JAM IN THE WILD

Road Trip To Bunso Arboretum & Asemena Waterfalls

Adulting is catching up with us and I am now feeling the different faces of life- It’s a lot to deal with. A reflection of some years ago and now, actually puts tempers high; finding our foot in every possible way, make certain decisions that will stay with us forever, talk about choices and insurmountable challenges to endure.

But gladly, with the help of God, it gets better.

And sometimes, just sometimes, one needs a good laugh!

My next adventure was no other place than Bunso Arboretum & Asemena Waterfalls in the Eastern Region, Ghana. My head aches from yesterday’s tour and Jam- not forgetting the Jolly-going people who made it super super fun! 😂😂😂😂

strangers who turned out to be the best of tour folks💜

These guys!!!! 😂

It felt like I have known these folks all my life. This road trip was unplanned and it finally came out as the very best I have had so far. On Friday, I booked my slot with the Moooveafrica Team. Apparently, Moooveafrica does road trips every weekend to Tourist sites in most of the Regions in Ghana.

I just had to Pack up these items for a day trip.

1. A Pair of Slippers
2. My Identification Card 3. An Umbrella
4. Three bottles of water 5. A Novel 6.Extra face mask 7.Power bank.

These items aided a smooth Trip. I didn’t need to pack food or snacks because the team actually included them in their package. (I’m not exaggerating- in terms of customer service, food, and every other thing was just apt!)

Itinerary for the day💜

After contacting Wesley about the safety of the Bus and other details of the trip, I was convinced it was going to be a memorable adventure. We got to Bunso Eco Park right on time and we settled with Socialization and a game called “first names+animals”. The fraternizing moment made us know each other better and our private lives too. (Interesting people in various fields of endeavor)

After checking in with one of the tour guides at the information Center at the Arboretum, we gathered around for some education on the Zip line and how to get on it. Honestly, most of us have a fear for heights. But like we were told, no one fell or died from trying the Zip line.

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  During the Zipline

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  After the experience

A Video of me trying the Zip line 😊 I did it effortlessly! It was fun and a wonderful experience.


Zip line: a cable suspended above an incline to which a pulley and harness are attached for a rider. it was an exhilarating experience!

Do have a good read of the history behind the Bunso Eco park

Bunso Eco park

The Serenity Bunso Eco park

My Team and I tried the Horse back riding and the soft archery.

The excitement didn’t end there. Our next stop was the Asemena Waterfalls at Akuapem North in Koforidua. Even though it was getting dark and scary along the path to the waterfall, we needed to enjoy the last bit of this adventure! Some changed into their swim suits and others stood by to take pictures close to the waterfall.

The Serenic waterfalls at Asemena at Akuapem North in Koforidua (Ghana)

Asenema Waterfall is one of the hidden gems in the rainforest of the Akuapem Hills, outside of Accra, and north of Aburi. There are many waterfalls in the Eastern Region, but Asenema is only 15 minutes from Akropong and just 5 minute walk from the main road along a marked trail. Asenema waterfall feeds a lively little stream nearby. The falls usually has a very good flow in the rainy season. The drive to get to the falls is wonderfully scenic, with beautiful views across the rolling hills that are so typical of the region.

Enjoying the Asemena Waterfalls 😊

The most exciting part for me was leaving the capital city, Accra, and enjoying this serenity with strangers who turned tour-team-members! It was so magical. I came back home feeling refreshed in mind and reminiscing about the Trip.

From this short excitement, I concluded that:

As humans, we don’t need anyone to make us happy. Happiness should come from within and No one else controls your emotions more than you do and if you send messages to your body to smile, the message to feel happier becomes even stronger.

I promise to live life to the fullest! Enjoy everything that nature has to offer us. Thanks to MOOOVEAFRICA for organizing this every weekend! This will be telecasted on MTV on Tuesday, at exactly 8 a.m! Don’t forget to book and reserve your slot with MOOOVEAFRICA for their September Trips!

WHEN BOOK LOVERS MEET- A REVIEW OF THE BOOK EXCHANGE AFFAIR.

Saturday, the 26th of September,2020 was not going to be just any ordinary Saturday. Certainly, the word “Lit”, is not enough to explain how this event ended.

