I have been bargaining with the curvy grandmother wrapped in colorful fabric, each piece different from the one beneath it, for half an hour. Little children run around me as I huddle close to the small booth that took me close to an hour to find after randomly discovering it the day before. All around me people are haggling for everything from handmade sandals to plantains to hubcaps.

This massive maze of small wooden shacks divided by paper-thin walls and designated by a confusing numbering system is the largest market in West Africa. Centrally located in the capital of the Ashanti nation and easily accessible, just about anyone could get lost for hours here.

After finally coming to what I hope is a reasonable price for two yards (1.8 m) of beautiful brown fabric with printed butterflies, I wander down the narrow lane as contrasting smells of delicious foods and open sewers weave through the determined crowds. It’s difficult to tell one stand from the next, but the locals seem to know their differences.

The high-pitched sounds of the local language are an unshakable rhythm that is constantly playing in the background of every movement. Shaded from the intense sun by the makeshift wooden overhangs nailed together at uneven angles, I make my way through the various vendors as I pretend not to notice the calls of “Obruni!,” the locals’ reference to the not-so-common Caucasian person in their midst.

Somehow I manage to see an opening in the labyrinth and I shield my eyes as I step up onto the street and back into the hustle and bustle of the big city traffic, leaving the consumer madness behind me with the promise of returning another day.

Where am I?

Send your answer to goworld@goworldpublishing.com. All readers correctly identifying this location will be entered in a drawing to receive a newly released travel book.

Founded in 1891 in an effort to preserve Swedish culture, Skansen open-air museum is home to some 150 historical buildings from all over the world.

Answer to the May 2005 “Where in the World” Contest

Last month’s mystery destination was Skansen, an open-air museum located on the island of Djurgården, a royal park near the center of Stockholm, Sweden. The park is popular with visitors and locals alike. It’s a great place to spend the day, learning about Swedish culture and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

Congratulations to Libuse of the Czech Repulic, this month’s winner. Thanks to all who wrote in with their guesses!