Brief Stay in London

We landed at London Heathrow airport after a very easy 6.5 hour flight! Of course, I had to take a picture of an airport vending machine in the ladies room as one of my first examples of public health: condoms along with tic tacs and feminine hygiene products ranging in price from approximate $1.50 to  $4.50! 

We were fed well on the plane (a light snack of a drink and pretzels; then a very good dinner of tomatoes and mozarella, beef, gnocchi, haricot verts, a roll, and passion fruit custard; and a breakfast of coffee/tea, a snack bar, and a croissant). I occupied my flight time by watching movies and napping. 

Our dear friend picked us up from the airport and is kind enough to host us overnight at his lovely home. He even cooked us a delicious lunch of curry chicken, plantains, and rice. We are on our way to a Nigerian restaurant for dinner. Happy Thanksgiving! 

We head to Accra, Ghana tomorrow for my DePaul University "Global Learning Experience" collaborative work to begin with Dr. Richmond Aryeetey, Professor at the Univeristy of Ghana-Legon, School of Public Health. 

The Beautiful Side of Ghana

The Beautiful Side of Ghana 
 I love this video because it shows the modernity of Accra and Kumasi, the two largest cities in Ghana (and the music in the video is fantastic!). Wipe away your preconceived notions of what life is like on the African continent and embrace the beauty! Granted, this is a glossy view of these cities which does not take into account the grave poverty and public health issues that plague many Ghanaians.  I will share more of a balanced view as our trip progresses.

https://youtu.be/Dpnaw5j7Zks

2 Continents + 6 Countries + 8 Cities = A Trip of a Lifetime

To My Family, Friends, and Public Health Students: 

Welcome to my blog about my public health travels! My husband McCay and I are embarking on a trip to 2 continents (Africa and Europe), 6 countries (Ghana, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Switzerland, and England) and 8 cities (Accra, Ghana; Kumasi, Ghana; Lomé, Togo; Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire; Paris, France; Lyon, France; Geneva, Switzerland; and London, England) to see, learn, and teach. 

So many of you are just as excited as we are for this trip so I decided to create this blog to share pictures, thoughts, and adventures. Thanks for joining me on this trip!