On our way to Ghana

A road trip on Ghana - 13th August 2009 to 1st September 2009

I needed an adventure, I needed to escape from my dreary overworked-no-time-to-play life...

My Aussie friend Kim, a travel writer, invited me to join her on her Ghana trip, and I jumped at it! It's all part of the plan... get out there and experience new places. (Although I say “invited” - more like a facebook update “anyone up for a road trip in Ghana?” How was I to refuse?)

So, departure and arrival!

Arrived safely, although getting to CT International in time was a challenge! Managed to check in just as they were closing the gates for my flight. I was pretty relaxed though – there was a rainbow to our right en route so I took that as a good sign, as I always do.
Kim and I met up at OT Airport in Johannesburg and whiled away the time before our flight at various coffee shops and bars, specialising in those with free Internet access (although Mug n Bean only offers 10 minutes, no-one can drink their coffee that fast!)

Said goodbye to SA with a Mojito and plate of chips, overpriced as airport grub tends to be. But good!

I have to wonder why they announce a change of boarding gate, from one side of the airport to the other, at the last minute? Once everyone is settled in the queue? That aside, we had an uneventful flight, on a rather empty, spacious plane. No movies, just plenty of space to lie down and read/snooze... a whole row of seats per passenger, isn't that the way to fly?

The landing was eerie! The captain announced the beginning of our descent, then all lights went off (it was nearly midnight), and suddenly there was complete silence! It was as if the engines had been turned off, and we were gliding gently down to earth. I wasn't sure whether to sit back and enjoy it, or be a tad nervous! I went with the latter... but thinking that if we went down, at least I'm happy with what I've done with my life so far! Next thing we were going through a white cloud, which was even more surreal, and at last literally glided to a halt with hardly a bump. All without a sound.

The airport routine was plain sailing, we were welcomed by the customs officials. As well as everyone else we've met since, "You are welcome" being the most often heard phrase. There was a poster warning off sex offenders and paedophiles, though! Telling the that they are not welcome in Ghana, and if they are entering the country with any thoughts of rape or assault, they should turn around and leave immediately! I didn't think I should take a photo of it, in front of all the customs guys...

Patrick, our driver from Alabama Car Hire was waiting outside to take us to our hotel in his spotlessly clean Toyota Landcruiser. The Niagara Hotel was putting us up for the first few nights, at no charge (hey, where possible, travel with a journalist!). By now it was nearing 2am SA time (Ghana is two hours behind), so a quick G&T at the bar, then bed. (Cold shower first.... an energy saving trick of the hotel owner.)