This was my last weekend in Ghana, and a great one it was! We spent the weekend South, in Kakum Friday night and Cape Coast Saturday night. We visited the Kakum National Park - here we did the canopy walk and hike. It was a 5am start to the day - which worked out great because the park isnt busy at the time, there were very few people there. The canopy walkway passes over 7 bridges and is extremely high! (not sure the exact height). The walk across each canopy was very shaky, as the walkway would sway back and forth as you walked across - a little nerving i must admit! Following this we went on a guided hike through the park. We didnt see any animals unfortunately but saw many different species of trees and learnt about there common usages - Very fun morning!
Before leaving our hotel in Kakum we had the opportunity to feed and "touch" the alligators. The hotel we stayed in was build on and around alligator swamps and territory. We were told that there are just over 40 alligators in the waters that surround the hotel - we were lucky enough to see three! One in particular we got to know much better and we feed it mini chickens and as well touched it. (see pic - me totally on guard going in for a touch!). Yes, the hotel workers were laughing at me as I thought about it realistically...I thought to myself "the alligator at any minute could just turn his head and snap at me!" But then...I just did it - no regrets!
Later that day we traveled to Cape Coast. Here we visited the Cape Coast Castle. The Castle was first build for trade in timber and gold but later it was used for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This is what it is most known for. Not sure if anyone saw it on CNN but President Obama visited the Castle this past summer. This Castle was one of the largest slave housing/trading ports in the world. Standing and walking on the ground where horrific, inhumane atrocities took place was overwhelming. We had a guide walk us through the Castle which I always enjoy, because it gives you a richer understanding and appreciation for the space and its history. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to experience it. (see pic)
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