Ghana, Ɛnkyɛ mɛ hu wo - Ghana, see you soon!
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