The Airplane Jitters

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Cover of "Flying"

Cover of Flying

Some travelers spend more time on airplanes than in cars.  Their business travel may have them flying from one city to another weekly or even more often.  The seasoned flyer is comfortable in an airplane, and stepping onto that plane is as much a part of their work week as getting in a car is for the rest of us.  When it comes time for a yearly vacation, they enjoy the flight even more, as they know their destination is not work related, and with all of the miles they racked up during the year, they may just be flying their entire family to their vacation destination for free.

Then there are those who freeze at the thought of boarding a plane.  The anxiety of being thousands of feet in the air is a reason for high levels of anxiety and fearfulness.  Though air travel is exponentially safer than car travel (let’s face it there are a lot less airplanes in the sky, than cars on the streets), it is an experience that most people do not encounter on a regular basis.  Pilots and stewardesses must love it, they are on airplanes more than the seasoned business traveler.

Flying can be an enjoyable and fascinating experience.  If you try to relax, and the stewardesses will help you, you can get a glimpse of the world from a view that  you do not get to see every day.  If you are flying across the country, beautiful mountain ranges can be seen, and the sky is alive with the dancing clouds and blue sky.  If you are flying over the ocean, its massive and majestic beauty is something to see.  If you are apprehensive, you can always close your window and listen to music, watch a movie or have a meal.  Maybe you need this flight to calm the jitters and you will see the amazing country from the air next time you fly. If you have anxiety about flying, try to relax.  You will realize what an enjoyable experience it can be.

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3 Ways to Avoid Boredom During a Business Trip

February 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are a veteran business traveler or a newbie, it can get a little boring at times. Most business travelers are not allowed to bring their spouses or partners, and many are not familiar with the area they are staying in. Instead of venturing out in a strange city after work hours, which could be dangerous or you could get lost, consider these 3 ways to avoid boredom during a business trip:

Reading Materials
Take along that novel you’ve wanted to read, or a few of your favorite magazines. Heck, pack the weekend coupon flyers and do your coupon cutting and menu planning while in your hotel room. If you are away on business to learn something new, read your training materials to get a better understanding of what you are learning. This is the perfect time to sink into a romance novel, go out on a mysterious adventure, or solve the perfect crime.

Craft or Project
If you are a knitter, crocheter, cross-stitcher, or scrapbooker, bring your craft or project with you to work on in your hotel room. This quite time alone is the perfect time to make some great headway and get you closer to completion. You may even complete your project while on your business trip so when you get home, you can start your next project. If you are between projects, this is the perfect time to think about what project you’d like to tackle next when you get home.

Games
Games are popular, no matter what age you are. If you have your laptop, play your favorite Facebook games, card games, or even play some online poker. If you have a Nintendo DS or PSP, take it along. These portable gaming consoles are a great way to unwind, relax, and have some fun while waiting for your plane, during the flight, and while you are in your hotel room.

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Ghana Tourism Info: Festivals Held in Ghana in May and June

January 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Experiencing a festival that is held in the country of Ghana is a once in a lifetime experience. If you are traveling to the country of Ghana during the months of May or June there are two major festivals that you should try to attend. These festivals include the Aboakyir Festival and the Nkyidowo. Here is a look at both of these festivals and what you can experience during them.

The Aboakyir Festival. This festival is held on the first Saturday of the month of May. It is an extremely popular festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Aboakyir Festival is only held in the village of Winneba. The festival kicks off with a hunt between two groups of the village. This hunt is competitive and involves each group trying to catch an antelope. The goal of the hunt is to try to catch the animal alive and is used to test the strength, power and bravery of the groups of warriors. Once the antelope has been caught the village celebrates by sacrificing the animal to the gods. Other great features of the Aboakyir Festival include the procession of the chiefs and sub-chiefs which is a colorful display as well as the native music, dancing and story telling which goes along with this event.

Nkyidwo. Nkyido is a very special festival to the people of the village of Essumeja. This festival represents the belief that their ancestors came out of a hole in the ground. This is from a native folktale that tells the tale and involves having the people followed by a dog and a lion. This festival is held on a Monday night and has a lot of spiritual blessings from the native gods as well as loud music, dancing and other activities that represent this very special evening. Nkyido is held on a Monday night in the month of June.

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A Brief Ghana Fact Sheet

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Due to Ghana’s small size and location on the African continent many people do not know about the country. However, this small African country has been making its way into the international community. Here is a look at some facts and figures about the country of Ghana that anyone should know whether or not they plan on visiting the country.

Location. Ghana is located on the Gulf of Guinea. It is located on the western part of the country of Africa. The countries of Togo, La Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina all border the country of Ghana.

