Trips to the Monkey Sanctuary and the Waterfalls

Written on the 10^th of July
uploaded 2 new blogs today

Summary of this blog:
Yesterday I went to see a monkey sanctuary and to see the Kantampo Waterfalls. It was a really nice day out, but was a 5 hour drive there and back. The way they drive here is unreal! We were glad we survived the trip. The waterfalls were beautiful and at the monkey sanctuary we got to feed some monkeys which was nice. We went for drinks on Friday and Saturday night, which was a good laugh, however everywhere we go, people always come up and chat to you (specifically the Ghanaian boys to us girls) which can be frustrating and annoying. Today, I was able to sleep in which was so good as throughout the week I only get about 7 hours which just isn't enough for me at all! 2 things that get me frustrated here is the way the Ghanaians treat their country. there is rubbish EVERYWHERE! The other thing is that the mothers of families get their 4 year old or older kids to look after their baby siblings. It just isn't right..

Detailed:

On Friday night, all of us volunteers with the Ghanaian boys that live at Fred’s house went out for drinks. We got into the club and as we were white all eyes were quickly drawn to us. We tried to ignore it and many of the men greeted us but we’d just quickly respond and walk off. The Ghanaian boys from Fred’s house, Moosa, Kelvin, Francise and Bocke looked after us well and made sure that we kept away from creeps. They are all the sweetest guys ever and really make us feel comfortable and help us whenever it’s needed. Three of us girls decided to go to the dance part. As soon as we stepped on the dance floor, we were surrounded by Ghanaian men. They all grabbed our ass, one would be in front of you dancing with you, one would be behind you, they’d get really close to your face and although we kept pushing hands away, they didn’t get the message. After 5 minutes, we’d definitely had enough and decided to go back to where the others were. It was an interesting experience... At 12 o’clock Rachel, Anna and I were really tired and just wanted to go home especially as we had to leave at 6am to go on a trip. The rest of our lot went to the club and had a good time.

The next morning, Vicky, Colm, Helen, Marcus and I got into a van to take us to the Monkey Sactuary and the Kantampo Waterfalls. It was a 5 hour drive and once again an unbelievably bumpy one. We nearly kissed the ground when we arrived there as we were definitely close to death at least 5 times. The speed that they drive over those bumps and the way they overtake other cars, even around corners, is just crazy! At the Monkey Sanctuary, we first walked through bits of forest, which felt so nice as there’s barely any nature in Tamale. It was nice to be walking and just smell the forest and hear the birds and the monkeys. We got to feed the monkeys and I ended up buying a Ghanaian necklace in the shop at the end. Afterwards, we drove back 2 hours and got to the Kantampo Waterfalls. There were 3 stages of the waterfalls that we could see. The last stage was where it’d really classify as a waterfall. It was a big drop. It was really pretty and we stayed there for a while just putting our feet in, as those are always dirty. At around 4pm we started driving back towards Tamale, a 3 hour drive.

One thing that really frustrates me in Ghana is that the people always say that they love their country so much, but the way they treat it is saying the opposite. Every part of the city is COVERED in rubbish, they don’t have bins anywhere which is why literally everyone just throws their rubbish on the floor. Also most kids pee on the street as there are no toilet cubicles anywhere. I just find that so contradictory as the way they talk about Ghana is like you’re in heaven. Another thing, which I find pretty upsetting is the way 4 year old and older kids, carry their baby sisters or brothers instead of their mums. The Ghanaians always want really big families, although they have no money or time for the kids. So everywhere you’ll see as young as 4 year olds carry around their baby siblings. Some even take them to school!

 It was raining really hard last night, so Anna and I got into our bikinis and decided to shower outside. You get so much cleaner than showering using buckets. We felt so clean afterwards and it was just so funny standing outside with shampoo in our hair washing it out with the rain. As it was Emma’s last night (which is sad as she was one of my roommates) we all went out for drinks again. It was really nice, but us old ladies, Anna and I, were once again really tired so we decided to get a taxi home at 12. I ended up sleeping until 10am this morning, which is the most sleep I’ve gotten in one night so far.

Today, Sunday, I’m planning to just have a relaxing day. Anna, who I’ve gotten really close to, is moving into my bedroom in the place of Emma, which is exciting, and we’ve decided we’re going to give into buying nutella, although it’s super expensive, as we’re just craving European/American food. I’m looking forward to it already haha. 

Showering in the rain

My new Ghanaian necklace