Today we visited Kakum National Park and literally walked across the forest canopy on a series of seven suspension bridges hovering about 100 feet off the ground. We were told that it would be unlikely that we would actually see any of the park's elephants, monkeys, or antelope, as our people noise would scare them deep into the forest. (The park does offer an overnight stay in a treehouse with a guide, during which you take out your flashlights in the dark to view the animals.) The guide informed us that there are only four such canopy walks in the world, with the other three being in China, Malaysia, and Peru.
We do see some interesting wildlife here at our hotel, Hans Cottage Botel. In fact, I've not only seen multiple crocodiles here but even touched one today! (Picked up its tail). There are also lots of lizards around and huge pens of rabbits that are used for ... you guessed it ... rabbit soup!
This afternoon we watched the Cape Coast Dwarfs football (soccer) team play. Talk about passionate fans! Cape Coast lost, and some poor loser fans flooded onto the field and started punching the referees. The police stepped in to protect them (half-heartedly), but it was definitely disconcerting to watch. Our host teacher Raphael was there with us and ushered us out quickly at the end of the game.
I now know from personal experience the meaning of the term "African time". Things happen when they happen, and sometimes that is a bit unpredictable. For example, when you go to a restaurant, it usually takes quite a while for the waiter or waitress to take your order. Then, you wait for your drinks. Then you wait for your food. Then you wait for your bill. Then you wait for your change. The entire process might take an hour and a half, or two. If your ride is supposed to show up at noon, it might be 12:15, or it might be 12:30 or it might be 12:45. But whatever happens, everything will be o.k. It's African time. Our host teachers have told us that one of the things they enjoyed the most about their exchange time in the U.S. was that things happened at their scheduled time. Tomorrow we are scheduled to report to Wesley Girls School at 9 a.m. (or 9:30 or 9:45 ...whenever Justice comes to pick us up and we get there!)
