Rainforest & Elmina...

We started our morning with a canopy walk 30-40m off the ground along seven bridges strung between 8 trees in the most fabulous national park. Although we saw no evidence, there are apparently 250 elephants in the park. I think between us we saw a dragonfly, some lizards, and a snake who had recently eaten something (small child maybe?). Don't worry we did a head count and it wasn't one of ours. (our typist (Jen today) just experienced technical difficulties due to inhaling a bug)

We lunched in the rainforest and bought some presents...we can't tell you what...it's a surprise...

After some time at the District Assembly Hall waiting for the mayor - who unfortunately was otherwise engaged - we made our way to a central square in Elmina, just minutes from the slave castle. It's hard to paint a picture of what we saw but here goes: goats and chickens strolling between the audience and the stage; everyone else trying to stay out of the sun under canopies or the shade from the buildings in the square; behind the stage, up a hill, were several decaying colonial buildings in various pastel shades; street vendors all around; an incredibly large sound system screamed pop music as we set-up. (Ian is being the grammar police here.)

The plan was to do five pieces but the response was so favourable that Kathy and the kids ad libbed two additional pieces, including Kinka with Kwasi and Ledzi and a shortened Gahu. For Kinka, the girls went out with fistfuls of Canada flags and invited people to dance with them. Arial, Zoe, and Lucia just about got mobbed by all the eager kids when they saw that the flags were being given away. They actually got some of us adults up, as well.

And Master Dan does a very groovy kinka, we must say! There was spontaneous applause at various points in the performance. We aren't sure why but think it may be that they recognized words to songs and were so impressed with these kids from Canada doing their thing.


The region of KEEA (Elmina region) took us all out for drinks and food at a local restaurant set at the oceanside. The kids got to put their toes in the water which then led to their ankles, which then led to their knees... we had to get them out at that point as the tide was coming in and dinner was served. Afterwards, we all ended up back at the Regional Assembly Hall to finally get to meet the mayor, who was kind enough to stay late. He gave an inspirational speech about the importance of the Ottawa-Elmina connection and we were pleased to be a physical presence on behalf of the City of Ottawa here in Ghana. The two youth groups exchanged t-shirts and thanks and left with the promise to continue to build the ties. The next time we see their youth group, they may be in Ottawa drums in tow.

As we wrap up, there is a full moon outside hanging over the lagoon and the kids have started an impromptu jam session with the other hotel guests.

We're happy, healthy, and full of new experiences to share when we get back.