Georgie’s Detty December Recap
As we reflect on the whirlwind of experiences that made up our Detty December 2022, it’s hard to believe just how much joy we managed to pack into those few short African weeks. As we do every December, Chid and I embarked on a journey to Ghana and Liberia to renew our minds, bodies, and spirits.
Our excitement was palpable as we touched down in Accra, Ghana, just in time for the much-anticipated AfroNation festival. The energy at the festival was absolutely electric, with a lineup that featured the biggest names in Afrobeats and beyond — from Asake to Meek Mill. We danced the night away, surrounded by thousands of festival-goers who shared our love for the vibrant sounds of our West African culture.
When we weren’t at AfroNation, Chid and I found solace at the beautiful Labadi Beach Hotel. Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel was the ideal setting for our African Christmas celebration. We exchanged stories and laughter with our friends in Accra (errbody was there), fellow guests and hotel staff, feeling the warmth and love that characterizes the holiday season.
Christmas at Labadi Beach Hotel was a truly magical experience. The entire property transformed into a festive wonderland, and we enjoyed a delicious Christmas feast that featured an incredible array of Ghanaian and international dishes. The sound of live Ghanaian gospel music filled the air, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting to celebrate this special time of the year.
After one final Liberty & Justice photo shoot at Labadi Beach to end off the year, we said our goodbyes to Ghana and embarked on the next leg of our adventure: Liberia. This part of the visit always holds special meaning for us, particularly because of Chid’s Liberian heritage. Each year we visit his villages of Robertsport and Tallah — where Chid’s grandparents were born and his mother was reared before moving to Monrovia. Tallah is such a special place. It was initially a settlement for “recaptives” — Africans who had been captured and trafficked but freed by the British and American Navies before they completed the Middle Passage. Most of the recaptives came from the Congo basin and spoke languages from this area so they became known in Liberia as “Congo People” — no matter their actual origin. Chid’s recaptive ancestors, for instance, were actually from Nigeria. Since the recaptives couldn’t speak Vai — the mother tongue of Chid’s grandma and mom — and they also couldn’t speak English like the repatriated Americans in Robertsport (or like the Libertys — the other side of Chid’s family who had settled in Edina from Southampton, Virginia), Tallah was set up as a home for these recaptives.
Upon arriving in Liberia, we headed straight for the coastal town of Robertsport. Renowned for its pristine beaches and world-class surf, Robertsport is Africa’s best kept secret. We checked in at Nana’s Lodge, a charming eco-friendly beachfront retreat owned by Chid’s cousin Musa.
The breathtaking beauty of Robertsport provided the perfect backdrop for us to welcome the New Year. We spent our days soaking up the sun on the gorgeous beaches and exploring the lush surroundings, taking the time to reconnect with nature and each other. As evening approached on New Year’s Eve, we joined fellow guests and locals at Nana’s Lodge for a memorable beachside celebration.
The countdown to the New Year was a magical affair, complete with bonfires, fireworks, and the rhythmic beats DJ Rami. As the clock struck midnight, Chid and I, surrounded by new friends and old, raised our glasses to toast the arrival of 2023. The excitement and joy in the air were palpable, a testament to the warmth and hospitality that has come to define our Liberia.
As we look back on our unforgettable Detty December adventure, we are filled with gratitude for the experiences, connections, and memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
XOXO
Georgie (& Chid)
