Rainbow Every Step of the Way - Accra is a Revelation

MBG Globe - Accra, Ghana Dec 17-24, 2022. 

Flying to Africa is one of my Nomadic heart's desires. I've always wanted to visit Zimbabwe's savannah, the Serengeti's safari, and the enigmatic pyramids of Egypt. Going to the city of Accra in Ghana was never thought of. Sometimes, the forces of the universe weave events beyond what we hope for, maybe to help us see that not all that glitter is gold. Dive into the world wide web, you'll find not a mention of Accra being the next best place to be. We flew to Accra with expectations guarded, but, Accra bedazzled us enough more than gold could ever hope to glitter. Accra is a jewel of a place that travels blog sites failed to find!

So how did the universe interfere and eventually lead us to find the city's beauty? It is love - 2 hearts in 1. We witnessed a unity of love celebrated in the most colorful of wedding ceremonies. Marlon was invited as a groomsman at his friend's wedding in Accra. He happily agreed and worked on our visa to Ghana and travel arrangements were then made. We didn't come for the sole purpose of tourism but to celebrate a friend's milestone, but Accra is a revelation. From people, and places to food - we had an unanticipated trip - from wedding guests to full-on tourist mode. How the hands of the Lord work in our lives. If we didn't trust His plans, we would have never witnessed a traditional African wedding, we would never know that the local Joloff rice is sinfully delicious and Accra, the places and the people are the best among the places we've been to. 

The Flight. 

We had challenging and not to mention, expensive travel arrangements. Flying on Christmas holidays has plane tickets selling fast and prices soaring the skies! Our departing flight from Toronto to Accra is a total of 14 hours in the air, not including the 5 hours of layover in Paris. Oh, the butt-numbing experience! We left Toronto on the 17th of December and landed in Accra on the 18th.

Our flight back home was none the better. It was another 14 hours of butt and knee trauma in the air and the longest layover of 8 hours in Amsterdam. The airport lounges at Schipol airport are not a comfort at all.

Our Christmas eve celebration cramped in the coach, stuffing an almost unlimited airplane meal,  Christmas day in Amsterdam airport sharing a bowl of ramen and some platters of dumplings, sushi, and braised pork. We are happy and thankful despite it all, the Lord has blessed us enough that lack of legroom and sleep doesn't matter one bit. We are grateful for the experience and the smooth and safe flight.

Day 1.

Accra is sweltering hot, the airport was full of people, noticeable is the colorful fabric they are wearing and their big and happy smiles. Our hotel transfer service to Sonia Hotel was already outside. The first thing we did after unloading our luggage is having dinner. That is when we first tried Joloff rice - the king of all rice there is. After that, we always ordered Joloff rice every chance we get, but the Sonia restaurant serves the best.

We rested the following day, Gabby spent time at the pool and I was sunbathing close by.  I was still battling jet lag and exhaustion truthfully and couldn't exert myself to enjoy the pool. Marlon went to the wedding dress rehearsal.

Nighttime came and we were all dressed up for a pre-wedding party at Coco Vanilla restaurant. Gabby is still too young and a bridal party is not suitable for her yet, we stayed al fresco and drown ourselves (literally) with food and drinks! The last thing I knew, we ordered and ate dishes plenty enough to feed 4 people. That's how good the food in Accra is, even Gabby, who is a picky eater can't help indulging. 

Day 2.

Theo and Sharon's traditional African wedding ceremony. Marlon has to be at the suite prior to the wedding to get dressed and photoshoot. I and Gabby took our time having breakfast and getting ready. We also had our DIY pictorial wearing our traditional Kente clothing for the wedding.

The wedding started with a dance from the groom and his men. The sound of the traditional African beating of the drum reverberates all throughout. It was followed by the lovely bride and the maids, also dancing to the beat of the celebration. The ceremony is as colorful as rainbows in the sky, festive and solemn at the same time. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to witness love displayed in a different culture and tradition. The wedding ceremony is breathtaking. My takeaway from the ceremony was love, truly, is a universal language. Theo, the groom is from Nigeria while Sharon, the bride is from Ghana. They are of different tongues but have knotted together love so colorful, vibrant, and strong! God bless Theo and Sharon,  and cheers to a happy married life!

Day 3. 

Our third day in Accra is our only full unrestricted day. I have specifically booked this day for a full-day city tour. I have coordinated with the hotel concierge to find us a driver that can take us around places of interest. Our driver, Adams is a nice guy. He is a primary school teacher and drives Uber in his free time. I did not expect much from this tour, a few pictures and souvenir hunting would suffice. The city yet again surprised us. Our city tour is worth all the miles flying over. 

