Tough Day

This is a somewhat graphic blog retelling some of the horrors I learned of when visiting the preserved Slave Castles yesterday...if you are faint of heart don't read. <3

So today is Friday, the first of 3 free days we have been given from orientation ridiculousness. The original plan was for me, Elena, Megan and Becky to go to Kukum National Park, but we were informed that our whole group would be going there at the end of August and we have already paid for it...so we decided not to go.

Yesterday, was by far the toughest day we have faced in Ghana. The whole group of us (58!) went to Cape Coast to visit the Slave Castles there. It was one of the most emotionally draining experiences of my life. We first visited Cape Coast Castle. Our tour guide took us around, starting in what used to be the Male Slave Dungeons. It was so insane. Literally hundreds of men at a time were shoved into these small limestone rooms, only3 little openings to give any light at all. They were only allowed to leave and see sunlight for a few hours a day. Then we visited the female dungeons. This was terrible. These poor women were forced to stay in this underground hell where no wind or light reaches, unable to bathe, bleeding on themselves during their periods, no privacy whatsoever. The only opportunity they had to see the outside was when they were dragged out with only a loincloth around their waists, for the governor of the castle to decide which one he wanted to rape. That woman was allowed to bathe before she was violently assaulted.

The second castle was the Elmina Slave Castle. It is 525 years old and marks the first spot Europeans (Portugese) landed on African soil. Yeeesh. Anyway, the most gripping part of this tour was when we all crammed into the cell reserved for slaves who resisted capture, or rebelled against the Europeans in the dungeons. This cell was usually filled 30 at a time (it was big enough for 30 people with standing room only) the persons inside were not given any food or water, and there were no windows whatsoever to allow sun or air. These people were kept in there altogether until they all died. I almost vomited hearing this story.

After all of this we had a pretty somber bus ride home. I hate so much that these acts of hatred have created a world in which Africa is at the bottom of the world economically, many African Americans are living in poverty, and racism still exists in so many different forms. I hate that I am part of a system that guarantees I will benefit, because I am white, but guarantees that others who are not, won't. The stories about the women's exploitation were by far the worst. I don't understand that kind of greed and hate and violence. The whole time we were in both castles all I wanted to do was leave...but I knew that it was important that I stay and understand that this is a real part of the world's history, and a part of mine as well.

In some sort of bizarre coping method, I found myself missing stupid things that I won't get a chance to do for a long time. Like watching The Office. I miss burritos and pancakes and strawberries. I miss wearing jeans and feeling comfortable. I all of a sudden wanted to watch The American President so much. I haven't seen that movie in about 3 years. I think I miss things being easy...because things are pretty hard here sometimes. I know why I am here though. I want to be better than those who can hurt others the way African Slaves were. I want to educate people about ways they hurt each other without realizing. I am here to learn, and while it hurts a little I know I am getting stronger.

I hope this sad blog finds you well. I love you.