Erik
and I devoted this week to seeing my village and the surrounding
areas – this included experiencing the frustrating life of a peace
corps volunteer (where work plans are currently being postponed,
shuffled around, or just plain canceled).. He experienced the
disappointment of watching a school garden die because the water pump
is broken, the strange excitement of children (and adults) as they
constantly shout at the foreigner walking by, and he got to meet lots
of my friends both Host Country Nationals and Peace Corps.
Early
in the week we went to Ouando where he got to experience the sites
and sounds of a large West African market. We went tissu shopping
(and he even bought some fabric from my regular tissu lady).. I
showed him lots of different foods.. we walked through the animal
section (which is super depressing but necessary to see)... I know
from experience that the market can be really overwhelming the first
time you see it, so I am hoping that if we go again next week he will
be able to take more in..
On
Monday we made a point to see Porto Novo's Botanical Gardens.. I had
not been here before, but now that I have seen it I highly recommend
going. Just as a note! ** The gardens are in fact not open on Monday.
Some random guy who may or may not have been associated with the
gardens in anyway let us in... and it was really great.. but I can't
promise this would happen for everyone. The gardens house what is
left of Porto Novo's Sacred Forest and is also the home to a very
curious and friendly family of small monkeys (we think they are Mona
Monkeys)
Between
rain (and failed attempts to bring him with me to do actual work) we
went over to Songhai so that Erik could take a tour of Songhai while
I had my local language lesson... due to this being West Africa.. the
tour didn't start until well after my class was over so I joined him
(the tour was only 500cfa a person – not bad) the tour guide was
really great. Although I am obviously a little over-dosed on
Songhai.. I think that Erik really enjoyed the tour.
We
have visited a lot of my neighborhood friends – and even made some
new ones. Erik really enjoyed hanging out with my Supervisor, where
we ate Igname Frites and helped feed his rabbits. We had a really
great time at my landlords house one afternoon talking with their
family, taking pictures and he even got some free reflexology from
one of their friends (no that isn't normal).. And of course he has
gotten to know my tailor, local bread lady, and bar and cafeteria
owners.
As
far as food is concerned we have done a lot of eating in because..
that is what I am used to doing.. but I have made a point for him to
get to taste as much local fair as possible. We went to two
restaurants in Porto Novo that are popular with Peace Corps
Volunteers. Java Promo is a nice restaurant located near The National
Assembly (and the gardens) and Erik tried Igname Pile (with Peanut
Sauce) a Benin specialty found more frequently in the North. We
enjoyed vegetarian chwarma at a restaurant near Ouando called
Esperence Maquis (1500cfa for a chwarma plus soda). Erik enjoyed his
meal here so much we even went back a second time. At Songhai we
stopped for drinks and sampled locally made soy milk and my personal
favorite baobab juice and snacked on (another personal favorite)
Voandzu from the Bean lady across the street. We have had all sorts
of beignets and fried foods.. Erik now understands my ridiculous
addiction to bissap (a popular hibiscus drink). He has sampled
sodabe... enjoyed a Peace Corps style taco feast.. tried most of the
local beers.. and has eaten spaghetti omelets at my neighboring cafe.
I
can't believe how fast his visit here is passing by.
Next
week we are going to try to make a few day trips to see more of Benin.
Lots
of Love
Z
Answers for April "C'est quoi ça?" post are now available HERE (at the bottom of the post).. and Erik will be bringing home a tub of All Natural Shea Butter for fcrum!!! - - Thank You Everyone for participating <3
Thanks for the update! You both look wonderful!
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