Morocco Highlights
SAS Ghana: Malata Market Return
During my three days in Accra, every morning I passed through Malata Market. This market became a second home as I attended culinary school during my year abroad, and over time I learned the intricacies of the pathways and the African market system. As the year progressed, the sellers I visited most often came to become my closest friends.
I was a bit worried that they may have forgotten me during my time away, but as soon as I arrived to the market’s entrance, the kontomire sellers yelled my Ghanaian name and greeted me with an, “Eiii Kwadwo!” Most asked where I had been, many asked if I was now married, and several remarked (as a compliment) that I had gotten fat. Following are my favorite photos from my time in the market.
On my last day in Accra, I printed several 4×6 photos from two years ago and gave copies to the women in the photos.
I left the market stocked with gifts: several bracelets, the above yellow apron, many mangos, at least ten pounds of papayas, and a lifetime’s supply of agushi (watermelon seeds). Malata Market has soul, and epitomizes the differences between large retail stores/supermarkets and a community shopping experience. For this I say that Malata will always be my home.
Mauritius: Port Louis
Tropical paradise, cruise-ship hub, and once home to the now extinct dodo bird. With only one day in Mauritius and a 70{3a5a0fd47fd42b6497167aecc6170a94848f1ba936db07c4954344fcfff1d528} chance of rain, my plans of what to do there were unclear.During breakfast the skies were fairly clear so Celeste, Allie, and I made plans to hike Le Pouce mountain near Port Louis. But after going through the debarkation and security line, I was shocked to see that the weather had turned into a vicious storm. We huddled under a tent for several minutes before venturing out with backpacks covered and no umbrellas. Instantly drenched, we bundled into the first taxi we saw. It ended up being $25 for about a half mile ride. Nothing like providing the local economy a stimulus package, eh?
We arrived to the waterfront as the weather continued to worsen. We scouted out a gelateria with WiFi, and I decided to suffer through a bowl in exchange for the WiFi password. The things I do for internet…
The ‘spaghetti gelato’ was scooped and then put through a gelato press. I’m not sure if the shape had any effect on the flavor, but it did seem extremely silky and was loads of fun to eat.
After our snack, we relaxed while waiting for the rain to abate. After over an hour with no let-up, we decided to just take our chances and brave the outside. We headed to Port Louis market to spend the afternoon.
What I loved about Port Louis market was the design. The first floor was a traditional local market with vegetables, fruits, and meats while the second floor was full of souvenirs. I stood on the staircase watching people interact in the market for only about 15 minutes, but could’ve spent hours there.
The below man tried to sell the same bunch of herbs to every passerby. Every attempt of his failed.
I found it slightly ironic that nearly every souvenir seemed to commemorate the extinction of the dodo bird. Nonetheless, I am coming home with one of the following carvings.
Just as we were leaving, the weather began clearing up. But regardless of the weather, Mauritius provided an important break and I was glad to be on land – even if just to eat gelato.
