When I left Ho to begin my weekend in Accra I felt a bit ambivalent. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in the ER and had a desire to return Friday morning. I’ve been checking in with myself throughout the week to figure out what it actually is that I like about being at the hospital. Overall I’m grateful I was welcomed and accepted with open arms and an open heart. Even in the midst of the turmoil of an ER, there was always the capacity for jokes and laughter. I realize I’ve received all that I need from that experience, and trust that the people I interacted with did as well.
On our way to Accra, we visited at the Centre For Plant Medicine Research located in Mampong. It was founded in 1975, employs 4 doctors that are over each of the departments, conducts clinical research on plant and patients from medicine grown on research center farm complexes. The medications are tested on rats and mice for 6 weeks, 12 weeks or 6 months to 2 years depending on frequency the medication needs to be administered. I received an overview from the department heads of the research being done in Plant Botany, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Microbiology.
As we entered Accra I could feel the shift in pace from the rural area of Ho and all rural areas I visited previously in the week. Accra obviously isn’t Manhattan, but imagine driving from a suburb of NY [or any suburb in the US] and entering via the bridge to the city. The shift felt similar to that, even down to the tolls. Much like Ho, there were ’traders’ selling goods [food, electronics, clothing, etc] along all of the main streets and markets.
It felt like it took an eternity to reach the Kempinski Hotel and I quickly learned it’s locked down like a fortress. The complex is gated with guards stationed at the entry and exit points. Prior to entry every car is inspected by detectors [the ones the scan under the car] and physically searched by the guards. Each guest also has to go thru metal detectors prior to entry into the hotel every time they leave and reenter. The Kempinski boasts it's the only 5 star hotel in West Africa, and while its a very nice hotel with excellent customer service, I would give it 3 stars personally.
After taking bucket baths for 3 days at the home base due to a water shortage in Ho, I did a slide dive into the shower once I reached my hotel room.
I also ordered room service, devoured an entire pizza and fell into what may have been the deepest sleep I’ve had in life. I didn’t realize how tired I was from my nonstop week. With only two full days remaining, I made plans to continue my insane schedule touring as many sites as possible and connecting with my fellow Americans on the Toasted Life trip while doing some actual vacationing.
No doubt!
Gina - I appreciate you reading and sharing the positive feedback! I need the motivation to keep writing these. :)
Wow, awesome read. Sounds adventurous to say the least! Felt like I was right there with you while reading. What an experience! Thanks for sharing!