Ghana Day 2

I am in Overwhelm mode! Is that a word? I am numb, stunned and exhilarated. Again I apologize for spelling, grammar and any other errors. When I write this blog, I am usually tired, have poor internet, dim light or drinking, mostly all of the above and tonight is no exception.

Coffee and breakfast to start.

Asante ordered a driver and car for the day. I didn’t know why, but I do now. He was to pick me up at 8 but he was delayed because of an interview. Publicity is very important for the cause. I always except everything in Africa to be delayed as I said before. No worries. I didn’t really know the plan of the day, but again Trust is important in Africa.

As I got in the Toyota Land Cruiser, I was happy to feel the AC. I noticed some handcuffs. Hmmm. We started to drive and at some point I heard that it was a 2-3 hour journey and some of it would be on dirt roads! The drive was treacherous, dodging other cars, passing on the right and left, crazy but it seems to work!

We were headed to the Cape Coast Castle. This is where future slaves were held until the ships came in. They were called castles to entice the Europeans that it was a prestigious place. They were under constant attack because competing countries wanted to take over the castles and thus take the slaves. The castles are 360 years old. They were bright and airy compared to the dungeons below. Conditions in the holding cells were horrific. Men and women. were separated. They had only a tiny window. No ventilation, no latrines, no clothing, no blankets and many were chained together. Those not thought to live were in a separate place left to die. Women were chosen and raped at will. Excrement was several feet deep. Pretty brutal.

When the ships come in the Africans walked through to Door of no Return, never to return to Africa. Survival rate to American was 60%, which I doubt that it was that high.