Population. In 2000 it was estimated that the small country of Ghana holds over 20 million people. Of the 20 million people it is believed that 2 million of them live in the major city of Accra.

Language. There are over 70 different languages and dialects spoken in the country of Ghana. Linguists have separated these languages into four major groups for ease of learning the local language. These groups include Akan, Mole-Dagbani, Ga and Ewe. However, it is believed that over half of the country of Ghana speaks a form of the Akan language known as Twi. Recently, English has started to make its way as the official language of Ghana but if you head to the surrounding villages the locals all speak some form of Twi.

Religion. Over 75% of the people of Ghana follow some form of Christianity. Some of the country, about 15% follow the Islamic faith and the rest follow the traditional animist beliefs that are native to the country of Ghana.

Capital City. The capital city of Ghana is Accra. It is believed that over 2 million people live in this major city. It is the home of the Ghanaian government as well as a major tourist destination. In the past 10 years, tourism to the Accra area has increased by as much as 80%.

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Ghana Tourism Info: Festivals Held in Ghana in November

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Novembers is a time when the country of Ghana is starting to experience some warmer days and cool nights. This is why many of the festivals that are held throughout the villages of Ghana are held in November. Some of these festivals are sacred, local festivals while other festivals are ones that visitors to Ghana can experience. Here is a look at some of the festivals that are held throughout the month of November.

Hobetsostso Festival. The Hobestsostso Festival is a major festival celebrated by the village and group known as the Anlo Ewes. It is believed that these people ran away from a bad ruler by walking backwards and finally ending up at their current village. This festival represents the exodus the villagers ancestors had to go through. There are dozens of events and rituals that are held throughout this month long festival. Some of the rituals include a purification ceremony for the village, a time of peace throughout the village, and a recreation of the travels the ancestors did. The most important part of the festival is when the chiefs of the village dress up in colorful attire and receive their subjects. The Hobestsostso Festival also involves a lot of dancing and traditional Ghanaian music.

Kwafie Festival. If you are in the villages of Dormaa, Berekum, Nsuatre or Ahenkro you will be able to experience the Kwafie Festival. This festival is a time of remembrance for those that have previously passed. It is a time of purification for the villages. A unique feature of this festival is the building and burning of a huge bonfire because the legends say that the Dormaa brought fire to the country of Ghana. One of the highlights of the festival includes a pageant of the royal courts of the villages. This is where the royal courts come out to music and dancing and dress in their finest attire to greet the rest of the village.

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Ghana Tourism Info: Festivals Held in Ghana in August Part 2

January 22, 2011 by Leave a Comment

August is a time of many people in Ghana celebrating ancient history and honoring local cultures. There are so many festivals that are held in Ghana during the month of August that if you are a visitor to the area you could experience several festivals throughout the month. Here is a look at some other major festivals that are held in Ghana during the month of August.

Homowo Festival. Homowo Festival is a festival that honors the beginning of the harvest season. This is a month long celebration by the people of the Ga Traditional Area. A unique feature of this month long celebration is the making of a special Ghana dish that involves ground corn which is made with palm oil and eaten with a local soup known as the palmnut soup. This is a traditional dish that is prepared only during the festival. Other highlights of the festival include the special processions of the local chiefs who will walk through the villages and offer blessings for a great new year. These processions involve music, dancing and a great community atmosphere. Visitors to the area are often invited to join the chief for the honorary tasting of the Homowo Festival dish.

Kundum Festival. The Kundum Festival is actually a several month festival but it starts in August. This festival starts in the village of Takoradi and features traditional drumming and music as well as dancing. Rituals and blessings are also performed during this festival. The festival lasts for two days and then moves on to other villages.

Afenorto Festival. The Afenorto Festival is held in the village of Mepe. It is a festival that signifies the bonding of friends and family members. It is a time when the village people reflect on their lives, build up family bonds and create plans for the coming year. For those in arranged marriages this is a time when they will meet each other for the first time.

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Ghana Tourism Info: Festivals Held in Ghana in August Part 1

January 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you are traveling to the country of Ghana during the month of August there are a lot of local festivals and events that are being held in the major cities as well as the small local villages. While it might not be the main reason for traveling to Ghana if you are in the area during any of these festivals it is an experience to remember and a great way to experience the local culture. Here is a look at the festivals that are held in August.

Asafotu-Fiam Festival. The Asafotu-Fiam Festival is a festival that starts the last Thursday of July and runs to the first weekend in August. It is a festival that honors the warriors of the village. The festival is held in the honor of those that have passed in battles as warriors. The Asafotu-Fiam Festival starts out with a recreation of a historical event and battle where village people dress in the traditional battle attire. The younger men of the village are introduced to battle and war during this time. Visitors will experience a celebratory nature during this event and will be greeted with a lot of dancing, music and celebrations in the streets. While there is plenty of music and merry making during this festival the high point of the festival is the procession of chiefs, who are dressed in their full chief attire.

