The best place to shop in Ghana: Global Mamas
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Where to eat in Accra, Ghana
Club+233: Don't expect this restaurant to have even half of the local dishes featured on the menu but you don't go here for the food. It's the sounds of live Afrojazz that make this a hot spot.
Buku: If you want to sample traditional Ghanaian food, go here—and be ready for serious spice. Try spinach stew, mashed yam, goat meat, and tilapia with pepper sauce.
Frankie's: American food cooked in Ghana by Lebanese. Huh? Yes, and the burgers and milkshakes are pretty good, especially if you're suffering from a mild case of the touristas.
Monsoon: Sip a cocktail and savor fresh sushi on the veranda of this hip spot that's popular with the expat crowd. Inside, oil paintings hang on walls painted bright purple, green, and orange—and the dinner menu includes everything from fresh oysters to South African game.
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Buku: If you want to sample traditional Ghanaian food, go here—and be ready for serious spice. Try spinach stew, mashed yam, goat meat, and tilapia with pepper sauce.
Frankie's: American food cooked in Ghana by Lebanese. Huh? Yes, and the burgers and milkshakes are pretty good, especially if you're suffering from a mild case of the touristas.
Monsoon: Sip a cocktail and savor fresh sushi on the veranda of this hip spot that's popular with the expat crowd. Inside, oil paintings hang on walls painted bright purple, green, and orange—and the dinner menu includes everything from fresh oysters to South African game.
The people of Ghana
And the capital city of Accra is a frenzied tangled mess of dirt roads and corrugated tin homes with the random tall building reaching up for the sky. You won't find a central part of town with a plaza circled with souvenir shops and shaded by trees. In fact, there's little greenery in this sea of browness.
Accra sits right on the ocean but you won't find a walking path winding along the white sandy beaches. No cafes and bars with balconies hanging over the crashing waves. In fact, the beaches are vacant and often blocked off with tall hurricane fences.
No, this isn't a touristy place.
It's the people with smiles that spread from ear to ear that bring this place alive. Dressed in brilliantly patterned local fabrics, carrying big baskets of bananas on their heads, walking along with friends and family arm-in-arm, the people are some of the most beautiful in the world. They always greet out-of-towners with a friendly hello or a hug. It's downright rude to approach someone and ask a question without saying "Hello friend" first.
How to pack for Africa
This week I’m traveling to Ghana—and I've spent the past week figuring out what to put into my bag. I put an open suitcase next to my closet and as I thought of things to bring I tossed them. I also often found myself pulling stuff out. Yet another T-shirt? Don’t need that. Sunproof long-sleeved shirt. Definitely yes!
Here’s a look at some of the essentials I’m bringing along:
1. Quick-drying underwear: You'll be a lot more comfortable.
2. Waterproof shoes: You might walk through puddles of stuff that you prefer to not get into your socks.
3. Light-weight waterproof jacket: When it rains, it pours yet it can still be baking hot. Pack a jacket that's light.
4. Breathable cotton and linen clothing: In Africa you’ll sweat more than you’ve ever sweat before. You’ll be more comfortable in light, airy clothing.
5. Authentic clothing: A friend of mine visited Ghana and purchased some authentic clothing. She loaned it to me so I’ll have something to wear when I visit villages. The Ghanaians appreciate it when you wear their local dress.
6. Medications: You’ll want some a prescription for Cipro in case you get diarrhea. I prefer Malarone for Malarlia. Yes, it’s more expensive. I also like to bring something to help me sleep on the plane. You’re enjoy your trip more if you arrive well-rested.
7. Vaccination records: Ghana requires proof for the yellow fever vaccine.
8. Passport: Don’t forget to look into necessary Visas well in advance.
9. Guidebook: The Bradt guides are always thorough and cover every detail.
10. Photo of my kids: Africans love children and they’ll want to see photos of yours. This will help create a connection between you and people you meet.
11. Chewing gum: In case you’re hit with a bad case of heartburn.
12. Energy bars: You’ll appreciate having some high-calorie, high-nutrient food on hand, especially if you get sick.
13. Sunscreen and a hat: The sun feels more powerful in Africa. Lather on lots of sunscreen.
14. Flashlight or headlamp: Even in the nicest hotels, the power can go out just like that.
