There is a line for the computer so I must make this quick:
It is impossible to describe Benin thus far since I have been enclosed in the 'learning compound' the last few days. I start my homestay with a Beninese family in 2 days, and I anticipate the real cultural exchange will start then. Pictures have been hard to come by, but I assure you that there will be posts within the next few weeks with more info and perhaps some delicous cultural tidbits.
Highlight of yesterday - ice cream! That's right, Cotonou (a.k.a. the industrial juggernaut) is the pround owner of at least one ice creamery. My next goal is to find an American Chinese restaurant, but I am not raising my hopes.
Cultural observation of the day - the Beninese love to greet people! In America I walk by EVERYONE without even looking up, but here bonjours and bonsoirs and ca vas are thrown about like nobodies business.
Moosebird out.
That is delightful! Does it look like any where you been before? What are you eating?
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you, Mat,t and look forward to following your adventure. Can't wait to see photos! You'd better start preparing for the lecture circuit right now!
ReplyDeleteYou should see if you can start a high-fiving epidemic to go along with all of those greetings.
ReplyDelete"Bonjour!" *CRACK!*
Glad to hear you arrived safely. Take pictures and copious notes. I look forward to hearing more.
Glad to hear you are there! Can't wait to see the pictures. Do they have the daily Jumble in French?
ReplyDeleteMatt, you can try to hide it if you want but I can tell you are in a state of pure joy now that you've escaped rotten America.
ReplyDeleteIn American sporting news, the Yabba Dabba Doos have picked up one new hitter and one new pitcher, gratis.
Wade Davis has been replaced by ChiSox Gavin Floyd (5-8), who in his last 8 starts has 46 Ks in 55.33 innings with a 1.30 ERA.
Ironically, this move came the same day Davis improved to 7-9 after pitching 8 innings and giving up only one run against the O's.
On a sadder note, the almighty Chipper JONES was replaced by Aramis Ramirez. This is a bit of a slap in the face to heroes everywhere and a crime against humanity, but the Yabba offense needed to find a sparkplug somewhere. Ramirez may be back on the roids, it appears, with 6 HRs since July 6.
btw A. Ram. hit 3 Hrs today.
ReplyDeleteOK, Mr. Moosebird. We are ready for another episode!
ReplyDeleteCe va! So glad you located the ice cream. Very important in any adventure. Phil is dragging me all over Canada trying to help us forget how long you're going to be gone. It isn't working so keep those cards and letters coming. Mom
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're immersing yourself in the local culture. TCBY in Benin -- that is impressive. All family members miss your smoothies and subtle humor. How do you say "Go Bananas" in French? Go for it! Dad
Good luck on your foreign-cuisine-in-a-foreign-land ventures. During my short tenure in Tanzania, I did run into a few American Chinese food restaurants in the respective industrial juggernaut. Hopefully, Western Africa has a similar stance on good foods.
ReplyDeletewe miss you. looking forward to a new post.
ReplyDelete