Thursday, May 9, 2024

Day 124 of 148 - SEKONDI, GHANA

 Date: 5/08/2024   Day 124   Port Day: SEKONDI, GHANA

Description: The Portuguese explorers who landed in the country in 1471 named it the Gold Coast. English, Danish, Dutch and Germans built their forts (castles )here to reap the abundant riches. In the 17th century, Frederick William, the Great Elector of Brandenburg, built a fort called Taccarary which later became known as Takoradi. Visitors can observe a window into the natural world of Ghana at the Monkey Hill nature preserve located in the heart of the city. Further afield join us as we look back at the tragic history of the Atlantic slave trade at Elmina Castle, the earliest known European structure in the tropics; built in 1482 by the Portuguese. Wander the ramparts of Cape Coast Castle and view villagers mending fishing nets and setting out to sea in painted fishing canoes. Explore one of the Ghana’s last remaining tropical forests at Kakum National Park and walk through the verdant canopy.

Planned Excursion: TWIN CITY OF SEKONDI-TAKORADI

3.25 Hours   Light Activity   #TKD-003

Discover a virgin forest filled with monkeys and exotic birds at Monkey Hill in metropolitan Takoradi.  See the European influence on Sekondi in its colonial architecture and tree-lined residential neighborhoods.  Observe the lively activity of Albert Bosomtwi-Sam Fishing Harbor.  View imposing Fort Orange lighthouse and Takoradi Market Circle, a commercial and economic hub.  Revel in a joyous cultural show with refreshments at a local hotel.

Today's Notes: Much of what was described above for our excursion we did not see.  Again, this is a very poor country with tin roofed shacks for homes, pot-holed streets mostly dirt no pavement.  We had police escort in front and behind our bus caravan of 4 buses.   One of the buses experienced a breakdown and we all had to wait for a replacement before proceeding on.  We did visit the fishing harbor, fish market and ice house providing ice to the fishermen before going out fishing.  After this we traveled back through town to a 4 star hotel to view traditional dancing while enjoying refreshments.  I have upload videos of the cultural dancing.   After this we drove back to the ship.  There were large perhaps historic building we viewed from the bus in poor repair.  It appears once these buildings were built they were not maintained.  

Videos:

Click Here --> SEKONDI-GHANA Traditional Dancers part 1

Click Here --> SEKONDI-GHANA Traditional Dancers part 2


Pictures:
Please check back to this post for updates.  

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