Friday November 30th was the day for Bob and Eric to make their last “rounds” together in Kumasi – from Dompoase to Kaase, Ashtown, Bantama, Suame, Adum, Asokwa, Adiebeba, and more…
BYE BYE OLD FRIENDS
Bob left his rubber mocs at the landfill, and they were promptly picked up by one of the workers for reuse. Bob bought these from LL Bean back in 1998 for use in Belize, and they traveled to China, Guam, Hawai’i, Nicaragua, Colorado, Texas, and North Carolina where they were always willing to pull messy assignments. On the right is the main road in front of the bulk oil storage terminal in Kaase (Kumasi). It is currently idle as oil is no longer being refined in Tema. This is a new development, and the lack of tanker truck traffic is a welcome change.
SUAME ROUNDABOUT
The traffic at Suame roundabout was rather light, another welcome discovery that day. Bob was taken by the colorful paintings he saw for sale along the road, painted by “Joan of Art.”
THE ROAD TO SALVATION
Promise of salvation is everywhere – the missionaries who were rife in Ghana over the past decades certainly made their mark(s). Posters promising “The Next Wave”, “Prophetic Encounters”, and a multitude of other chances at redemption are everywhere here. If that’s not your cup of tea, Malam Bamba has a cure for ALL your ills – just click on the photo on the right for a closeup detailing the many maladies he can help you overcome.
PACKING IT IN – AND OUT
Upon returning to Casa Kumasi (our house), Frimpong (Eric) purchased Jeremy’s pool table,and also took delivery of the guest room bed. He brought his small Kia truck over, along with a couple of his laborers from the Clean Team to make the move.
THE END OF THE DAY – FINALLY!
As night fell, our research collegues came over to make their final good-byes. Wilson, Martin, Agyemang and Raymond came over with gifts and smiles for Jay, BJ, Camille and Bob.
SMILES ALL ROUND
It was a boubou for Camille, a dress for BJ, and fugus for Jay and Bob – souvenirs of Ghana to remind us of our friends.
BYE-BYE-O!
As we left Casa Kumasi the following day, we were packed as full as a “Cape Coast tro-tro”. These vans headed south out of Kumasi bound for Cape Coast are always packed to the gills – we, however, didn’t have any goats on top of our bags. Eric was sad to see us go, but still managed a big smile at the airport. We hope to see Eric for a visit in our neck of the woods (Moncure, NC) in 2014.