Journey to Upper West: Harmattan, Kambu and Nice people

Day 1. Wednesday, 4th January 2017.

Arrived around 4:15 am. The weather met me like an old friend, embracimg me into its chilly arms. Honestly the only thing I dislike in this time of year is the harmattan! And it was still abiding in Wa despite bidding those of us in Accra farewell. But for now Harmattan was least of my worries. I had to get out of the station but my phone had run out of battery despite all attempts to preserve it for the 12 hour journey. And even if I asked someone for a phone, I didn't have my host's mobile number memorised. I began to chide myself for not writing it when I saw the battery was low. Had I known, they say, is......

I resolved to stay at the station and pray my host somehow comes to find me. But how long would I have to endure this weather? Chai. "God please speak to him,"  I prayed.
After some minutes, a taxi came around. Obviously to see if he would get some business. The driver approached me to ask if I wanted his services. He spoke good English. I was impressed and suspicious. Is this guy really a taxi driver? Ah well, perhaps a banker or teacher by day, a taxi driver by dawn.
So I told him my situation. He told me there are two stations and my host may not know which one I'm at. He suggested I go to a station where I could re-charge the phone battery and call my host. He drove me there, straight to the guy who charges phones. He told him to charge my phone. I paid and thanked him after which he left. The moment I got 3% battery power,  I called my host. I didn't know the name of the station so he spoke to the guy and shortly after, arrived at the place. I've never been happier to see anyone. At last I get to escape this chilly air. I've had enough! From the air conditioned bus to this harmattan. Surely it was enough punishment. I needed some warmth even if it's just room temperature.

We rode on his motorcycle to Jejeyire where his home is. And boy, did the air whip my face! I regretted leaving my cool- Jay in Accra.

Later in the day, I was introduced to the Kambu ; a kind of moto taxi. No doors, leather body, three passenger sit at the back and one more at the front with the rider. I had fun riding in it. They are highly patronised and very affordable. Gh1.00 for wherever you go, irrespective of the distance. Clearly it has created employment to the youth.

The Wa-ians are respectable and nice. Everyone I've had the pleasure of meeting is courteous and hospitable. They have the sense of family just by virtue of speaking the same language -Waale. I've not seen a people in Ghana with the same language that respect and love one another even when they have just met.

My host, his boss and I went to #Nuoyong Hotel and Restaurant for lunch. A beautiful place with pretty and warm waitresses. I took fried guinea fowl  (akonfem) with fried rice. Of course,  I would not come to Wa and take chicken or fish. So back to the beautiful waitresses- they waited on you in a way that made you feel like the most important person on earth. It made me wonder who most waitresses and sales girls in Accra think they are- making you feel like they are doing you a favour! These Wa service providers, understand customer service to the letter and I salute them!

Lastly,  my host family have been more than generous. They are the "H" in hospitality. I have felt at home since my arrival. And my gratitude to this family.