Cotonou

19 FEBRUARY 2023

My last day in Benin and possibly in West Africa for a while.

I decided to visit the huge sprawling market of Dantokpa in the morning. This old established market place sells everything. Food produce is set out in baskets and crates on the ground including a whole area set aside for cassavas and onions. There are areas of plastics, metal parts, fabrics and dried produce ie, rice, maize, semolina, seeds. Its a feast for the eyes, a buzz of noise and spread into every space available. I loved just walking round taking in the atmosphere. I bought two fabric pieces from Togo for the family.

Back in the more gentrified part of town, I visited the statue of independence which pays homage to the women who fought in the independence struggle. The huge statue of an Amazonian fighter stands tall and bold. Next to the statue is the presidential palace. All around this area are ministerial office buildings and hotels. The beach area is impeccably clean and empty.

I decided to visit the Novotel to see an exhibition there and to join the weekend expat crowd for pool side snacks and drinks. Its another world; mainly a young male European crowd sitting around the pool enjoying beers and large plates of food. It was a pleasant change to be in the cool breeze and peace of the setting.

In the early hours of the morning, I walked to the airport to prepare to return to the NL via Casablanca curtesy of Air Maroc.

I have mixed feelings about leaving Benin, West Africa and the journey so far.

I have loved the freedom, the culture richness, the challenges and opportunities to learn, the people that I've met, the way things have started to make sense with regard to country's cultures, traditions and histories, the chance to design each day, the opportunity to slow down and take life at a different pace, the growing sense of being in the flow of life....

I am looking forward to having time to process the trip so far, see friends and family, revisit my country and home of residence, stay in a place for a longer time period, cook food for myself and others, see how I feel about returning to West Africa to continue the rest of the journey, consider some future work options, see what now emerges due to these experiences and different perspectives of West Africa....

I have definitely appreciated wholeheartedly, the kindness, generosity and humanity of all the people I have met from whatever background and heritage. I am for ever grateful for the insights and knowledge they have shared with me, helping me to see more of the truth about their countries and lives. Meeting people in the way I do is such a privilege and helps us learn so much about each other. How different the world would be if everyone had opportunities like this..