And so it begins

Either I'm a lunatic or a glutton for punishment, I'm still trying to figure out which. I've chosen to join the blogathon at the busiest time of my life....or at least one of the busiest times. So I ask myself, why? I guess I have been very slack in blogging in recent months and I am hoping the practice of getting a blog post out there every day is going to put me back on track. 

What am I getting back on track to? Where has this blog been and where does it plan to go? I guess this blog, although often about travel and places is not a travel blog. Although I may write about people, it is not a biographical blog. So what exactly is it about? It is basically a blog about memories past and present...because after all what happens in our present becomes memories for our future. It is about people, places and phases in my life which made enough of an impact that I would want to remember them. Some not such great memories, but events which impacted my life in a way which changed me. Some great memories...great people I've come across who will forever leave a mark on me...some fabulous places which make me wish I could go back to visit again...some phases of my life which just seemed like heaven on earth. All memories which I want to record because as I get older my own memory is not as reliable and it is good to have some 'hard' evidence of what really happened.

This blog started long before the blogathon and most of my memories are stuffed back in the recesses of the beginnings of the blog. I will attempt to not repeat those memories during the 31 days of the blogathon. I hope to introduce some amazing people, fresh ideas and new places to the blog. I hope to jumpstart my brain a bit and maybe, just maybe, I can get back on track to regularly blogging again....we will see, won't we? :)

Ghana- What I miss

Okay, no more doom and gloom- life in Ghana was not all near death experiences and dead bodies. If the experiences were put on a scale, the good days far outweighed the bad days.

Each country is made up of people. Places are fine and things are great but ultimately it is the people who make up a place. They give the place meaning and life. Remove all the people and what is the value of the beautiful sunset or sunrise? What meaning does the historic building have anymore if you can't share it with someone? Ghana has some of the most beautiful people you will ever meet anywhere.

Of course you have your odd ducks, but what country doesn't? On the whole- the Ghanaian people are known for their hospitality- After all, where did the famous "Akwaaba" come from? A word symbolizing welcome in all the senses of the word.....welcome to my country...welcome to my city...welcome to my home.

Another trait found across the board in Ghana is their generosity. If they are eating a meal and you walk up- the instant response to your presence is, "You are invited." It doesn't matter if there is only a small portion of food on their plate or a large one..."You are invited." And it is not an empty invitation because on most occasions the invitation is accepted and the food is shared.

The most captivating aspect of a Ghanaian is their joy. Laughter rings out readily across a courtyard. Even in their disagreements, a smile will play on the edge of someone's lips and before you know it the entire group is laughing. The fight forgotten and a joke made cushioning the problems yet to be shared.

In the many years I lived in Ghana, I saw so many places. I experienced a great many things. When I left Ghana, I did not miss the beautiful beaches, the historic landmarks, the quaint shopping spots. The only thing I miss is the people.