Ashley, Erin, and I decided to enjoy Ghana’s coastline last Friday and trek to the nearest/cleanest beach, Labadie. After our second trotro, the three of us hesitantly walked forward towards a lime green building. From where I was standing, the ocean wasn’t visible and there was no one in sight. I followed my comrades with confidence, and eventually the glistening shoreline appeared in the distance.

We headed onward, paid a 5 cedi admittance and were funneled out to a large dirt lot. There were two women in different uniforms waiting there. Their faces lit up when they saw us. The one wearing a white shirt ran towards us and led us through an alley between two buildings.

We made it.

The beach was about 100 yards away, and we were seconds from absorbing massive amounts of vitamin D. Or so we thought.

Immediately, a swarm of hawkers, waiters, and miscellaneous uniformed Ghanaians surrounded us. We were overwhelmed, to say the least. Erin claimed our spot in the sand while Ashley and I scavenged for a margarita. That was a lost cause, so we settled for a dry cider.

Finally, we three obronis were able to relax in the warm sand. The sun was welcoming and the breeze was refreshing.

Life was good. In fact, life was too good.

My sweet slumber was rudely interrupted by an eager wave. The ocean water rushed over my feet and up to the middle of my shins. We quickly jumped up and drew our towels. We felt like clowns. People were staring, and we were dancing around the water like a bunch of monkeys. Unfortunately for us, that was only the opening act.

Ashley, Erin, and I migrated inland to a safe area on the sand far from the water. That adrenaline rush was marginally exhausting, so we were more than willing to resume our sunbathing. We sprawled across the sand and relaxed under the mid-July African sun. There were fewer hawkers, and, fortunately for Erin, fewer horses.

The nearest restaurant had a live band playing soft reggae. The lax melody and the crashing waves put me to sleep faster than a dose of Nyquil. I caught some well-earned Zs, while my skin turned to a nice crisp. I wasn’t complaining.

Then, before too long, a bigger wave crashed over my entire body and dispersed my belongings along the shore.

We left for home, and once we got there, Erin and I decided to get cornrows. It was an interesting and fun day. Another reminder that Ghana is full of surprises.