Well - we have returned from a week of vacation at the beach in the Western region. The beaches out West are the best we have seen in Ghana. We spent three nights at the Busua Beach Resort and one night at the beach in Axim. The beaches are relatively flat and good for kids because there is not a strong current like on the beaches closer to Accra. M got sand in every orifice and H had her first dip in the sea - at least her feet. We were supposed to stay until Friday - but on the Sunday morning before we left - we gave H mefloquine (as malaria prophylaxis) and go figure - it has the same effect on her that it has on her Mom - can't sleep. After three sleepless nights - she finally calmed down, but M must have missed the nightly screaming - so she took a turn. We had to come home early to get some sleep.

We visited a lighthouse at the Southernmost point of Ghana(see photo) - called Cape three points and climbed a dicey staircase to get to the top. The activity was not sanctioned by the child protection board - that's for sure. Steep ladder staircases and no real safety rail at the top. M did a great job climbing up - but was none too happy about coming down. H did a great job riding up in the baby bjorn - and rubbed her feet on the ladder and stairs all the way down - always trying to help. Safety in Ghana is always something more akin to danger.

We came back and found the rest of the Christmas boxes had finally arrived. One of the pouches took a detour to Dar es Salaam - but things now seem to be here - whew in the St. Nick of time.

Next step - the Christmas Eve party - then Christmas Day - watch this space.