We had intended on staying much longer in Benin but when you’re on an adventure you’re susceptible to unexpected changes. After meeting England’s Ben Southall (who would later win “The Best Job in the World”) and my now Dutch partner, Kees in Ghana, we joined forces and headed south to South Africa at a much faster pace than we’d initially planned as a family.
Benin is a West African country which sits on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, touching Togo, Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso. I had been looking forward to getting to plunge into the country and especially explore Benin’s infamous voodoo culture.
One of the strangest things we saw were local boys collecting sand or broken shells from the ocean floor. They would duck under harsh waves, which practically broke their backs as they crashed down on them, to scoop the ocean floor into netted bags then proceed to drag them onto shore. One of many African mysteries.
We camped at the beach in Grand Popo and swam in the nearby hotels swiming pool. We stayed in a very unusual “hotel” with lots of beautiful wooden carvings for sale. Another strange happening was bottle feeding two adorable dik-diks (tiny deers) who were wandering around outside our room. Bottle just happened to be lying on the floor…
The lovely beach on the Atlantic ocean where we set up camp. Grand Popo
Checking out the water and waves. There was too much undertow so we came right back in. Grand Popo
Our group camp-out right at the beach. – Grand Popo
Hold your breath contest at the nearby hotels swimming pool. Grand Popo
It is such a great climate here and always half naked kids enjoying it.
Very colourful clothing and bold patterns. Grand Popo
Life in the small town.
There is always room for 4
The local gas station on the side of the road.
The motorcycle taxi stand. -Abomey
Abomey is a city in the Zou Department of Benin.
This is a regularly full bus. – Abomey
Abomey is the former capital of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey
Heading out of the city Abomey.
Railway tracks of old.
Entering into the city of Porto Novo
A great day to go to church.
This isn’t looking too good for the blue truck. – Porto Novo
We rented a room for the night here in Chez Monique “A La Lune” – Abomey
Well you have to wonder what this message is! Chez Monique “A La Lune” – Abomey
We couldn’t decide if they are playing or “I’m going to kill you” statue. Chez Monique “A La Lune” – Abomey
Savannah found a couple very cute babies to play with. Chez Monique “A La Lune” – Abomey
Love the colour of the ground – Abomey
It was only a short stay in Benin before moving onwards through Nigeria.
Stay tuned for more #FridayFotos. Next week is Bosnia
Savannah Grace
View more photos of Benin here.
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