TRAVEL VACATION!

 

If you are reading this, it means I am officially on my 2025 vacation. Well, calling it a vacation is not entirely accurate. I am spending part of the time in one country for rest, and then traveling to another for a writers’ program  for four days and another rest somewhere. So far, I can say I have had some fun, though it has not been without challenges. The language barrier has been tough, and I struggled at times, but the hotels have been a highlight. I have especially enjoyed the one I am in today, which feels like the best so far.

I have already flown twice. In Qatar, my visa was valid for just a day, so I had to leave quickly and fly onward. Unfortunately, I am flying economy, but that is all I could afford, and I have made my peace with it. Along the way, I have eaten food I normally would not touch, and honestly, I miss the naturality of my life at home. Still, I am grateful to be away from Ghana for a while, if only to escape the usual frustrations.

I am also working on an article about the extortion that goes on in Ghanaian airports, and the lack of respect passengers often show for airplane rules. For example, during turbulence caused by rain, we were asked to stay seated with our seatbelts fastened, yet people still stood up to go to the washroom.

Another striking part of this journey is how often I find myself as the only Black person in a space. Most of the people I see are Arabs, and while some look at me with curiosity, others attempt to speak with me in broken English. Thankfully, I have become friends with a hotel receptionist whose English is excellent, and that has been something inspiring. I will share my food reviews later.