The botanical gardens

While the University of Ghana has an area designated as botanical gardens I have not visited them. One Sunday, Veena and I set off to see them, but when we got close we lost our way and asked for directions. The security guard we asked said "Don't go there. You'll get robbed." We weren't sure if he was being an alarmist or overprotective, but we agreed we would feel very stupid if we continued on our way and did get robbed. So we altered our course and continued our walk around safer parts of the campus.

On Friday, Ralf drove us out through the botanical gardens and there is not much to see. Mostly, it seems to be empty forest and field, with a few plots of crops used as test grounds for the departments of soil or crop sciences.

However, as part of our tour of the countryside northeast of the campus, Ralf took us to a real botanical garden.

Entry to the Botanical Garden did provide a cultural lesson. At the gate stood a sign with clearly marked entry fees. For adults, the options were Ghanaian, non-Ghanaian, and student. Ralf argued that he was Ghanaian, as he lived here full time, had for many years, and was married to a Ghanaian. He also argued that Veena was a student, in that she was at the University doing research (though she has neither a student nor faculty card). And while he couldn't think of an argument for my getting in at a lower rate, he felt I caved too quickly when I finally offered to pay the going rate (which amounted to about $3.50). Driving through the gate he noted that most of the money was going to end up in the attendant's pocket anyway, so prices really were negotiable.

Though small, and a bit run down, it was charming and offered some nice sights. Ralf thinks it would be an excellent place for a yoga, meditation, and chi gong retreat. And we agree. While work would have to be done (and perhaps bribes paid), it even has a small hotel, two dining rooms and an outdoor bar with a lovely view.

Here is a coconut tree growing up through the roots of another tree.

 

Many trees, including this one, are covered with another plant (I don't think it is a parasite). In Canada, people used to sell a bit of this crazy glued to some drift wood; it was called an air plant, and you just had to mist it occasionally.

Oddly, in the middle of things is the wreck of a helicopter.