Finding our Oasis - UniBreak in Ghana Week 3

After a challenging week at our respective placements, there was nothing better than the prospect of a beach-side oasis all weekend long.

Many of us travelled to Cape Coast on Thursday evening to wine and dine by candlelight listening to the waves crash upon the shore from a tropical hut. Romantic as it sounds, the candlelight was solely because Oasis hotel had lost power which meant even the kitchen staff had to work by candlelight. Not that it mattered, we had escaped the hustle and bustle of our towns and had arrived at a place that seemed a little closer to home.

In full swing, we set off for some monkey business the next morning. Run by a Dutch couple, the Monkey Sanctuary felt like we were on tour with George of the jungle (or is this case it was Dennis). We saw monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, frogs, antelope, a relative of the elephant that looked remarkably like a badger and a number of cat family creatures, all of whom 'spoke Dutch'. The couple adopts, raises, protects and releases a number of animals and hope to have a bar and accommodation ready in full swing in a few years.

If eating breakfast whilst being surrounded by a number of hungry crocodiles sounds like your every day routine, you must be a regular at Hans Cottage. Reuniting with all the Unibreak antips, we enjoyed a meal together before the 13 Australians and two adopted Australians (one New Zealander and one German) returned to Cape Coast for a quick shop before heading to Green Turtle Lodge.

I'm not going to pretend I know much about cars but one thing I do know a little about is suspension, or in Ghana's case, the tro tro's complete lack of suspension caused by the continual assault of the poor roads in Ghana. The road to Green Turtle Lodge was the worst yet. After a drive reminiscent of a washing machine cycle (sweat and all), Green Turtle Lodge's white sand, palm trees, bar and western style meals went down a treat. At last, we had absolutely no plans for the next day.

Countless swims in the ocean, walks along the beach, reading books in the hammocks, playing a good game of pool and enjoying some good company was all that filled the weekend. Run by an English chap, Green Turtle Lodge brings that little feeling of home back while taking advantage of the beautiful white sandy beach front in Ghana.

We reluctantly left on Sunday morning, walking along the beach to the fishing village where we could catch a tro tro to Takoradi and then home to Swedru (and the surrounds). Even FuFu (the owner's dog) was sad we were leaving, accompanying us all the way to the tro tro door. Compared to our Volta transport weekend, the weekend could only be deemed a wild success.

Today we're taking the plunge for our last weekend together and travelling the long road to the North. We're planning to visit Mole National Park and go on safari! Wish us luck, I can hear the Lion King soundtrack starting already...

Are you interested volunteering in Ghana? Antipodeans Abroad offer programs in Ghana for both gap year and university aged students. To find out more go to www.antipodeans.com.au.