“There’s more to be seen than can ever be seen (still).”

There have been many revelatory experiences this time around in Ghana. Maybe it’s because I now have to drive and I feel closer to my maker as a result. Maybe it’s because I have to be more independent as Isaac and I split up and out across the country. Maybe it’s because I’m in an ever-shifting place where the only constant is faith and change. Either way, learning that I don't know everything there is to know about Ghana.

My first lesson is that I’ve unnecessarily pigeonholed myself as an avid Coke* drinker, missing out on so many wonderful liquid refreshments I’ve recently discovered. Now this may come as a shock to some of you, but I, Chris Owen, am substantially cutting my Coke intake. It was a rare occasion when I would go a day without at least 2 cans of my artificially sweetened salvation syrup. But upon arriving back here in Ghana, and getting my first “Chris, you’ve gotten fat oh”, I decided something needed to change. And now that the twitches have subsided I’ve found my new addiction, Blue Skies pineapple and ginger juice. It is amazing on a hot day and for the afternoon slump when a little kick is required to finish out the day. The remarkable think about this juicy concoction is that it’s made local, sold almost everywhere, and only lasts for 4 days before going sour. Think Naked Juice, but in the jungle, with a monkey on your shoulder. It’s not for everyone, but hey, neither am I, so we’re a great fit. My second liquid discovery happened to be less appealing, much less tasteful, but still 100% Ghana.

To say that advertising in Ghana is still in its infancy is a gross understatement at best. And in much the same way a toddler stumbles around in search of equilibrium, it seems that most of the companies in Ghana are still searching for that sweet spot between informative and provocative messaging. Although after a few passes by this billboard I needed a drink to rinse the vomit taste out of my mouth. But it’s not just the water advertisements that induce nausea; my recent trip to Shai Hills Nature Reserve still has my stomach up in my throat and my knees shaking.

I promise I’m getting work done, really I am, but trips like this make it seem as though I’m doing a live version of the Jungle Book. Shai Hills Nature Reserve is only 50km from Accra, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of Ghana’s capital city. The ancient fortress of the Krobo people, these rock formations in the middle of the coastal plain are striking to say the least; and if the hike up doesn’t kill you the view from the top is equally so. Sprawling out to the west are the hills by Aburi, to the east the Volta River, and to the south a great expanse of farm lands all squared off as if they were a massive green checkerboard. Truly a once in a lifetime event, probably due to all those Cokes I still have floating around in me.(break)

 

* Coke= Southern reference to anything carbonated. In this case it refers to Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Light, Coke Zero, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and Pennzoil 5W30.

Comments

[Dave Owen (@ubruni)]

What's that drink that tastes like Wheeties? Nasty stuff.

[playlightlearn]

Malt? It's the near-beer stuff. Some brands are better than others.