Hi y'all. So here it is, the picture blog that I promised a few months ago back when I was using an internet café next to a dirt road in Ouidah. I miss the place a lot, but I haven't missed being eaten alive by mosquitos while trying to post blogs. So now, from the comfort of my kitchen at home, I present the place that I can't seem to get off my mind, thousands of miles away.
This was the view outside my apartment every. single. morning.
What can't you fit on a moto is the real question?
Observe the River Ouidah. Just kidding, this is the road on the way to the orphanage. Sometimes I felt like an Oregon Trail player trying to decide whether I should ford the river or just cross it with my oxen.
We all know about the Port du Non Retour, but here is the Port du Retour, created to welcome immigrants back to Africa.
Meet Paul. He's a stud =D
And a bit of a goof ball.
Here is a line halfway through laundry day for fifty kids. Notice it is raining.
Two of my 6 awesome roommates, Alice of England and Rob the Texan.
Sometimes I took shortcuts through beautiful fields.
And sometimes I ran into voodoo offerings while doing so.
Does anyone remember the scene in Poisonwood Bible with Nathan and planting in hills instead of flat ground? I had a super Kingsolver geek out moment when I saw that you really do plant in hills here.
I can't even take credit for this adorable picture. One of the kids at the orphanage caught this one of Matthieu and Milvene sweeping and I absolutely love it.
A low literacy rate contributes to some really awesome graphic art outside of shops to advertise their services. Here, men can get their hair cut and buy minutes for their cell phones at the same time!
Does this place sell signs? Nope. Welcome to driving school.
Need to fill your moto? Welcome to a Beninoise gas station!
Texas Rob and Mami Brownie, the coolest lady in the world. Future Humanity Exchange volunteers, you are in for a treat to get to work with her!
The largest seminary in Benin.
The tomb of Cardinal Bernardin Gratin, called Papa Noir by locals and hailed as "one of the holiest men in Africa".
After a Mass in Fonn at the seminary with Christian, my incredible French teacher.
My colleague and friend at CIAMO teaching a theory lesson at CIAMO Découverte
Hahahaha, Christian imitating my British roommate, Alice.
Sometimes when I took shortcuts, I ran into cows.
"Here, drink my homemade whiskey. It's good for your stomach."= one of the most popular sentiments I hear in all my summer travels.
More cows.
All the roommates, plus Brownie in the middle, Christian next to Brownie, and Beatrice on my other side. Only missing is Lisa!
Brownie! I miss her and her Sunday lunches like crazy!
Sometimes Sim and I ate lollipops.
My favorite place! Marché Kpassé!
I never missed a single market day!
One day I sat on my balcony and just took pictures of people coming and going from the marché. I felt like a mega-stalker, but it was so much fun!
I love these two following series!
How to wrap your baby:
Do you need a new toilet?
I tried to eat roasted peanuts at a ball game since returning home, and I couldn't do it because they pale in comparison to the boiled ones from Ouidah.
The bananas....almost as good as the oranges.
Some clouds promising rain on my way to the orphanage.
How to pee holding a live chicken.
Nap time at the orphanage. This was a really fun day. I got down on the floor with some of the older kids too and we ate boiled peanuts together while basking in the sun waiting for the little guys to wake up.
More hills.
Bein' goobers in Benin.
For the honor and glory.
