Escovitch fish under an African starry sky...

20 mei 2019 - Cotonou, Benin

As soon as we departed Brussels everything went smoothly. We arrived in Cotonou after 8pm local time. After a long day the opening of the cabin doors felt like heaven....the warm humid air welcomed us and even though the contrast with the temperature inside the airplane was great it was a sweet sensation. As the evening air serenaded us we waited on our shuttle which would take us to the arrival hall. I always say every nation has it's own distinct scent and Benin is no different. The smell is one of a warm familiarity mixed with an authentic sweetness....The first people we meet are very friendly and helpful, they are very willing to share good advise about the mosquitos :) can't say I'm looking forward to meeting those dreaded creatures. Outside the airport we are welcomed by a team of AMCES (A local NGO who works closely with the Belgian NGO MEMISA) employees who will take us to the first house and tomorrow to Nikki ( in the north east of the country). Since we came bearing gifts for the hospital we were let's say....heavily loaded. 3x 64 kg of luggage that's quite a lot to fit in one vehicle. Luckily the driver had a large truck and out of this world loading skills! It fit perfectly with not an inch to spare. It was getting rather late but our chaperones offered to stop at a local restaurant so we could grab a meal. My ever hungry belly gladly agreed :p

The place we stopped at was a local restaurant/bar on a busy square. There were scooters everywhere and tons of youngsters selling a variety of items by the road sides. From Kleenex, Cd's to Plantain chips, you name it they have it. Looking around you could see people going about their daily business, those tired of a days work just lay down on the spot to sleep....on the side of the road, on a bench, in front of a shop! The place is very much alive and there's a slight buzz in the air. Music is playing everywhere and it reminds me of Jamaica where we always play music and the place is always lively.

Once inside the restaurant we are greeted and welcomed. We decided to have fish and chicken with local vegetables as our guides described it to us. Boy was I in for a treat....when the food came it was like home coming...escovitch fish! This is a Jamaican specialty which I simply could eat every day....the taste was identical...on point yumm. Didn't stop to think I would be eating a Jamaican dish on my first night...I guess there's no denying our ancestry. We all enjoyed the food and headed to the guest house for a good night's sleep. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with A.C. and.....and......Wi-Fi !!!!Haha I'm so spoiled....what's life without Wi-Fi right?? After an African bath (catch water in a basin type of bath) it's time for bed because tomorrow we have a 7 hour car ride ahead of us where it all will really start....looking outside at the stars and the moon I can't help but think of my coworkers in the delivery room as the moon seems pretty full and midwives know what that means. 

Maybe it's me but the stars look extra bright tonight....sweet dreams xxx

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1 Reactie

  1. Evi:
    20 mei 2019
    Leuk dat je aan ons denkt als je een volle maan ziet!