3 Mois au Benin

I’ve been in Cotonou, Benin for 3 months now, and want to share with you some impressions of this country. Benin was a former French colony, and is considered to be the most stable country in West Africa. It is definitely more developed than Liberia. The roads are in much better conditions, goods and supplies are much more readily available. The traffic, however, is insane. The main mode of public transportation in the cities is motorcycles/mopeds called zemidjahns. There are estimated 80,000 zemis in Cotonou alone. Not only is the air heavily polluted, these zemis drivers are aggressive. They would pass on the left, on the right, on the pavement, on the wrong side of the road. As long as there’s an opening, they’ll take it. I much rather deal with potholes in Liberia than the zemis here, because potholes don’t move!

I had the chance to go on a few trips around the country. Click on each location to see more pictures.

Ganvie – a village built on stilts in the middle of a shallow lake. I have mixed feelings about visiting this place. It is interesting to see a completely different way of life, but I feel we’re invading their community. Boatloads of yovos (white people) going up to the front of their houses, taking pictures like they are animals in a zoo. I think it can be done with more sensitivity and respect.



Ouidah – a former slave port, point of no return for many Africans. I find it ironic there’s a chapel in the slave fort. How can the slave traders have peace with God in their hearts? There are also many voodoo statues in the town and along the roads.



Nikki – a friend and I attended the annual festival of Nikki, which honours the King of Nikki and features horses of Benin and neighbouring Nigeria. It was a stunning visual smorgasbord of colour. Never being someone who cares much about clothes, I was completely absorbed by the amazing display of costumes, make-up, jewelleries, and colours of the different tribes. It was a fascinating experience, much worth the equally unforgettable journey to and from Nikki. 6 hours of cheesy African music videos and soap operas in a partially air conditioned bus, followed by 2 1/2 hours of bumpy ride in a dilapidated 5 seat sedan with 10 of my newest friends. Granted there were a few kids there, but still, 4 adults in the front row. I was just glad I wasn’t the guy who has to straddle the stick shift. The car’s transmission isn’t the smoothest, especially going from 3rd to 4th. I cringe everytime I see the driver forcing the stick into 4th, his hand inches (probably less than an inch) from my neighbour’s most sensitive part. Aiya! The amazing pictures were all taken by my professional photographer friend.



Possotome – A quaint village on the shore of a beautiful lake, it is also the site of several natural springs and a water bottling plant of the same name. Reminds me a little of Evian on Lac Geneve. I took a boat tour on the lake and learnt how to cast fishing net. That was a fun time.

Rite of Passage

2 weeks ago, I began to develop flu-like symptoms. 2 days later, to my horror, I discovered red spots all over my body. I had chickenpox. For the next 2 weeks, I was in isolation. I was in a very nice guest cabin, with 4 big windows overlooking the harbour. I spent a lot of time with God, reading the Bible, praying, listening to sermons. It was a sweet time of fellowship. I also enjoyed watching the cargo ships coming in and out of the port, and did some sudoku. It was an unexpected but much needed 2 weeks of spiritual revival, my one and only Polka Dot Spiritual Retreat.

Happy 3rd Birthday to Me

This past Thursday marked my 3rd year as a Christian. I never thought I would become a Christian, and I am amazed at what God has done with my life thus far. I am excited at what God has in store for me in the future.