Sylvia's Journal

We are back at the Alisa hotel which has as its motto “The Best Among Equals.” This is a bit of a mind twister. I suspect what sets them apart from the other equals is that they have two Cerulean (blue) leather couches in the lobby that flank a Herculean air-conditioning apparatus. I am sitting on one of the couches to pick up the wireless that does not reach into my room this time. I am surrounded by myself because of all the mirrors.

In the 25 years that I have traveled to and in Africa, the continent has made great strides: wireless internet, cell phones, ATMs,  just to mention a few of the things that have made our lives easier while on the road in Africa. You know that you are getting old when all this was unimaginable when I made my first trip across Africa in the late 70s. On the other hand, traffic jams were rare at the time, as is the more tangible pollution that goes with it.

Yesterday we started our day at the beach, having another breakkfast with a view. It seems that the beach resort is much frequented by the Dutch since the little library in the restaurant consisted mostly of Dutch books. This was perfect as I was in need of a new book. We read for a few hours, and swam in the best waves and water temperature one could wish for. Around noon we piled into the car with club sandwiches and limp but tasty French fries to return to Accra. It took several hours, especially the last few kilometers.

Susan had invited us for dinner at her house. She has spent much of her career in Francophone Africa, mostly West and we reminisced about places and people as old folks do (we did apologize to Cabul but he seems to enjoy it). We discovered that we all know Jerry Martin, among others.

Cabul and I completed the burning of CDs and we printed a set of certificates of appreciation for the staff of ADRA, from drivers to Country Director. Some twelve people have put their shoulders behind the launch of this program and in their various capacities contributed to the success of this first phase.

Today we are going for our debriefing at USAID this morning, then to ADRA, then to the Management Institute (GIMPA) which is at Legon University for lunch and then back to write reports and finish all that cannot wait. And then I am leaving for the airport, leaving Cabul behind who is still trying to get tickets to the Ghana-Guinea match or something else.

The best part of travel is going home.