Ibrahim

The first time we visited the beach there was only one beached ship. This one was supposed to tow it back to the water but met the same fate when the waves and current proved too strong. It was there for over a year, long after strong winds destroyed these beach umbrellas.

Ghana has many nice beaches, too. We spent spring break at a place called Golden Beach Resort in Busua, about 45 minutes drive from the bustling town of Takoradi. Both the beach and resort were nice and clean. There are three swimming pools where our kids spent most of their time, while the guys had fun with the surf. The rooms are spacious, and food was so-so. But you can also eat at nearby resorts and inns for variety.

This is a familiar sight in Nigeria, women using their wraps to carry their babies around. In pidgin English, they would say “I will back the baby.”

I love going to the beach, because I also get to buy some handicrafts to bring back home as presents. Nigerian artisans and vendors are very resourceful; they know oyibos (foreigners) like to hang out at the beach on weekends, so they go from beach hut to beach to sell. The things you can buy include batik (tablecloth, bags, aprons) in bright colors and bold patterns. Some have animals, but most of us prefer geometric and floral patterns.

Living in Lagos inspired me to finally take up beading as a hobby. The best ones, I think, come from Ghana, where powdered glass and melted glass beads are made. But you can go to any beach or to Lekki market in Lagos to find Westerrn African beads for sale — antique or modern “trading beads” like chevron beads, bronze beads, corals, and more.

We spent Good Friday driving up to Murree and enjoying this terrific view of the Himalayas while having chicken tikka pizza for lunch at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Burban.