Obambea Festival. The Obambea Festival is celebrated in the Saltpond Traditional Area of Ghana on the last Saturday of August. This festival represents the Nkusukum chief and villagers move to their current location. This festival is held to keep the link between the Nkusukum people and the people that they left when they moved. The highlight of this festival is the recreation of past events and history which allow travelers to experience a piece of Ghanian history.

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Vacationing on the Beaches of Ghana

January 4, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There are enough beaches in Ghana to keep you busy tanning for a long time. Since it is almost always warm there, the cool waters of the Atlantic are sure to entice you to take a dip. On the other hand, maybe you would prefer to get a line wet and try your luck at some fishing. Whichever you choose, vacationing on the beaches of Ghana will leave you relaxed and refreshed.

When people think of taking a trip to Africa, it is probably not often that they plan to go to lie on the beach. In fact, when most vacationers think of Africa, they probably imagine a safari or a sightseeing tour.

Those things are certainly available to you, and you should do those things. However, you should also make time to visit the wonderful beaches of Ghana.

Even the names of some of the beaches sound inviting. For example, one is called the Next Door beach. You shouldn’t have to go too far to get there. Another is named La Pleasure Beach. That one already sounds like a good time, doesn’t it?

Some of them are public, and some of them are privately owned. Some of them have very nice major hotels on them. Of course, you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in a hotel. You would want to be out soaking up all the sunshine and fresh air you can.

It is ironic how we can sometimes come home from a vacation more tired than we were before we left. It almost makes you feel as though you need to go back to work to get some rest.

When you take your vacation to Ghana, you won’t have to suffer that. Just make sure that you spend the last day or two getting a little bit of that African sand between your toes before you go home. It may be just what the doctor ordered.

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Big Game Fishing for Marlin in Ghana

December 24, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Women on a fishmarket in Nyakrom in Agona Dist...
Image via Wikipedia

Sport fishing is one of the most exciting things an angler can do. Those who have the wherewithal to continent hop will find the catch of their dreams off the coast of West Africa. For those out of the loop, big game fishing for marlin in Ghana is a well-kept secret. After all, no fisherman is about to give away his favorite spot.

Watching those great fishing episodes on the television in which the adrenaline-oozing anglers are hooked up with a Blue Marlin weighing several hundred pounds or more seems a bit unreal. However, off the coast of Ghana in West Africa it happens on a regular basis. Trophy-sized blues have been caught in those waters weighing in at over a half ton.

Marlin fishing in Ghana is not the type of thing that is done on a whim. The trips are usually planned well in advance and booked through one of the many fishing guides available in the area. Considering all that comes with most of the sport fishing packages, the trips are not very expensive. Even when you add in the cost of airfare it is worth it.

The guided tours generally last seven or eight days and can accommodate from two to six people. The guides will not only take you to the saltwater hotspots, but also show you some of the other local attractions during the down times. A little sightseeing, a little whale watching, and even a little nightlife is usually on the agenda during your trip to Ghana.

If catching a trophy fish is your dream, consider some big game fishing for marlin in Ghana. Whether you catch that trophy or not, you will certainly have the time of your life. You are bound to come out of West Africa thinking your trip was another for the books.

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The Best Time to Go Marlin Fishing in Ghana

December 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Traditional fishing boat in the atlantic ocean...
Image via Wikipedia

There is a lot going on off the coast of Ghana in West Africa. It is all the buzz among world-class big game fisherman, especially those who are avid marlin fishermen. Word is out that, after a short lull, the saltwater fishing in that area is hot again. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, you will need to know the best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana.

There was a time when the extent of saltwater fishing in Ghana was for yellow fin tuna, snapper and a few others. However, over the years it was discovered that those waters flourished with Blue Marlin. Anglers got excited and angling in that area has not been the same since that time. People go there from all corners of the world with high hopes of reeling in a 700-pounder.

The best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana is when the marlin are migrating into the coastal waters and when they are making their way back out. Fortunately, this leaves a wide time frame of several months in which to plan a trip.

They start heading into the coastal waters in October and stay until around February. The billfish then start their exodus in March, and it goes on until June. In essence, there are only about three months of downtime. Even the most addicted fisherman can hang on that long to possible catch a trophy-sized marlin.

If you just want to take a trip to Ghana and fishing is not important to you, there are things you can do year-round that make for a fun tour. There is a lot of history and culture there. Nevertheless, if your heart is set on a guided fishing tour, the best time to go marlin fishing in Ghana is usually October to June.

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