Haiku My Heart: Blessings

In just a few short years, the Ghana Paragliding Festival has become an integral part of the annual Easter celebrations in Ghana. Easter is one of the most popular holidays in many regions throughout the country, attracting both Ghanaians and foreigners alike for more than 3 days of spectacular aerial fun, ceremony and music

The history of the festival goes back to March 2003 when the then Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the capital city Accra, Mr. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey visited the Kwahu Ridge in the Eastern region as part of his familiarization tour of the country, and by chance crossed paths with the festival’s organizer, Walter Neser. The first Ghana Paragliding Festival, in 2005, was launched by the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama, then Ghana’s Vice President.

Tandem paraglider pilots gather from around the world to fly local Ghanaian spectators and foreign visitors. The festival is open to solo pilots as well; and boasts consistent flying conditions that begin around mid morning and remain soarable until late in the day. The thermals are consistently large and mild and offer a fantastic opportunity for both newer pilots to gain valuable experience and airtime as well as for seasoned pilots who want to enjoy hours of “stress free” flying.

There are many reasons to attend the Annual Ghana Paragliding Festival, as either a participating tandem pilot, a solo pilot or a non-flying guest, chief being the sheer magic and exhilaration of it. An experience that one would otherwise never have access to.

The Festival brings together the international flying community, by providing a well-organized opportunity to visit Africa. It can be a challenge to travel in Africa; especially flying sites, which are usually off of the beaten tourist paths. But the superb organization of the festival makes it fun and easy for tandem and solo pilots to show-up and enjoy a fully catered trip; complete with arranged hotel accommodation, transportation, meals and cultural immersion via local day trips. Some pilots also coordinate their itineraries to stay longer, beyond the festival dates, in order to travel together and experience more of the beauty that Ghana has to offer.

The festival strengthens the local economy by creating opportunities for local business proprietors, like taxi drivers, hotel owners, food vendors and souvenir sellers, to earn much-needed income. For more on this kindly visit here. So lovely friends, do you think you could make it next year? The beauty of it too is that it would be a fine opportunity for us to meet finally! (all images courtesy of http://www.ghanaparagliding.com

Haiku Horizons: Empty

21 Monday Apr 2014

Posted by readinpleasure in Challenges, Haiku, Poetry

≈ 32 Comments

Tags

Easter, Faith, Jesus Christ, Resurrection

Done for Haiku Horizons.

Dear friends, I trust you had a lovely Easter as I did. Over here, today Monday is a day of picnics all over to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

Empty

power of faith and

beauty of resurrection

is the empty tomb

(21/04/14)

I appreciate your patience with me as I catch up on your blogs. Thanks a million! Shalom

Haiku My Heart: Raindrops

11 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by readinpleasure in Carpe Diem, Challenges, Haiku, Haiku My Heart, Poetry

≈ 72 Comments

Tags

Easter, Melody, Nature, raindrops, season

Done for Recuerda Mi Corazon and also for Carpe Diem prompt, Raindrops. Easter approaches; the rains are letting on over here and these haiku are in honour!