Bonjour from Benin!

Benin is a small country in West Africa, right next to Nigeria. It is known for being the birthplace of voodoo, as well as a major slave port. This is also where Phoebe and Jeff are carrying out their Peace Corps service. Currently, we are living in luxury at the Hotel Du Lac in Contonou. They have air conditioning, flush toilets, television, swimming pool, and best of all...hot water! Cotonou, which means mouth of the river of death in Fon, the local language, is Benin`s largest city. I have had fun zipping around on the back of zemi-johns (motorcycle taxis), eating near the muddy water, and seeing the Malick Sidibe photography exhibit at the superb Foundation Zinsou  Otherwise, I haven`t been feeling my best so sightseeing has been difficult. I spent a few days at Jeff and Phoebe`s home in Huegbo, meeting the local Fon people. I was proposed marriage to by their landlady`s 3 year-old son, Ornell. I think he was wooed by my blonde hair and pink camera. We also visited Abomey, which was the seat of the bloody Dahomey Kingdom. The Dahomey sold their conquered peoples into slavery in exchange for weapons.  A highlight of Abomey was seeing the King Ghezo`s throne, which is mounted on the skulls of his enemies.

Tomorrow I will be heading to the airport in Accra via Togo. Then off to London, and finally New York!

Love,

Susie