Thursday

This morning we had a lie-in to allow us to catch up on our sleep. After demolishing our breakfasts, we took a walk down the beach, through a forest and along a dirt track to get to the lighthouse.

 

 

We climbed up the lighthouse, up some very steep steps, and looked out at the views of the three points, (hence, Cape Three Points). We could see for miles around. After a very tricky walk down the steps, again, we took a short walk down to the village and went to the local school. We saw what has already been built, and have come to an agreement with the locals to finish it by next Tuesday lunchtime. We will be working 2-3 hours everyday to help complete it. Finally we came back to Escape Three Points for lunch and the some rest and relaxation. We went in the sea later in the day, however didn't have too long due to a storm making the sea rather choppy. The preliminary rounds of a pool tournament have already been undertaken, with the finals to come soon. A quiz and a court session will also take place tonight. Loving the heat and sun out here and getting to know the pets and locals really well.

Mitchell Farquharson and Adam Sewell

Wednesday - Stumble to Escape 3 Points

Yet another early start. Pancakes at 6:30 and on the bus by 8:00 but the bus loading done in torrential rain.

The two hour journey to Agona Junction was punctuated with the usual police checkpoints where the usual 5 cedi (£1.25) dash (bribe) saw us on our way. Students spent a nervous hour wandering around the manic market which was last chance to buy presents - traditional African machetes being the present of choice!

Another 45 minutes across unpaved roads saw us arrive at Escape3Points where the boys were suitably impressed by the funky accommodation and beach (also the pool and table tennis tables!). After lunch and a quick explore the students spent the remainder of the day frolicking in the waves and playing beach football.

Off to visit the lighthouse tomorrow and then onto Cape Three Points village to see the work carried out by the senior students last year.

Pictures to follow.

Tuesday - Kakum & Capecoast

Another early start this morning saw the students getting a rude awakening at 5.15am.  Credit due to all though as we were all up and away from Stumble Inn on time.  The first stop was at Bronyibima school where the boys colected their buddies.  Three buses took us to Kakum National Park, where I have it on good authority that this is the site of the only canopy walk in the whole of Africa.  It was a fantastic morning and well worth the journey.  Some of the group were slightly hesitant about getting on the high canopy, but everyone managed it and (nearly) everyone loved it. 

 

 

After a drink and an ice cream it was time to get back on the buses and head for Cape Coast slave trade fort where the students had a guided tour.  They saw the dungeons where the slaves were kept in appalling conditions before being shipped to America amongst other countries (if they survived) to work.

In another busy day, the students were promptly given the opportunity to roam Cape Coast for gifts and local cuisine (fufu, banku, kenke and pancakes!) with their buddies. Some took the opportunity to enjoy a well deserved chilled drink at the Cassanova bar.

At 14:00, the group gathered to head back to Bronyibima for the 'sports day' and football match. Lunch consisted of chicken and rice before the sports day got underway. 4 teams were involved in events including the 50m sprint, piggy back race and wheelbarrow race. Students from TBSHS and Bronyibima competed and the excitement created from these events was fantastic to see.

The second football match followed, with the full squad being put to use. Bronyibima took the lead in the second minute and the prospects were not looking great. Metre high grass and bald patches suited the Ghanians and a second goal followed soon after. Changes were made at the break and a deflected shot from Harrison Neville reduced the deficit to one goal. Chances were missed at both ends and Bronyibima found a third goal. Remi Catchpole missed a point blank opportunity but it mattered little as the whistle blew shortly after. Played 2, won one, lost one!  Next match on Friday.

After giving their buddies gifts bought from home and saying their farewells it was back to Stumble to pack for yet another early start tomorrow when we travel four hours to Cape Three Points.

 

Monday

With a busy day ahead the students were roused at 5:45 with a breakfast of pancakes, fruit and chocolate sauce.

A 90 minute journey saw us at Assim Manso where the students were given  guided tour of the slave transfer village where slaves on the way to the coastal slave trade forts were prepared for sale.

