Waterless Waterfalls

Because of Ghana's Independence day last week, March 6th, I had a four day weekend. Although I assumed that such free time would send me packing, I decided to stick around Accra. For independence day I assumed it would be something akin to 4th of July for me, but a group of us retreated to watch movies rather than venture out into the huge crowed and blistering heat. Not to mention, people got up at 4am to see the celebration at Independence Square. Oh, and the RAIN CAME! I took my first shower in the rain. It was glorious, for the first time since I arrived January 31st, I felt cold. The lightening and thunder was beautiful. Of course the Ghanaian students were laughting at us, tell us that we are crazy. I guess we looked it, I mean I shampooed my hair outside in the rain, while dancing around and making plenty of references to Gene Kelly in "Singing in the Rain." I got yelled at by Uncle Lucas, our security guard, because he claimed he did not want to see me dead. Sorry Uncle, but I hope there are many more rain dances in the future.
The following day, in between eating and more movies, we ventured out to the International Trade Fair. It was crazy!!! There were goods from all over Africa, and I definently put a dent in my wallet. I guess the babysitting paid off. Rest assured, I got many of your gifts there, in fact I think that's all I got is your gifts! Well, that's a lie, I bought a pretty little painting and some beautiful bead for myself...
Saturday we felt more adventurous. We left, with peanut butter and jellie sandwiches, for Boti Falls, this supposed massive beautiful waterfall about two hours from Accra. Because ten of us went, we were able to convince a trotro driver to take us all the way to Boti Falls, instead of making the several transfers that would have been required. Because it had rained the days before, the drive was beautiful. We could actually see a view of Accra from a mountain passing through Aburi. Two hours later, all of us climbing out of the car in our swim gear, ready to make a mad dash to the falls, we discover that the falls were not falling. Talk about a mood kill. I was heart broken, imagining I was going to swim under the cool water. But wait, expectations can be decieving. Although there was no water, I had an opprotunity never presented to me before. We rocked climed up this waterfall, and sat towards the top in aww of the beautiful rainforest that surrounded us. Down at the bottom about a dozen local children had Natalie surrounded and were singing with her. It was one of those days, one of those unexpected experiences, when you expect one thing, get another, and are actually more then satisfied with the outcome. All I could think of 40 feet in the air in this waterless waterfall is how much my mom would love to be climbing this with me, it just seems right up her ally. When Katie and I were decending, we could not resist an attempt to swing like Tarzan from the vines that were hanging over the cliff. Another bad life decision to add to the list upon reflection, considering that it sent us off the edge. Luckly we held fast, and made it down in once piece, minus a few scrathes.
Once dry season is truly over and wet season progressing, I will return and actually swim! Of course, we have no way of knowing if the falls are falling, so we'll see.


I have a request, any one that is willing, I would love some pictures. I miss all my family and my buds and would love to put some up on my walls. I believe that I already posted my address a ways back, but get those out here, and I promise in exchange I will post some more on my blog!

Until next time, Love you all.