Dorcas Fafali Tsey was our MC! She is sensational 💜

This was organized by Readers Truss on the theme “Promoting a Good Reading Culture”. It took place at the YMCA, Ridge. I was not going to miss it for anything I must confess. As a woman who is thriving to build and establish herself, and a budding writer, I earlier saw this year’s programme on Instagram and I quickly added it to my Calendar. (My earlier write-up for this programme)

Tell you what, I was psyched and steadily looking forward to a day of renewed zest for reading more books which will enhance my writing skills.

Like every quarter of the year which comes and goes, this particular one came and I was at the venue just in time. The organizers were around interacting with participants; while some were involved in activities like, playing of Ghanaian Board games (Ludu, and Oware) cards, scrabble and other activities.

board games 👯

Dorcas Fafali Tsey was our MC for the day and she did an impeccable job with the role. The actual programme started at approximately 11:15 am. She created a forum for participants to introduce themselves and state their category of book state. There were the Book lovers, Book flirts, Book hoarders, Book Virgins and Book addicts.

Booklovers

The next itinerary on the programme was a detailed account of what The Book Exchange Affair was all about and how it started. She briefed us on the programme and it’s progress over the years.

The next session was the fun part where participants interacted with themselves. We were introduced to “BooK Confessions” This section brought out the honesty and very frank views from some participants. Questions were asked about the reading progress and unfinished books, unread books, authors(Contemporary and African Writers) that are overrated.

Book Addict, Book flirt and Book lover! 💜

A few hints were given to us as readers when we don’t find reading pleasurable anymore. There were also brief interactions and collaborative exercise which ignited our spirit to read more.

The final section was the book swapping, socialisation, buying and gifting of books. We also headed for the snack stalls to tame our tums.

In Review:

My low for the programme was the very beginning. It could have been better if organizers started with a read or a spoken word interlude. It could also have been better if participants had showed up on the stipulated time. It would have been awesome to have extra time on our hands, especially during the interactive session

Book Exchange Affair!

I had also hoped for a more detailed talk not from Dorcas Fafali Tsey alone but from other organizers too. However, I was thrilled to be among such great minds, seeing how people made their expressions on books they have read and their views on the authors. The programme was overly Lit as I would end it!

I was appreciative of the free books, swapped books, recommended books, and books as gifts handed out from the organizers and participants to me. I am looking forward to a better venue and far better quarterly Book Exchange Affair than this💜

A book flirt from the Book Exchange Affair 💜

I recommend these books to you!

1. A TIME TO PART AWAY– Ama Pomaa

2. HALF OF A YELLOW SUN – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

3. THE POWER OF A PRAYING WIFE – Stormie Omartian

4. A BIT OF ME – Ohenekyere Gifty Anti

5. ARROWS OF RAIN – Ndibe Okey

6. A COWRIE OF HOPE– Binwell Sinyangwe

7. SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY– Siri L. Michelle

8. CHANGES: A LOVE STORY – Ama Ata Aidoo

SEPTEMBER WILL BE LIT – THE BOOK EXCHANGE AFFAIR.

An American novelist, a prolific short story writer, John Cheever, wrote that “I can’t write without a reader. It’s precisely like a kiss — of course, one can’t do this act alone.” By this, Cheever is telling his readers that the act can’t be done without having the thoughts of a reader in mind.

Last year at Native Bar and Grill. Dorcas Fafali and her Team!

The Book Exchange Affair

For most writers, it’s certainly not about the number of readers we have in mind but the loyalty of our readers. Honestly, I feel bad and suddenly depressed when I see textbooks and story books in a bad state when people feel they have exhausted it’s content and they don’t need to go back to it. My heart bleeds when I see the leaves and torn pages crying to be picked up and kept for the generation to come. I don’t know about you but I get emotional about this.

Not until recently, I found some of my secondary school days’ books and some old pamphlets. These I felt will be needed by someone who is preparing for an exams. I just had to keep it again in my small library.

I have learnt to keep books and old pamphlets for years now. Last year, I made an effort to save some money aside to build my own small library. Now, I feel gratified I did so. My siblings and an aunty who loves reading have found some kind of solace in it. I was motivated to do this by A lady who loves to read.

September came with a new vibe!

