Cotonou, Benin is what I thought West Africa would be like. It’s hot and humid, a bit organized chaos, malaria territory, and steady electricity is a luxury. The people seem as happy as anywhere though.
Today, got a taxi to the big market, Dantokpa. I was going to walk around awhile and catch a ride or walk back to the hotel but my taxi driver didn’t have change for my West African 10,000 bill ($17.60 US)
So, I thought, how about we both walk through the market and then you give me a ride back to the hotel which is about three miles away. That’s what we did.
The market was full of everything new and used and edible. Didn’t take any photos because here you need to ask for permission.
Took two photos at the beach on the river and a guy came up and asked for money. My driver told him, “No, for what?” This was is French which is the common language here.
Of course I agreed that I wasn’t giving him money for taking a photo of a bridge and a river. Should have asked him for money for hassling us.
Afterwards, stopped for a late lunch and had rice, fish, and some stewed meat that the cook said was predi and agouti. I thought agoutis are rodents living in Central and South America.
Then, back to the hotel for the group tour meeting.
A votre sante.
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