The day I turn double-nickels, Mare brings me to Cape Coast for internet access. As I try to find the pathway to punctuation on the German keyboard, unsuccessfully, you will find my last entry written in a style that attempts to use minimal punctuation.
Mare walks down a road towards the ocean in Cape Coast, while I struggle with internet. She hears, “Ci Ci” from numerous men and women along the road.
“Hello,” she says.
A tall man steps forward. “Hi, my name is Charles.” He makes a dancing movement.
Mare snaps her fingers and wiggles her hips. She inspires laughter in large groups of men and women. They stand and mimic her amongst howls of laughter.
Kids Being Kids
She continues down the road that ends in a cul-de-sac just above the beach. Three young children attempt to play foosball on a decrepit table. Beyond the table, a massive pile of garbage flows into the ocean upon a stream of sewage. She gags at the smell, while taking a photo.
On her way back up the road, she photographs a child, whose mother granted permission. The same group of onlookers, who stand across the street, yell, “No, no you can’t do that!”
She snaps her fingers and wiggles her hips again, sending them into hysterics. Then she meets me back at internet café and we stroll to the bank.
Cape Coast is a large, sprawling city lined with food and goods vendors. People greet us with friendly manners, and taxis try to court us. Now that we know how to haggle, we cop a taxi ride to the “Tro-Tro” station, for only one cedi. Then we hop a Tro-Tro that stops for anyone needing a ride, all the way back to the intersection of our beach town, for only one cedi each.
We walk in the hot, tropical African sun for three miles before reaching our clay hut. Sweat drenches our bodies, and spills a layer of heat rash upon Mare’s fair legs. We learn to not underestimate the African sun. We also realize that we smell cooking food, instead of the sewage. We are adjusting…
Then, we dance, slow-motion style, during the sunset on the beach, after a cold beer.
Outside the “Door of no Return”
I am so happy you are sharing your adventure. This will be very fun. I had a huge smile thinking of and imagining these stories. Have a safe and wonderful trip. Nice to stay in touch while you are on this adventure.
How amazing that there we were halfway around the world and I am telling Tammy sex offender stories!
hope you dont get too scared at at halloween out of U.S.
Glad to hear you are enjoying. It means even more to be able to share. XOX
PS do you mind if I share this with others?
Hi Tammy,
Certainly, share away with anybody you think would be interested! I’m learning as I go, and just today figured out how to reply to posts.
Ron
I just finished the Mitch Albom book “have a little faith”. Was thinking of the two of you. You are blessed to have each other on this journey. Not many people I know would be dripping sweat, serious rash, vomit and no place to sleep. I think here we call that a leap of faith. Love ya
Glad you are having a wonderful time. Those photo’s are great. See you both soon. Dom
Good to hear from you Dom. Hope all is well w/you. I think I am glad to be doing this rather than Garfield Turkey Day. 🙂 I will have a “Star” for you, though I would rather have a COLD Corona the truth be told.