Kakum

After a long long ride through many towns and villages we arrived at Kakum National Rain Forest. Men and women began hawking at the windows with bracelets, necklaces, water, palm juice, and other goods. We passed through the main gate and parked the bus. As we stepped off the humid air of the rain forest covered my skin. I instantly felt sticky. To the admissions desk and the bathroom we went before our long hike up the mountain began. Over the rocks we hiked up and over stairs made of carefully placed rocks. Sweat began to drip down my forehead. The beads continued down my face onto my neck and chest. After finally reaching the top we came upon a line of people. In large groups, maybe 10 or so, we were sent up to this large wooden building set above very high high stairs. Once we climbed up those stairs the rope bridges began.

We sat in this wooden enclosure and waited for directions to go onto the bridges. One after the other the four of us made our way onto the bridges. My feet shook beneath me and the bridge swayed back and forth. I tried not to look down but the sight of the rain forest below me was spectacular. Across one, I made it. "Six more to go" chuckled a guide. I took a deep sigh and continued on. The bridges became shakier and shakier as we made our way to the end. After we crossed the seventh rope bridge we followed the signs to the exit. To the bottom we finally came and loaded the bus. Off to El Mina Slave Castle we went.