Afishapa!  We spent the first day of 2014 visiting two different slave forts that were active during the transatlantic slave trade; Elmina and Cape Coast.  This was a powerful experience for all of us as we were reminded of this sad chapter of human history as we walked through the dark dungeons and punishment cells.  We walked away from this experience with the main message "May humanity never again perpetrate such injustice against humanity" (as stated on plaques hung in both forts).

While driving to dinner we noticed a beach party.  We couldn't help but ask to pull over so we could join in the New Year's festivities.  We were immediately drawn to a drum and dance circle where Miki jumped right in with the rest of us soon following.  The next half hour were spent dancing the afternoon away.  After we worked up an appetite, we went to dinner by the water where we engaged in a debriefing on our trip and personal experiences so far.  Much of the discussion centered around the sustainability and functionality of our work in Ghana.  Dr. Crowley also reiterated the importance of not misrepresenting the country and population by conducting our work and portrayal of the country without preconceived notions.