After a fantastic 2 week holiday in Ireland it was time for us to head back to Ghana and to warmer rain. When I say “rain” I actually mean floods from the heavens. Sunday week ago, we left Accra on the bikes dry and in positive spirit. Little did we know, an hour into the trip it started lashing down on us. Now, I have tried to describe the condition of the roads before. Although there are good stretches of road with tarmac, they are often not in a good condition. In some cases there are only small strips of tarmac left, the rest has been washed away by the rain. Reversed potholes as I also like to call them. Roads are generally full of potholes of various sizes and without tarmac and when it is dry, roads are very dusty and uneven. Now imagine these dirt tracks turning into a muddy, deceitful surface within minutes of rain. Everything looks the same, you have no idea how deep a pothole is and worse… your helmet starts fogging up and even if it didn’t, there is that much rain you can’t really see where you’re going anyways. Well and then there is that unpleasant moment of realisation that your previously waterproof gear is no longer waterproof *eek* Within half an hour we were soaking wet to the bones. In summary: It was the most fun ride both Rory and I have enjoyed so far!! J Sounds weird, I know. I was less nervous riding in these conditions than I normally tend to be. Maybe because I couldn’t see what’s ahead of me and hence not over think how to tackle it. Rory is considering to invest into a GoPro camera for the big trip next year. Wish we would have had it already and I was now able to present you a video or snaps of our Sunday ride.
I had stupidly left a load of precious gadgets such as 2 external hard drives, 2 iPhones, a charger and an iPod in my backpack. Needless to say they all got wet. So for about a week I have been dreading to find out how much money has gone out the window. Astonishingly only the charger has packed it and possibly my old iPhone 3 as well. Luck is with the stupid after all :)
Upon arrival in New Abirem we had to move out of Purple Rocks which has been our home for one year. Can you believe it has been one year (!) since I’ve left SAP and Ireland? The move was long awaited by Rory and myself. We now live on site in an area called “Camp A” that has finally been completed. Once the mine goes operational, the camp will accommodate permanent expert mining staff I believe. There are different blocks and thanks to Rory we got a room in Block L with a view onto a lake and surrounding bush land. We do get a few smiles from fellow colleagues calling it “lake view” because the “lake” is actually man made and part of the mine infrastructure. Not exactly drinking water and not a place where you’d like to go for a swim if you know what I mean but hey, it’s nice to look at :)
Anyway, although we now no longer have a swimming pool at our doorstep, life should be a bit more comfortable at camp A. For one, we are spared the twice daily 10-15 min trip through the village which has a staggering 28 speed bumps of different sizes and measures. That along with all the potholes did take the last bit of goodness out of me at the end of a long day at work. Also, I can now make my own way to work which is a 8 minute walk across the construction site. It gives me at least 30 min extra in bed every morning. It can also turn into a small workout depending on the weather. You'd be surprised how heavy boots get with mud stuck to them.
At camp A there is a real nice canteen/restaurant and bar/chill out area with couches and also there is a massive, well equipped gym. The rooms feel more spacious although they are not meant to accommodate couples. Once internet in the rooms is working and we have sorted our belongings and cleared the room of clutter I will share pictures of the interior. The only downside having moved to camp A for me personally, we are not allowed to bring the bikes, which means they have to be parked in another camp off site. Although I’d much rather have an eye on my Suzi I have no choice in the matter. They should be safe in the other camp though. A guy working for Newmont has had his bike there for ages and even built a little sunroof for his and security watching the place. Enough ranting.
Good luck to the Summit Seekers, namely Sarah, Laura and Sinead who are currently in Tanzania climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of Concern. The ladies managed to raise close to 18000 EUR. Wowza! All the best girls!!!
Ciao for now