A short trip then took us to Yebs School at Abura Dunkwa where the students were welcomed by hordes of kindergaten children which Mr Osborne referred to as 'the ankle biters'. A quick visit to a local shrine, where a giant had apprently embedded his spear into solid rock (a rusty scaffold pole!), was followed by a welcome meal of chicken and joloff rice (again) prepared by the PTA.

 

 

Under a scorching sun the students organised a sports day with a 60 metre sprint, sack race (hilarious) and a wheelbarrow race.



Our first football game followed with our students playing with their buddies from Bronyibima. On a very uneven and small pitch, it suited the English style and a one-nil lead was gained courtesy of a goal from a Bronyibiman Buddy. The highlight of the first half was two world class saves from Leon O'Connor from point-blank range to ensure a clean sheet at half time. Yebs equalised soon after the break with a freak goal. The goalkeeper taking a long kick and the ball bouncing into the top corner. Yebs were on the front foot for the remainder of the game but spirits were not dampened and the game ended 1-1. Sudden death penalties followed (due to a shortage of time!) The first two were calmly taken and then a David Beckham slip from the Yebs number 10 put the pressure on Kevin Dunphy, who slotted home to secure the win.

Following the game, donated shirts were presented to the opposition and the match ball presented to the captain.

 

Sunday

Finally got our internet connection back and are sitting here having just finished our dinner of kingfish and loster purchased fresh this morning at Elmina fish market to help celebrate Mr Withyman's birthday.

Saturday was a day at Stumble Inn where 10 students spent the morning making African masks while the remainder had a strenuous morning around the pool at the hotel next door. A 14 a-side game of water polo in the afternoon left most students flagging but excited about seeing the evening entertianment of drummers and scrobats. The show was rounded of with all students demonstrating their individual African dancing skills (!).

Sunday started early with most students inolved in drum making which took up most of the morning. Following lunch it was off to the pool with water polo rematch and dips in the sea.

Early start tomorrow when we travel to Assin Manso slave trade village which will be followed by a vist to Nana Abaka's school at Abura Dunkwa where the students will play their first game of football and run a sports day for the children at Yebs School.

Unfortunately the mobile connection has been a little patchy so Skype has not been possible but we are hoping it will improve in the next few days. Hopefully you will receive a call in the next couple of days.

Quote of the Day : "I've learnt more about the world in the last few days than I have for ages"  

Saturday

After negotiating the manic Kotoka airport customs and baggage hall the students boarded the buses for the 3 hour journey to Stumble.  After being stopped ten times by police road checks we arrived at 03:00.

After unpacking the 72 bags from the coaches, students were in bed at 03:30 – only to be up at 06:00 paddling in the sea!

Following a hearty breakfast, pancakes and chocolate sauce being favourite, students set off to Bronyibima JHS for a formal welcome from students and staff followed by a tour of the school where they were shown projects completed by previous groups from TBSHS.

In the 36 degree heat, one boy was heard to say “Miss I am beginning to wonder why I packed my sweater”. With constant reminders to apply sun cream, over application resulted in some amusing remarks from the vllagers.

After a hearty lunch of fried chicken and joloff rice, which was cooked by the Headmistress of the kindergarten, students walked through the village to cries of “welcome bruny” (welcome whitey) to visit the school’s kindergarten. Surprisingly the playground equipment installed last summer by the senior students was still standing despite 25 students being counted on the roundabout during our visit!

Flagging spirits were lifted by an inspiring and epic performance by 70 five year olds of a Ghanaian version of heads, shoulders, knees and toes led by headteacher Anna.

 A short walk to the new village community centre was followed by a formal welcome from the village elders.

 

With surf at Stumble Inn calling, we returned to enjoy a welcome splash in the sea.

The day was completed with dinner, bed at 9 and no noise. And checking at 9:15 we were not surpised to hear - no noise!

Thursday

All on board our747 despite a complete repacking of donations to get us under the 46 kg limit.

Much disappointment when the boys found there was no Macdonalds in terminal 5.

Security comical with many being randomly stopped for checks.

The entertainment system on the plane has now kicked and saving us from the constant stream of questions.

Just been told to turn my laptop off.