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I walked the cobblestone streets of Ancient Rome and visited the iconic Colosseum—an awe-inspiring, historic site. I’d always dreamed of Rome and felt deeply grateful to finally experience it.
As a citizen of the U.S.—often seen as a modern empire—I reflected on Rome’s legacy. I also visited Vatican City, the smallest independent state, nestled inside Rome. The modern energy of Rome and the ancient atmosphere of its streets—walked for centuries—were truly impressive. It all left me with a profound sense of connection across time.
Standing in the heart of Vatican City, surrounded by the energy of the international crowd, was a powerful moment. Taking in the ancient Colosseum, alongside the modern city, made for an unforgettable experience—one I’ll always cherish.
What feels like chaos to me is just daily life here. Cars honk and hurtle past, doing thirty-five, maybe fifty miles an hour. Minivans are packed beyond capacity, bodies pressed together as they squeeze through gaps in the traffic. The heat and smell must be intense inside. Outside, the streets are alive- cars, minivans, motorcycles, pedestrians- all weaving around one another in a restless, impoverished dance. The sun lays over everything like a hot blanket.
Men and women balance goods on their heads as they walk, selling as they go. The noise- honking, engines, voices-never stops. Children work alongside adults. Even the vulnerable are out in it, all moving under giant billboards that stare down at the highway .
We pass the Airport View Hotel sign, where traffic locks up for blocks, inching toward Medina Mall. There is no escaping the equatorial heat; it rises from the asphalt, radiates from the engines, presses in from the sky. This is my beloved Accra, Ghana-crowed, scorching, relentless- truly like nowhere else in the world.
The trip unfolded mostly without incident, but the heavy traffic and aggressive drivers made for a tense atmosphere. The constant honking echoed, amplifying the frustration that hung in the air like a thick cloud.
As we drove about 20 miles, we suddenly encountered dense fog. My brother initially mistook it for smoke from the car in front, but I recognized it instantly-it reminded me of the fog I’d experienced in Cairo, Egypt, just a week prior. Unbeknownst to us this fog would only intensify, leading to a precarious situation.
The road was a narrow two-lane stretch, flanked by houses that loomed ominously close, leaving little room to maneuver. Visibility dwindled, and soon all we could see were the faint outlines of taillights and headlights in front of us. The further we drove the more the fog enveloped us, creating an eerie sensation of isolation.
After a cautious descent down a steep hill into town-where it felt as though we were dropping into an abyss-we made the decision to find a hotel for the night. The thick fog was no longer just a nuisance; it had transformed our journey into a cautious trek toward safety.
The warm buzz of Accra Mall enveloped me as I rolled through its lively corridors. Children laughed freely, couples strolled arm in arm, and vendors offered sweet aroma’s of local treats. As I paused, I realized: every smile, every step, every moment was a reflection of life’s simple joys.
Follow for more of my journey.
