Day 17 - Ghana: Sunshine, Culture & Coastal Stories


One of the loveliest things about travelling in this part of the world is the early morning sunrises. Every day, the sky seems to be painted anew — pinks, golds, and soft purples stretching across the horizon, warming the ocean long before the day truly begins.

This morning we docked in Sekondi–Takoradi, Ghana, at 8 a.m. With many tours leaving early, I decided to hit the gym first thing — and to my delight, I had the entire place to myself. Absolute bliss.



Afterwards, I treated myself to a relaxing breakfast with yet another gorgeous fresh veggie juice, then found a quiet moment to sit on our balcony with my book, catching up on messages and checking in with the kids. The sun was strong, and unfortunately I didn’t apply quite enough sunscreen… so my legs are now sporting a rather vibrant shade of red! Lesson learned.

Our tour wasn’t departing until lunchtime, so the slow start to the day was perfect. When it was time to head down, we boarded the bus together. Joe managed to snag a front-row seat next to a gentleman he’d met through the Shabbat service, which made him very happy.

Our journey took us out of the port and through town along the coastal road toward a traditional fishing harbour. We visited a local fish market, and although it was fascinating to see the fishermen at work and the rhythm of daily life, the smell was incredibly strong, and I have to admit I was relieved when we climbed back onto the bus!



Throughout the journey, our tour guides were excellent, teaching us phrases in the local language, sharing stories about Ghanaian culture, and encouraging us to ask as many questions as we wished. Their passion and pride for their country were truly inspiring.

Next, we visited a hotel for a cultural dance and music performance, complete with refreshments. The drumming, dancing, and energy were infectious — vibrant, rhythmic, and joyful. You could feel the heartbeat of Ghana in every movement.



We arrived back at the ship later in the afternoon. Joe took himself off to the sauna and jacuzzi, enjoying a couple of drinks and some much-earned relaxation, while I grabbed a coffee and caught up on messages we’d missed earlier in the day.

As Joe hadn’t eaten much during the excursion, we headed to Compass Rose for an early dinner, enjoying another beautifully prepared meal. Afterwards, Joe returned to the room to call Sam so he could listen to the boxing over the phone — a very modern father-son bonding moment!

I went to the theatre to enjoy a stunning performance by violinist Michael Bacala, accompanied beautifully by the Regent Band. He played an enchanting mix of traditional violin pieces and familiar classics like We Are the Champions, Danny Boy, and Hey Jude. His talent, warmth, and charm filled the room — a truly beautiful way to end the day.

Now, as we turn in for the night, we look forward to waking up in Lomé, Togo tomorrow — another country, another culture, another chapter of this extraordinary journey.

Daily Reflection:

Today I was reminded of how rich and alive the world is — in culture, in rhythm, and in the stories of everyday people.
Travel is a privilege, and each new place opens my heart a little more.

Highlight of the Day:
✨ The Ghanaian cultural performance — vibrant drumming, colourful dance, and the joyful energy of a country proud of its heritage.


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