Far from home

by Awuku Joshua (Ghana)

I didn't expect to find Ghana

I didn't expect to Live has always been about the capital since childhood. From West Africa, Accra - Ghana it was all about playing on the shores of the beaches, visiting the Nkrumah Museum, the Osu castle and experiencing art festivals on the street of James Town. I always had that feelings those outside the capital were missing a lot. Haven't been in the Caribbean, Dubai, Hawaii, Vatican and I have never had the feeling of the Pyramid in Egypt before, but for the first time my inner child was set free when I first drove South - East outside the borders of Accra to the Volta Region of Ghana. I didn't expect to find the tallest water fall in West Africa (Wli falls). I had to hike about 250 steps and cross about twelve wooden foot bridges to see the beautiful waterfall from below. You will get lost at the sight of fascinating waters splashing in white on the ground right before you and finally flowing away, leaving you astounded and dazzled. A rainbow is formed in the middle of the fall with bats and birds flying around the colourful rainbow anytime the sun rays travels through the leaves of the amazing tall trees. The river bank is also filled with amazing people across the world, taking pictures, swimming, socializing, having fun and also making merry. The traditional food of the Ewe tribe of Ghana tasted delicious and different from any other food I had come across. The taste of the "Aboloo" and fried shrimps with smaller fishes commonly called "one man thousand" is still stuck on my tongue till date. I always go to the Volta Region every year just to have a feel of their food and beautiful culture. This resulted in one of the most intimate waterfalling experiences I’ve ever had. You can't go to the Volta Region without hiking the mountain Afadjato. I never knew it was the tallest in the country until I had the view from the top of the mountain. Mount Afadjato is located very close to "Gbledi" and "Liati Wote" near the borders of Togo The rising height of about 885 meters into the sky make climbing of the mountain not an easy journey only few people are able make it to the top, many people give up along the road. There is an amazing view on the mountain like the borders of Togo, (the country that shares border with Ghana on the east) and it was the first time I saw another country with my physical eyes and not on television or the movies. Even though the view was far it felt good with high hopes in my heart that one day I will fly across the borders of Ghana. A beautiful waterfall flows through one of the surrounding mountains. And the sight is only seen when you are able to make it to the top of the Mountain Afadjato. The landscape of the Volta Region, the green vegetation with the fog rising from the mountains and touching the sky was the most beautiful view I have ever seen. It gave me the feelings I was on top of the world. I believe local and international travel can be the best experience that can happen to humanity. I agree with the writing on most canoes on the shores of Accra "travel and see". We travel, learn, grow and meet people when we travel. The relaxation during vacations helps you clear your mind and rediscover happiness and it's beneficial for both fun and health.