Chasing Waterfalls

Wow I have really been neglecting this blog. My apologies. The last few weeks have been filled with report writing, a short trip to Accra, last week in Tumu and now in Bolgatanga.  I'm taking advantage of this mellow Sunday to catch up. 

A few weeks ago, 17 salimingas, a Ghanian driver and his young doorman piled into a tro tro and went in search of Kintampo Falls and Fuller Falls.

 (the tro tro)

 (inside the tro tro)

(piled into the tro tro)

This was obviously a great time to get to know some new people.  I went with a group from the UK and there were a few Australians as well.  I had been feeling really lonely in Tamale because meeting people was slow but because of this trip I feel like I'm settling in a bit more now and I am feeling less shy about being out and about.  I'm learning that you just have to say yes more in life.  It is often much harder than saying maybe later, another time, i'm too busy, i'm too shy, etc.  All version of no.  Saying yes means being vulnerable, feeling embarrassed but doing it anyway, taking a chance.  I am finding that saying yes also encompasses being more accepting.  If you say yes it also means yes I hear you, yes I understand, yes I accept that this is who you are, etc.  Don't get me wrong, this is not easy.  I come from a place of great anxiety and depression where no flies to the top of the list a lot BUT I'm working on yes.  Back to the waterfalls.

The ride there was bumpy but okay.  Three hours later we arrived at my first Ghanian fast food place.  You could buy a ticket for either rice (fried or joloff) with or without chicken or guinea fowl.  You then stand in line and walk up to a small window, give them the ticket and they serve you right away.  Saweet!!  no waiting.  I was very hungry after the three hour tro tro ride so that was great.

To the falls we go.  Kintampo first.

(the gang)

At the bottom of many many stairs here we finally are.  The falls were beautiful and many took the opportunity to have a dip in the water.  I did this...

(me in the falls)

The weather was not extremely sunny but I think it was best that way since we were able to enjoy without being overwhelmingly hot.  I was happy to be there and see some of Africa's natural beauty.  Tamale has its charms, the colour, the noise, the people, but there is a part of me that constantly searches for that romantic natural image of Africa.  These falls helped with that.  The nature of Ghana when you step out of the cities is breathtaking and if I were a National Geographic photographer I would be able to capture it on film.  I got this...

 (Ghana out of the city)

One last look at Kintampo falls then off to search for Fuller Falls.

(Kintampo falls)

(Ghanian signs are the best)

Before we head down the steps to Fuller Falls a few signs give us some instructions.  Ghanian signs often make me laugh and these did not disappoint.  And since Fuller falls is a place where people seem to come together for religious ceremonies or simply to gather your thoughts in prayer these were apropos. If that is not your intention they are sure to remind you that maybe you should. 

(Anyway, in God, no one is ever late.)

I preferred these falls to Kintampo.  The space was definitely more peaceful.  The surrounding area was built to be able to have celebrations and with nature growing over everything it was amazing. 

 (Fuller Falls - see the cross)

 (at the base of the falls)

 (at the base of the falls)

(Fuller Falls)

I wondered in a little bit to feel the cool water on my feet but did not risk going in all the way.  It was lovely and the sound of the moving water really does inspire meditation and I could have easily spent a lot of time there reading and writing. 

(me looking out)

On our way out another reminder.

(where are you going?)

We finally all piled back into the trotro to head home but not before taking a group shot.  This trip was organized by Adam, a group leader for a group of young jewish brits, and I was lucky enough to be included.  It was great fun and I was able to make new friends, something I really needed.  Most of the folks in this photo are back home now but a few of us remain.  I have said good bye to more people in Ghana than ever before in my life I think.  It is the nature of this work I guess.  Here is to hoping that some friendships made along the way will stay strong and other adventures will be lived.