While driving to Aburi, I saw several beautiful, elaborately decorated (at least on the exterior) churches, constructed with variously colored tiles and glasses and standing in stark contrast to their surroundings. Meanwhile the village in which the church was situated appeared poor - not necessarily relatively poor - but certainly not as comfortable as East Legon, the neighborhood near the University of Ghana. It struck me that such a concentration of resources had been poured into this church. As the religion lecturer said, religion is the center of life for Africans. This certainly supported that assertion.
Visit to Aburi Botanical Garden - I thoroughly enjoyed the garden - a public garden, where Ghanaians obviously also enjoy themselves - school field trip present, church service in progress, picnics underway, etc. I also learned a lot about the biological origin or many medicines, herbs and spices, etc., seeing firsthand the plants that produce them. Nature truly is a remarkable provider.
The church service there was conducted in both English and Twi. After asking Dr. Sall about this, I learned that it was to account for linguistic diversity, lack of education, and the fact that Christian religious texts are printed in English. A remnant of imperialism?
Wood-carving village - Shopping at the wood-carving village was such an eye-opening experience. I was so mentally prepared to bargain but did not expect great success. As soon as the venders saw our bus approach and begin to park, their eyes lit up (and their mouths metaphorically watered) at the prospect of a sale, particularly to American tourists incapable of bargaining. I was overwhelming by not only the number of shops but also the determination with which venders were trying to convince us to enter their shops. Once inside a shop, I tried to peruse with purpose, knowing I could not buy too much for financial and logistical reasons. When I found a few masks I particularly liked - simple yet striking - I asked the price and prepared to bargain (beginning with 1/3 of the asking price), but a set of two were only 12 cedis, approximately $6. I brought the price down some but thought that the price was already too low for an item so nice that required such an input of time and attention.
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