Day - 6

The descent into Scotland.  Technically taken on day - 7 but having barely slept, I think it still counts.  

921 days after the start of my big adventure, I landed back on British soil, emotionally drained: happy, sad, nervous and tired.  Many, many new friends from all over the world, exciting travels, fascinating work, bouts of malaria, sunburn and much laughter later, I was home.

Day - 5

Booking details for the flight... Ah the stress.  As ever, we were informed that we'd have the 3 bags that VSO vols in Ghana always get when flying through VSO.  I checked in, and was offered one, two or more than two bags as baggage options.  So I chose 2+ and chose my seat.  Next, Hannah checked in but was given a three bag option...  So I called VSO Ghana, who told me to call BA in Ghana... Who were not helpful, so I called VSO Ghana, who told me to call VSO UK.... Who told me to phone the VSO travel agent, who said she'd try and sort it and to try and log in again in 20 mins.  40 mins later I tried again, but was not given a three bag option.  So I called the VSO travel agent again, who said she had changed it on the system, so it should work and I should just go to the airport and it would be fine.  Then - and this is the icing on the cake - she asked me if I had 3 bags..... Erm yes, why on earth would I be going through this hoo ha if I didnt!!!!!!   

Visions of turning up at the airport and being told that I could only have two bags ensued, so Hannah and I had a complex plan whereby she took one of my bags and I took her smallest bag as my hand luggage....  However finally all was fine and I boarded the plane without incident.  Phew!  A rather Ghanaian end to my time in Ghana!

Day - 4

Snacks in Ghana

Ghana can be a little short of snacks at times, but forms of plantain are common.  You've seen fried before.  Above is roasted (a little dry but fine if you're peckish!) or plantain chips (like crisps!)

Day - 3

Pictured above are weavers weaving the delicate kente cloth.  It is made in strips, which are sewn together to make expensive clothing.  It is rather expensive (Ghc15 for a strip which is about 8cm wide) so clothes made of kente are treasured and only worn on very special occasions.  Yellow, red and green is slightly more traditional, but they are made in all sorts of colours.  Kente is from the Kumasi area, where the Akan people live.

Day - 2

Lizards at Lake Volta

My life in Bolga was punctuated with gentle clicks from our friendly geckos.  Here at Lake Volta, we met some stunning lizards who were friendlier than most.

Day - 1

Day 0 was a sad day, travelling to Kumasi with Hannah, checking into what has been the smallest hotel room I've stayed in at the Presby Hotel. Me, Hannah and five massive bags, one slightly smaller bag and two backpacks.  The next morning, leaving our bags in Kumasi, we set off for Lake Bosumtwi for a night by the lake.

Here is where we had dinner.  The first  photo shows the Ghanaian drinks carrier used to deliver all drinks to tables in bars - table service being the norm in Ghana.  The other is a bar full of drinks - NOT at all typical in Ghana where the standard is three different beers or Coke and Fanta!

Day 0

A last few from a taxi on my final trip through Bolga.  I think it captures a few things about Bolga - the baskets, world famous; a little of the dusty landscape and a little of some of the traditional dress.