Inside the airport terminal red, gold, and green sashes streamed from the walls and ceiling. Black stars dangled with pride, each decoration celebrating Ghanaian patriotism and 50 years of independence.
I met with the contact in charge of taking my group to our residence. I was amazed by the amount of people waiting in front of the airport. People immediately started shouting at us, "Taxi! Taxi! Let me take your bags!" Men clamored over each other to offer their services, only to be rebuffed by our bus driver.
On the way to the residence I saw walled communities of homes set atop red clay dirt. Some houses were small and looked abandoned until I spotted children running in or out of them to play.
The roads were filled with mud and traffic. Lush greenery provided a background to women carrying plates of peanuts on their heads and babies on their backs. Men held up goods for us to buy on the side of the road or in between the unmarked lanes. Occasionally a magazine was slapped against the window in an effort to get us to buy one. One man startled me as he slapped a National Geographic against the window with Malaria plastered across the front in bold letters. I stared at the mosquitoes on the cover, hoping that Malaria and I would not cross paths during my stay in Africa.
As we continued to wait in traffic, a school bus filled with children pulled up next to us. They waved and smiled and seemed thrilled to see a bus full of foreigners. And in keeping with the Ghanaian friendliness we would become familiar with, they began to sing. Their young voices streamed through the windows of their bus to ours, as their shining smiles brightened up our long day. When traffic started to move, they waved good-bye, and we said hello to our first lovely memory of Ghana.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Anna Sawai Is 'Shōgun's Not-So-Secret Weapon
The actress discusses the FX miniseries’ climactic penultimate episode and Mariko’s heartbreaking [spoiler].
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Taylor Swift Is Celebrating the Release of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ With a Pop-Up Poetry Library
Anticipation is building as fans anxiously wait to hear the singer's eleventh studio album.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Met Gala 2024 Details: The Theme, A-List Attendees, and More
Find all the information on its theme, attendees, and how to watch the year's most anticipated night in fashion.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The 10 Best Health Spa Resorts in the U.S.
It’s pampering time.
By Michelle Stansbury Published
-
The Fashion Editor’s Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The most stylish things to see and do in the creative hub of Paris, the 6th arrondissement.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen
Explore one of the happiest cities in the world.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Ultimate Guide to Paris
Where to stay and what to do in the City of Lights.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The 17 Best Luggage Sets of 2023
BRB, setting my "out of office" message.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The 11 Best Weekender Bags for Women, According to Editors and Experts
In case you needed another reason to be pumped about your trip.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
Weekend Guide to the North Fork: Where To Stay, Eat, & Drink
Wine, oysters, and more wine please.
By Sara Holzman Last updated
-
Romantic Weekend Getaways For Every Kind of Couple
Find love in all the right places.
By Sara Holzman Last updated