If you want a more personal way than on-safari to experience Africa, artist Ellie Schimelman may have just what you're looking for in Ghana. Ellie has had a long association with, and strong interest in, the Ghanaian culture and expresses deep concerns about negative stereotypes that both Africans and Americans share. Through her company, ABA Tours (honoring the tradition of naming children according to the day of the week on which they were born; in Ghana, Ellie is called ABA since she was born on a Thursday), small groups are asked to cast off all previous misconceptions and see for themselves what the "real" Africa is like. This they achieve by using public transportation instead of tour buses, living in rural villages, and dining with locals on regional food. As the tours focus on the art and culture of Ghana, participants have the opportunity to learn from, and work with, weavers, potters, basket makers and bead makers. Ellie stresses that one doesn't have to be a master craftsman to take part in one of her tours and hopes to aid in global unity by igniting each individual's creative spirit. --- Back

- reprinted with permission of The Educated Traveler