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| Ghana Flag Map |
Ghana is, by far, my favorite destination in the entire world. It is actually much more than a destination. It is my second home, my resting place, my love affair. I guess it all started back in the 70's when my uncle, aunt (my father's elder sister), and my cousin went to live in Ghana, because my uncle worked for some US agricultural agency. I was so distraught that I couldn't go with them. Then my paternal grandmother went to visit them for a whole month. She brought back some wonderful gifts for my sister and me, including PanAm bags. My aunt also sent and brought back some really nice, interesting goodies for us, including the book (below), which I've managed to keep all these years...
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| My late aunt brought this book back from Ghana in 1974. |
GraceyVille (Devtraco Estates, Community 18) is the real reason why I'm writing this blog. I gave a bit above and below because I got excited about discovering how to add pictures to this blog, and then I had the nerve to figure out how to add captions and position the pictures.
It must have been less than a month before I was due to depart the USA for my third trip to Ghana in March 2010. (I was previously in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana in October 2008 with a return to Ghana in March/April 2009.) I was in a bit of a panic, because I had waited so late to make accommodation. I was determined not to use the vacation rental company from my first two trips to Ghana (that's a whole other story, not worthy of mention here). So, I kept searching the Internet for vacation rentals in Ghana. I really wanted to deal directly with the homeowner. A certain property seemed quite appealing to me. By the way, I've never stayed in a hotel in Ghana, and I don't think I ever will. I don't have anything against hotels, but I enjoy the comfort and space of an actual home. Plus, most hotels are more expensive than renting a vacation rental. As far as Ghana is concerned, I will always live in the midst of the people whom I love so much. As I kept digging for information, I discovered the direct website with the owner's information, rental requirements, and plenty of great pictures: http://www.graceyville.co.uk. Check the website at your leisure.
March 2010 was my first stay at GraceyVille, and then I returned January/February 2011, November/December 2011, and September/October 2012. I am definitely trying to break some kind of record here. Ghana has taken over my life! Needless to say, I highly recommend GraceyVille, which is a villa on Devtraco Estates. GraceyVille's owner is simply the best. I wouldn't trade doing business with Mrs. Grace Yartey aka Maa Grace for anything. Maa Grace saw to it that all of my stays were wonderful. I like the fact that the estate and the villa are secure and safe. The neighborhood is full of really great people and plenty shops, taxis, and food. Food is important!!!
In terms of convenience, Kotoka International Airport in Accra (Ghana's capital city) is about a 30-minute drive to Devtraco Estates. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. It is always good to agree on a price before entering a taxi.
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| GraceyVille patio |
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| Inside GraceyVille Compound |
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| Another view of GraceyVille's patio |
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| Sneak peak of living room from dining room |
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| Local, delicious food from Gratia Flavours Restaurant, which is just past Community 18 Police Station (a short walk from GraceyVille) | |
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Bojo
Beach is another experience worth going to Ghana for, especially if you
like a clean beach with local fisherman gathering their nets, school
children passing by on their way to their village(s), and very few
tourists. I prefer Bojo Beach over the crowded beaches in Accra. Plus, Bojo Beach is quite an enchanting, unique place. I think I owe Bojo Beach, and a few other interesting spots, its own blog. When visiting Bojo, Kokrobite Beach is just a short drive west.
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| Crossing
Densu River to reach Bojo Beach in the background. What a unique piece
of nature! The water is not always this calm, and I have a problem with
boats and water, but I made it! Kwame, with outstretched arms, is one
of the best drivers in Ghana!!! |
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| Fishermen drawing their nets. I like watching this. Maybe I will ask to join next time. |
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| Bojo Beach's Densu River side. The Atlantic is just on the other side of the sand. Amazing!!! |
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| The food at Bojo Beach is delicious. As you can see, it is well-served. That was the seafood platter. |
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A nice view of Bojo Beach and the Atlantic Ocean
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| Ghana is my Home away from Home |
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Clifton this is absolutely beautiful. I can understand your love for your home away from home. Have you ever thought about organizing a group trip? I'm sure some of your followers would love to have this type of experience with someone as knowledgable as yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! Hugs....
Patti
I think about it regularly. I'm just waiting for the universe to give me the right combination of people. And based on my personality, I'd probably do well with a very small group. Patti, thanks so much for your comments. I was hugely surprised when I got notification of a response here on Google. Since I post these blogs on facebook, linkedin, and twitter, that's where I get all the action and feedback. LOL, I was wondering why you addressed me with the official name...LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. It us my desire to go there one day. Perhaps for my fiftieth birthday. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLovetta, believe me when I tell you that you'll want to visit Ghana again and again. Thanks for checking out my blog. I will be posting more on Ghana and other places in my arsenal.
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