Ghana Gives: How Natural Escapes Inspires Generosity
GHANA
My introduction to Ghana was a local Canadian Ghanian who graciously made the time to both receive and bid me farewell from Accra. A connection via a connection.
Where once we are strangers then suddenly, through the maze of networking our networks, we find stories, sentiments and eventually similitude … boom, then friendships bloom!
While much of North America was bulldozed by sequalae from crazy climate change, the temperatures here day and night has been oh-so-dreamy. Yes indeed, there is something to be said about the weather in my head, but there’s also an actual impact that Sun makes on our sentiments and stance on circumstance - that said, I’m probably solar powered. Going through Ghana alone, I was also blessed with a solid driver. He was knowledgeable, kind, willing to explore anywhere and unsolicited, he carried my stuff (#WayToMyHeart).
Together, we explored natural beauties outside the city, such as Kakum National Park, where we learned about indigenous flora and fauna along the forest trail. Interesting to me were the Lianas which live symbiotically with larger species and which support the smaller ones to seek sunlight.
I want to grow up to be a human that helps others bask in the Light too, and, to find those that can nurture my ascension in improving my own photosynthesis.
Handsfree for the most part, I frolicked on the Canopy Walk, intermittently pausing to sway or sunbathe amidst the tree tops. On the seven suspension bridges engineered by Vancouverites, I could hear squeals of others behind me as trepidation and courage rivaled their every step. How interesting it is when fear kicks in for some, while others effortlessly enjoy the ride.
What are the permutations, I wondered, that perfectly poke one while perhaps not even penetrating the psyche of another. Do we know what and when our own formulas move us from fear to freedom as we walk our wobbled walk?
Back on solid ground, in search of monkeys and baboons, we traversed through dusty towns, potholes, gridlock traffic, perpetual police checks and seasonal parades to visit the Shai Hills Reserve. Here however, only the ostriches and zebras weren’t shy.
Another decent drive away was Boti falls, which displayed two steady streams (referred to as male and female) that tumbled into a mini horseshoe bay. A solitaire wooden boat with softened yet patriotic shades of red, yellow and green added the ‘it factor’ to turn this tiny tinkle into a postcard scene. I love it when these random, off-the-beaten-path gems declare themselves so generously, especially when there’s little to no pre-hype attached to them.
Our next stop, Umbrella rock, required a bit of off-roading but on our return, I saw several locals also heading there to seek the breeze under the awning of the balancing boulders.
It never ceases to amaze me how nature avails herself to be at our service - whether form, function or fashion - she’s subtle in her utility and magnanimity as she displays her ways giving day after day, often without being re-paid.
Perhaps then, it’s for us to consider how we can emulate that trait, today, tomorrow and in the tiny slivers of opportunities we can find, or better yet, seek to create.
May we graciously give to one another like it’ll be returned – with interest,
An absolutely awe inspiring description of beautiful mysterious Ghana. My soul tingled with memories of Tanzania as I read about the “dusty towns, potholes, gridlock traffic, perpetual police checks..” and the “monkeys and baboons”. Africa, the land of nature, wild life and friendly locals, will forever be my home. Thank you Doc for this eloquently written piece!