Finally in Africa (Accra, Ghana)

Arrived in Accra just before seven pm and had already arranged the first couple of nights accommodation in case I arrived late.   Immigration was easy and quick which is always nice after a long day of flying.  It was the first time I have had fingerprint scan and face scan.  The Accra Airport is pretty basic but I do remember being pleasantly surprised by the air-conditioning in the immigration hall. 

My driver was waiting for me but we did have to wait another half hour for another person that never showed.  The ride in from the airport took about 20 minutes and the city was shockingly quiet.  As it turns out it often takes up to 1-½ hours to get to the hotel but I arrived on Easter and most of the city was shut down. 

Afia Beach Hotel ($85 a night)  -guidebook from 2010 listed it as starting at $65…oh, how things have changed.  The Ghanaian Cedi has devalued over the past couple years and there has been an oil shortage both of which have increased prices throughout the country. The rooms are self-contained bungalows along the beach and quite fancy for this backpaker.  All have en suite, ac, fan, TV (nothing but CNN worth watching), a fridge and a good breakfast included.  They also have a lovely veranda with table and chairs. 

I discovered the beachfront sitting area on second day.  Wow, could spend hours if not days chilling down there.  It is situated just below the bungalows right on the beach.  You can even feel the spray of the ocean while you sip your drink.  They serve meals and drinks down at the beach front and a couple days later I would do just that. 

There is a nice slightly overpriced restaurant and bar as well.  I am traveling in the very off-season for this area but still quite a few people there.  Seems to be the return spot of quite a few business people and non-profit employees on their first few days in country.

Afia Beach Hotel is centrally located within walking distance of Independent Circle (in next post), Makola Market (in next post) and a number of banks in including (Barclays).

Off to Ghana (Accra, Ghana)

Flew from Denver to Accra, Ghana today.  I have been in the United Frequent Flyer Program been for years.  You can redeem your points online with ease.  If you are doing a long trip and and have flexibility in you departure you might be able to score a Business Class seat for only 60,000 points.  An average Economy ticket is 45,000.  Very few days in the month with super-saver miles but luckily even with changing ticket by five days I was still able to fly Business Class for only 60,000 points (would normally have been 140,000 I do believe). 

Have to say I was nervous about traveling Africa alone but an excited, good nervous.  I figure it is better to give it a go than not to try at all.  Even if I spent the entire time more or less traveling alone it’s still better than not going at all.

Must say that I have developed a bit of ‘Econophobia’ (term well, coined by my friend John Discala of Johnny Jet.com).  Econophobia is the fear of flying economy class.  I was lucky enough to be bumped to business class for my flight from Dulles to Brussels in January too.  Oh, what will I do when I have to go back to economy? 

Lufthansa Business Class is quite nice.  Seats fully lay down and they start you off with champagne before ever taking off.  I totally blame business class for the fact that I stayed at a nice, beachfront hotel the first five days in Africa.  

Almost forgot since I am writing this two weeks later that my second flight was a bumpy SOB.  I am a chilled our flyer and I actually thought the plane was going to flip over.  I wasn't freaking out because I figured I was flying from Frankfurt to Accra, Ghana in Business class sipping on champagne and if it was my time them I couldn't ask for a better set up to my demise.  Am I right or what.  

That last flight was a mid rush up until about 5 minutes to touchdown.  Still love you Lufthansa.