Makola Market

The heaven of cheap finds but solid workmanship! Going to the market is an experience on its own. Rough ride, congested road, the incandescent weather. The people, goods, and cars play tag on an already narrow highway. There was just chaos all around. We reached Makola market already tired and sticky but all soon faded as the parade of color paints the whole place happy.

I bought many souvenirs from Uncle Jackson's stall, walked around, and noticed that Gabby is a celebrity wherever she goes. We were always stopped by locals, they'll talk to her, fist bump, and wish for her to come back again. 

Jamestown

Of history and ugly reality. James Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage. What happened in our Jamestown tour is serendipity at its finest play. We went to Jamestown with the only intention of taking a picture of the lighthouse. We came across another traveling group from the UK just when they are about to begin their tour of the shanty village. We were asked to join and if not for Marlon who is keen on learning the history, I would never have known how our brothers and sisters in old Accra suffered so much. The living blood of those oppressed still lives in the very same place, and instead of becoming hostile, they were even kinder despite their history, they are among the nicest people I've come across. 

Our tour guide, whose name I forgot is a samaritan. I may have forgotten his name, but never his face, his words, and his kindness. The money he earns from touring goes to the children in the village. He built schools for them, from the foundation of their town's history. Recounting time and time again the horrors of their past ancestors so children of the present can live better lives. 

This tour also cemented Gabby's celebrity status lol. Locals especially children all went to her for a conversation, a hug, or just to walk with her. She was baptized with a Ghanaian name, Naa Adolley - which means the Queen Moter of Africa. 

Black Star Gate and Independence Square

Of independence and unity. The Black Star Gate and the Independence Square commemorate Ghanaians' freedom from slavery and oppression. 

Potbelly and Accra Mall

This is not a place of history but this restaurant, in particular, is everywhere in Ghana so it is a sin not to try it! The last leg of our tour is in Potbelly to celebrate a new friendship, our driver Adams is a nice guy.

We also went to Accra mall to grab what's pleasing to the eye.

Day 4.

Labadi Beach

We started our fourth day slowly, woke up a little later, and wrapped things up lazily. We were headed to Labadi beach, we are not too enthusiastic because of the torrid weather. Around this time, I missed freezing Toronto, the weather just pulls us down. The eye-catchy parasols, tables, and chairs at the beach easily drained our fatigue. Gabby enjoyed the beach and the horseback riding experience.

Food Garage

Concluding our day with tasty feasts at the Food garage. Not a unique concept as we've seen the same in Cebu but fun all throughout. Dining on the school bus was what gets Gabby's curiosity. She even asked me to take a video of her so she can show it to her friends.

Day 5.

The second part of Theo and Sharon's wedding falls on our 5th day in Accra. They call it a white wedding. Marlon once again headed first before us to get dressed and photoshoot. I and Gabby had our DIY at the hotel. The wedding was held at the Underbridge, a chic event venue downtown.

The first part was the groom and his men walking a pampas grass-laid aisle, above are dried flowers of beige and white lazily floating about. The guests circled the altar in beige and white Chivari chairs draped with cushions and flowers. The bride came in and her entourage. The groom dazzled in a black suit and the bride, a vision in white. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were equally stunning. Happy smiles are thrown about. There was no upbeat dancing, a procession to a tune of a love song.

The second part of the wedding is the official ceremony led by a Pastor. Vows were exchanged, and wedding rings symbolizes their marriage. The groom lovingly kissed the bride and cheers were heard throughout.

The third part was the cocktail party. Lots of dancing and singing from the newlyweds, the entourage, and the guests. We love the festivity. 

Day 6 and our last day in Ghana.

We initially planned to go to the mall on our last day but changed our mind as we prefer to rest and recharge for the long flight back home. if I were to cap off the 5-day that was:

1. The locals here especially the children like Gabby a lot because there are only very few tourists that are kids. They felt a kindred spirit in Marlon too, I think maybe they can tell that Marlon is part African - from his Mom’s side. I was always mistaken for Chinese.

2. They are big in celebration, their culture is rainbow and sunshine

3. The local food is worth flying the miles - Jollof rice is what fat pants are tailored for

4. Family is God’s gift

5. Kindness and smiles everywhere no matter how tough life gets 

Concluding our Accra trip is the hardest for me. I enjoyed the place so much and I felt that we could have done more, there were too many wonderful places to see, nice people to meet and new memories to make. Accra is a rainbow every step of the way. The parade of colors never fails to please all and sundry. We had a lovely stay.

Theo and Sharon - thank you for welcoming us to Ghana, thank you for having us, especially Marlon to be a part of one of the most precious milestones in your lives. We are humbled and grateful for the friendship you have shown us. May your marriage anchor in God, and we wish you success in all you do and cheers to a happy married life!

*MBGXAccra.*    *TheMarcosesXGhana*     *2&1/2GypsiesXAfrica*