In our first trip with the entire NYU group, we loaded a tour bus at 6:15 AM and headed a few hours west of Accra to the region known as Cape Coast. Its chief attraction is Elmina Slave Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482. The first slave trading cite in all of Sub-Saharan Africa, Elmina is quite an eerie place. Perhaps the most poignant moment of our tour was the dramatized "door of no return" where after crawling through hole after hole, cell after cell, we reached a narrow slit in the exterior wall, leading out to the ocean. Watching the beautiful waves crash against the shore, cannons still standing guard, I tried to comprehend the devastation that took place. Millions lost their lives in that ocean. It is hard to imagine, and the awareness of how many refuse to reflect on it is particularly disturbing. Heading back to our bonfire/dance party was odd, but the ocean breeze, brilliant moon, and serenity were welcome and soothing. Today at Cape Coast Castle, dancing was the perfect companion to an adorable encounter with a few children on the beach.
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