Back to Kumasi

May 12-14:

We are back in Kumasi. On the way back from Mole we stopped at Kintempo Falls, which are some waterfalls. It was very beautiful and a great way to break up the treacherous drive from Mole (Here is a link to a video where a travel journalist films his drive to Mole to give everyone a little bit of an idea http://youtu.be/LjZKevxblTA ). The road to and from Mole is horrible. A good three hours is spent on a dirt road. I still cannot believe we made it in our bus. Something I keep saying is that any vehicle in Ghana is meant for off-roading. Once we got off the dirt road, I have never been so happy to see pavement in my life. I will always be so very grateful for our wonderful roads in America.

 

The first waterfall in the background.

The main waterfall.

Different view of the main waterfall.

 

The day after we got back from Mole was another crazy one. We agreed to help Aninwah with their Mother's day clinic. They switched the day of the clinic and everything so that we could help out. This clinic was held in the Kumasi market and consisted of performing assessments, handing out medication, and then receiving a breast exam. The hospital (Aninwah) that was putting it on sent about four or five of their own staff and all I can is that it was a good thing we were able to help out because I don't know how they would've done it by themselves. There were so many people and with the craziness of the market added to that, it made for a long day. Even though it was such a long day it always feels good knowing you have done something helpful for someone else.

 

After spending the afternoon recuperating from the clinic we were able to go spend time shopping the next day at the wood carving market and where they sell/make Kente cloth. Going to these markets is a different kind of crazy compared to the clinics we do. We stepped off the bus at the wood carving market and immediately were greeted by at least seven sellers all wanting us to come to their shop because their shop is the most unique and of the best quality. It was somewhat overwhelming to say the least. By the end it was no big deal. If you told them your name they would come and find you and tell you that you promised to come to their shop. It was also every sellers birthday. They would tell us their name and that it was their birthday and that they were going to give you a good deal. I enjoyed listening to them trying to sell me on their items it was kind of fun, but these markets need to be enjoyed only for short bouts of time. By the time you leave, you are very ready to leave.

The kids loved us at the Kente cloth market and really enjoyed being in pictures.

They enjoy posing with the peace sign in their pictures too.
 

I definitely enjoyed my time at the markets and am very excited about all of the items I was able to buy.