-
April 8, 2026 – Dakar, Senegal
The Beat of Dakar My twenty eight day trip of West Africa ends today. But, before I catch a ride at 5 PM for the airport I decide to go to the Museum of Black Civilizations and the Artisan Market. I’m staying on tiny Ngor Island just off the north coast of the peninsula occupied…
-
March 19, 2026 – Kpalime, Togo
Drove from Lome to Kpalime, Togo today. Went up the highest peak in Togo, Agou, 968 meters high by our little bus and walking. It was cooler at the top than down in Kpalime where we’re staying. Met the chief of a village on Agou. He offered us some strong gin that I’m sure could…
-
March 17, 2026 – Lome, Togo
Drove to Togo today, spending three hours trying to cross the border between Benin and Togo. Most of the time was spent sitting around, waiting. After the crossing, went to Togoville which is across a big shallow lake. Pope John Paul II visited Togoville in 1985 to bless a bone of St Mary which is…
-
March 16, 2026 – Ouidah, Benin
West Africa was a source of many slaves to the Americas. In Ouideh, Benin a complex is being built to memorialize and tell the sad story of becoming a slave. Slaves were branded like cattle, stored in a dungeon until a ship was ready and then packed onto the ship for a three month trip…
-
March 15, 2026 – Ouidah, Benin
The last two days in Benin have been busy visiting villages and sites. Interesting places.
-
March 14, 2026 – Cotonou, Benin
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…
-
March 13, 2026 – Cotonou, Benin
Flew to Cotonou, Benin yesterday for a small group tour that starts this evening. West Africa is going to be interesting. A votre sante (To your health).
-
February 14, 2026 – Huntsville, AL
I’m interested in learning how to build structures and improve my carpentry skills. So, I searched for “building classes near me” and found that North Alabama Homebuilding Academy was offering a residential construction course. One stipulation for the class is that the student should go into the homebuilding industry. After talking to one of the…
-
Jan 26, 2026 – Monte Sano Mtn, Huntsville, AL
A little snow, finally, and temps below 20F (-7C). Good for a walk in the woods but when isn’t it.
Mike's Site 