It’s the views for me

Heading into our 3rd week here at CIEE Legon Ghana, students and staff were captivated with views from above and below. From the moment we all entered Shai Hills, students begin to see that we were no longer in the city limits of Accra. Given a brief history of the land, we all were told about the use of the land and the Nigerian S£ people’s who dwelled there many years ago as a training camp for young girls transitioning into womanhood. The people of Sɛ (also known as Shai) are one of the eight Dangme tribes existing in South Eastern Ghana.

The climb up the hills were definitely a real experience. Ever heard of the phrase “Hard work pays off”? Well, as hard as the climb was, once at the top the views across the sky were undeniably exquisite. As I listened in on a few conversations a student remarked, “this feels like a movie”. 

The climb down was just as challenging as the climb up. Once down from the hills we came out of the forestry path and onto the long road back to our van. Rain, rain and more rain accompanied our entire group as we walked in solidarity. Clothing soaked, shoes full of sand and mud and smiling faces and laughter came over the group as students slipped their way through the path. Definitely an entire experience, especially when one decides to not be distracted by anything else besides the moment. When we opened our eyes to the view of the vast country land full of bush and trees surrounding us we all shared the most surreal moment, in silence, fully immersed in nature. No vehicles, no phones, no computers, no city buildings or trains-just a total view of nature waiting to be appreciated.