Happening live on the 26th September, 2020 at the YMCA RIDGE, (Accra) at exactly 10.00 A.M

Excited about The Book Exchange Affair 💜

A lady who loves to read and backed by a team unveiled the organization at a meet and greet held as part of the two years anniversary held, November last year.

Readers Truss, I believe is committed to cultivating, igniting and inspiring a habitual reading culture among individuals, families, and other organizations or companies. It is my goal to have a room full of books and to ignite the spirit of reading in my family, some years to come! If you think this goal is awe-inspiring, and you would like us to do this as a team, then, ride along with me as we attend this very lit upcoming event at YMCA, RIDGE (ACCRA). At exactly, 10a.m, on the 26th September, 2020. with other book lovers and Prolific writers.

Remember not to come empty-handed. Rather, bring a Novel or a story book along to exchange with someone. Come prepared because, I bet you will have to go home with new books too!

It’s a September to Remember!!

Book lovers! Three Akosua’s and An Afriyie!

MY 2019 STORY

#My 2019 Story.

I readily agreed because I wanted to inspire others with my journey.

Of all the years, 2019, has been a memorable one. I call it my year of daring and breaking of bounds. I had lots of plans, thankfully majority of them were realized through sweat, tears, smiles and every single minute, God came through for me even when I didn’t deserve it. It was a miracle most of the time. I shared testimonies and inspired people through my journey in blogging.

1. I successfully started my journey in blogging with the help of a Colleague. I will always be grateful to Prince Kwakye for his immerse support and contribution towards this journey of mine. Days prior, I never dreamt of getting a new laptop for my write-up’s and for work. You see, it was God there. He always bring wonderful people to me to either teach me a lesson or make a positive or negative impact in my life. Keep reading and following more on a Poetess Akosua’s blog for new and exciting pieces.

2. Years ago, I always found solace in my room either brooding on the past, present or what the future holds. But God made me understand that I shouldn’t be anxious about anything rather trust in his words. This mentality got me stepping out of my comfort zone to either explore nature or meet new people.

2019 made me more spontaneous and outgoing. I had lots of fun and did new things. Notable one that got me was helping to plan a stage performance, wedding ceremony, celebrating my bestie on her birthday, surprising couple of friends who share the same passion and a lot of fun activities with my favourite people. Wish I could do that over and over again.

3. My fantasy of having to work in a corporate world came to past with the help of God. I had my one year National Service at Parliament of Ghana. The experience was an overwhelming one. It gave me the chance to do a lot of writing, editing and typing. Now, I can say for sure I type very fast. I loved it there at Parliament and will always have fond memories of senior members and fellow colleagues. The experience gave me the chance to learn tolerance, explore, and meet new people.

4. I don’t know if this is a miracle or just one of the normal things a young lady has to go through at a point in life. But I have gained a lot of weight and currently, your girl weighs 54.5kg. Last year, was horrific and depressing back in school. I told myself, I will pay attention to my body, looks and how I carry myself. I ate well and didn’t skip breakfast. Mind you, I love to eat. I am thankful to God for this massive transformation. God did it again!

5. I hardly blog about my relationship with the opposite sex but something happened this year. And I have learnt lessons from it. To learn that friendship comes naturally and there is no need to rush or force it.

Even though I wish things would go back to its normal state, I just can’t change and I will have to accept it this way. It was not a smooth experience for me but God has been faithful. And it tells me I still have courage within but I need to be open minded about sensitive issues like this. Regardless, it made me stronger and tells me I have a lot of psyching to do. I broke the rules of caging my words and letting go. It was real hard dealing with it.

6. I got the chance to learn from Kwesi Pratt and Justice Appiah of Pan African Television Station. I learned about reporting and news writing, how to operate the technical devices at a television station. It was an overwhelming experience.

7. I got a well-paid job! Whoop! Whoop! We definitely need to celebrate this miracle. Just let me know the time and day so we do some dancing and popping of champagne. God did it again. His ways aren’t mine and thoughts aren’t mine. He gave me a testimony to share with all. Months ago, I was pensive in thoughts and kept asking myself “what’s next for me after national service?” I realized God was preparing something for me. You see, he works in miraculous ways that we can’t comprehend. After being bombarded with questions at the interview with six panels, I concluded this was one of my worst moments but it turned out to be one of my many testimonies.

