Well, we've had a busy day and I've not had the chance to write any sort of first draft for this post on account of the fact that I left my note pad at the guest house and we haven't stopped there since this morning, so I'll keep this un-complicated. We had breakfast as usual, piled in the van, and left for our first adventure of the day: Kakum old-growth rain forest and national park. We arrived early (before the crowds that would show up later, just as we were leaving) and quickly got all of our things in order so that we could embark on our much-anticipated canopy walk, over 200 feet above sea level, and 120 feet above the ground below. The hike up to the boarding platform was somewhat arduous, especially for those among us not so acclimated. We had to traverse whole rivers and little tributaries of busy ants beneath our feet (some clad in but flip-flops) up uneven and in some cases jagged stone steps, but only for about 100 feet. It wasn't bad. Other obstacles we faced on our way: Stumps, vines, and for a minute we could've even thought snakes as well, but alas they were but slick, diamond-patterned vines and roots (quite beautiful, really). At many times our imaginations got the best of us. The trees were magnificent, and so was our guide. He went to great lengths to try and describe the functions of all the native flora, and he did so with utmost eloquence. For instance, there was one tree whose roots stretched from the trunk to the ground forming almost perfect right triangles. The membrane, seemingly stiff, was taught like the skin on a drum, and acted similarly, for when pounded a loud boom sent birds from their nests. As for the walk itself-- though we were basically walking on extension ladders held by nets, we felt quite comfortable for the most part. Looking down, it was absolutely astounding to witness the sheer magnitude of the biodiversity beneath our own feat.
Our second stop was St. George or Elmina "slave castle." We had to dodge vendors on our way from the van to the structure itself, but once we were up close and personal with the stark white and towering sides, the vendors of a few moments before all of a sudden paled in comparison with regards to sheer intimidation. It was really something else. There was a gate suspended over a roughly 12-foot wide mote, still another 16 feet deep. It was all a very emotional experience for us all, from the moment we entered to the moment we left through "the gate of no return." To be honest, I cannot properly convey its impact on us in the 3 minutes that I have remaining. I shall have a proper update for tomorrow, but for now I must get going.
All is well!
Josh
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I googled Elmina images on the internet and immediately recognized the place as the setting of the movie Cobra Verde. You must watch it when you come home.
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