August 3

                Today we are attending an Ewe festival. We were given minimal instructions on what to expect and I’m still not completely sure of what is going on. When we arrived, we were told we were walking in the chief’s processional. After much deliberation about where to go, we were taken a few blocks away and joined an enormous parade. The chiefs were being carried on high floats and the street was packed with dancers and drummers. Every few minutes the drummers would put down and start a new piece, so it took hours to travel a few blocks. People were constantly grabbing us to dance and taking our pictures.

                When we finally arrived at the event grounds, there was more deliberation about where we should go. One man thought we should be confined to the foreigners’ section, but Kwasi insisted we sit with him in the chief’s tent. We sat in the shade of the tent and tried to listen to the speeches, but it was very hot and we did not understand anything of what was being said.

                Sitting behind us is the War chief of the Gbanne Clan, advisor to the Paramount chief in matters of war. He sta on an elaborate arm chair with his feet on a golden rifle. He wore orange Kente cloth and a black velvet hat with golden moon and stars, and many gold bracelets.  He is surrounded by attendents, including a woman to fan him and another to bring water for his guests.

                When it became obvious that we were uncomfortable with the heat and the Ewe speeches, Torgbe Kwasi Adzimah himself rose and motioned for us to follow him. He invited us to his home where he gave us beer, red , and banku with goat soup. He gave us a warm welcome and a short speech about life, and asked us to refer him to our parents. He said to live simply and let others build us up. The he returned to the festival, and we sat as his table drinking and talking about matters of little importance from home.

                Despite the heat and the monotony of the speeches, I am sorry that we missed the rest of the festival. Although the procession was a great experience, I have a feeling that we left before the real show got started. I don’t even know what the festival was for! Someone said that  it had to do with the pineapple harvest, but I really didn’t see enough of the proceedings to piece anything together.