8. I had to stop and ask myself “Why the sudden demise”? I lost my friend and classmate! 😣 This really broke my heart and left me shattered. Life is never fair! May she rest in peace!

9. September, the 9th month, my birth month. Every 4th September, I celebrate God’s blessings for my life. This I do quietly in my room either watching movies, going to the beach side (my favourite place) or listening to my favourite songs and planning my next step in life. But this year, September didn’t go as planned. All my plans for my birthday was unfulfilled. I can only pray and keep my fingers crossed for another fun in 2020. Hopefully, I will surely get to really enjoy a birthday I have always dreamt of.

10. I started writing my book this year and hopefully next year, I will be publishing it! You know the wave of I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I’m down that hits you out of nowhere? This story got me wallowing in grumpiness, self-pity and indifference. But how I got out and found myself is a mystery…

11. I conquered my fear of heights this year. The feeling is unexplainable. I can say for sure that I am a girl who is going to do big things and cannot let little things or trivial issues get to her!

12. One thing I failed to do this year is to give myself a chance to love again 😂 scared huh? Or so not part of my plans this year? We’re not in a haste or hurry. Marriage can wait but mummy says you should reconsider and pray about your decisions.

13. Let’s talk about finances and savings. I guess I did great by saving…yeah. but the problem was my consistent buying of heels! !!!🙈 I couldn’t just see a heel and pass by.

14. An opportunity came by this year and God made it possible! I will be telling another testimony soon 😂😂😍!

To those asking why the sudden transformation? God saw me through my bad and good moments and he said it was time to get up and focus on myself and his promises.

I’m a storyteller and a living Testimony!

Waiting for 2020 ! Like this…

I finally said “Yes”

I had no choice than to say “Yes” to this challenge. Kwesi, a fan of Poetessakosua’s blog referred me to my previous articles and challenged me to take this adventure with him.

Personally, I have a phobia for heights. So quickly, I questioned the essence of this. Don’t get me wrong. Tim Lahaye author of “Why you act like the way you do” affirms that, Melsan Temperament will question everything and would want to be given reasons why one should do this or that. I just needed to question the essence of this High Rope obstacles course.

He asked “When was the last time you faced a fear squarely? If my memory serves me right, you once said in “Trailblazer” you were bold and yeah! It’s time to test it”

But of course, i needed to prove that I am bold and the next time you catch me advising or motivating someone not to give up but rather go the extra-mile to achieve a goal, overcome insurmountable obstacles, then you should know I have been in that shoes before.

Today, i did something I never thought I’d do. It was not even on my plans for this holiday. Never in my wildest dreams!
Since it’s a holiday, I took a long nap in bed listening to songs to uplift my spirit after my quiet time. I tried so hard to complete an article but I guess I was caught up with laziness.

Occasionally, if I have no plans for a holiday, I would quickly think of something beneficial to do or a fun activity to shake off the boredom just to avoid Granny from nagging 😂

Kwesi, head of the Brave heart team prompted me to get ready and change into something shorts or tight. (I so much hate shorts and snickers on an outing 😂)

I have actually been to Legon Botanical Gardens a couple of times with Church friends and with relations before. We did try the canopy walk and the abseiling of the Vaughan Dam.

I swore on countless times never to try the scariest of them all “High Rope obstacle course” and would virtually give up in the process. Growing up, I realize I have gone through hell in life before and I know how it feels to be faced with huge obstacles. Overcoming obstacles isn’t an easy task in life. So this was somewhat a way to prove to my inner self that no matter the situation, I can’t give up yet and that life will definitely present a lot of challenges.

The “Ohh” “Arrrrrggghhh” “😥Ajeeeeeiiii” 😂😫😥the screams and moans made me feel this is the end of it all. At a point I felt like going back but he assured me I was 100% in safe hands and we were all going to do this together. I was scared trust me. After seeing some people descend the rope and land in, my inner spirit told me if they could do it, what shows I can’t possibly do it! I, however, finally said yes to this challenge.

“The dawn will come but remind yourself of how strong you are and how far you have been able to carry yourself. Then you will learn that you are stronger than what you think you are.” – Neskine

A big hug to all my new readers and to the ever faithful day ones, thank you for always reading my post and sharing your thoughts in the Comment Section.

Love.

Akosua

xoxo 😘 😘

Images: Legon Botanical Gardens site and personal images.