Inside Ghana's Bustling Art, Music and Fashion Scene

What I remember most about my arriving in Accra, was the sound of warmth. I know that sounds weird, but hear me out. I had been traveling for over fourteen hours between delays and layovers and honestly the last thing I wanted to do was deal with extreme heat. But to my pleasant surprise I was met with the beats of traditional drums; and every airport employee greeting groups of tourist and locals alike with “welcome home.” I never felt more home in my life. The city was bustling with people, taxis (trying to overcharge tourists, but I wasn’t having it), and street vendors selling immediate necessities like Fango Frozen Yogurt and bottled water.

Like a true New Yorker, I navigated the busy streets with my two full-sized suitcases and backpack in tow. The energy and warmth in the airport spilled out into the streets as a handful of people offered to help me with my things while I tried to find a taxi. An older woman stuck her hand out to stop a taxi and negotiate pricing in her native tongue on my behalf. After she was finally able to get me and all my belongings into a taxi, she closed the car door, waited until I was all snuggled in, and said “see you later, little sister.” I was finally home.