The streets of Cape Coast

I will have such a difficult time leaving Ghana. Just walking the streets here in Cape Coast, and everything feels familiar.

The smells are refreshing and striking: the slight misty ocean breeze mixes with the smell of fresh bread baking and the local tilapia fish roasting on the grill. Walking over malodorous sewers, you’ll catch a whiff of the fried plantains and savory goat soup coming from the alleyways and homes behind.

The streets are covered in a hodge-podge of short buildings framed by the red cliffs behind them. Every building is covered in ads for one brand or another—especially Vodophone and MTN ads, since these two major cell phone companies competing for leading market coverage. You can just hear the waves crashing against the sea shore before the bustling fishing port.

Heading for my favorite shops, I see Francesca, a Global Mama (the name of the Ghanaian women associated with my organization) who sells the highest quality beads and jewelry in Cape Coast. After stopping in for a chat, I pick up half a pineapple to munch on from my “abubera”—pineapple seller—and wave at her little daughter, Blessing. A quick visit to greet my Rasta friend, Ahmed, and my friend from the Volta region, Kwame, along with a short lesson in Ghanaian artwork, on the way back and I’ve nearly covered a third of Cape Coast.

I’m walking back when I catch a glimpse of a bobbing plastic crate on someone’s head down the street. Is that polo (aka, the delicious Ghanaian coconut cakes)? It’s an incredible snack—almost like coconut cake meets trail mix bar. Chasing her down, I spend 10 pesawas (approx. $.066) for a huge bar. Mmm! The streets are covered with people selling every type of food imaginable—and all off the top of their heads. I’ve tried nearly everything in sight, with one item left: snail kabobs. They’re supposedly a delicacy here…

It’s small, warm, content world here in Cape Coast, and I’ll be sad to say goodbye in a few short days. If I can take just a sunbeam of the light and happiness and grace I’ve found here back home with me, along with the 3,000+ photos I’ve taken, I’ll be thankful.

More to come soon….