a fishing boat in the harbour of Elmina
Elmina
As it is too late to enter the Elmina castle now, we take a stroll into town in the late afternoon. Lots of activity, even on a Sunday. The boat builders, for instance, continue, putting the hulls together of several impressive fishing boats. Others are drying fish, on large metal-and-wood racks, creating a nauseating mixed smell of burned wood and fish. This must be an enormous industry, given the amount of racks, the wood and the large sacks that obviously have been filled already.
a green house, obviously old
turns out to be 1934
window for airing some cloths
the boat builders’ efforts
these are quite big, handmade boats
drying platforms for fish
various types have been separated
and in some cases prepared, too
more platforms, and a woman sorting through the fish
the flurry of activity, fishing boats arriving home after three days
lots of people receiving the men, and the catch
“he, he, give me money!!”
the fish containers, not all in use today
In the harbour the boats have just come in: there is frantic activity to offload the fish, some of which have been onboard for three days, packed with huge blocks of ice. Women and men walk on and off, carrying large round metal containers on their heads, full of fish of different type and size. I cannot work out if the fish is bought by traders directly from the boats, or whether this is just bringing home the catch. Every attempt to conversation quickly ends in demands for payment if I want to take pictures, something I already have given up on. Nevertheless, it is a colourful scene, and even without photos a great experience.
boats have original names
fun on the beach, playing football
and fun in the water, Sunday afternoon
A little further the non-fishing part of the community is having fun at the beach. Youngsters jump up and down and in and out of the surf, slightly older men busy themselves playing football – it is still uncomfortably hot, for me, at least, yet that doesn’t deter them. It is actually good fun, here, good atmosphere.
Next: the castle in Elmina
and here none of the fuss about photos, on the contrary
Colourful scenes!
Fish is very very important here but it must be difficult to keep it fresh in that heat!!!!