Jan 29, Lome Togo
After 5 days at sea we have reached Africa, the first visit for both of us. Arriving first at Capetown would have been more impressive, but here was a chance to see West Africa.
There was drumming and dancing to greet us as we came down the gangplank to find our tour buses. They were energetic and festive and brightly colored.
We chose the half-day tour because we had to get off the boat, and walking around "downtown" on our own didn't seem like a real good choice. The tour made 3 stops, the first was the Fetish Market. Fortunately for you, I can't post the smell of less than fresh animal parts that were for sale. Lots of skulls and pelts and feathers were available to fill your "prescription" from your spiritual consultant. Since we weren't suffering from anything they could cure, we just took some pictures. Lots of little kids were around.
It was a long drive to our next stop, and elementary school. The street scenes were interesting. Only the main road was paved, almost all of the side streets were dirt, and very dusty.
Everybody carried loads on their head.
Furniture shops (and everything else) were just spots along the road.
This is the way you load your van.
We stopped at an elementary school just before they were dismissed for lunch -- they go home for about 3 hours during the heat of the day, then come back for several hours in the late afternoon. Everything was pretty minimal, but the children sang songs in their classroom and were quite willing to have their picture taken.
About a 1/4 mile further down the road we visited the local King and his family. There was drumming and singing and a procession of the royal family. Most of the kids were back from the morning session of the school and were sitting among the 250 or so tourists watching the event.
It's good to be the king.
After 5 days at sea we have reached Africa, the first visit for both of us. Arriving first at Capetown would have been more impressive, but here was a chance to see West Africa.
There was drumming and dancing to greet us as we came down the gangplank to find our tour buses. They were energetic and festive and brightly colored.
We chose the half-day tour because we had to get off the boat, and walking around "downtown" on our own didn't seem like a real good choice. The tour made 3 stops, the first was the Fetish Market. Fortunately for you, I can't post the smell of less than fresh animal parts that were for sale. Lots of skulls and pelts and feathers were available to fill your "prescription" from your spiritual consultant. Since we weren't suffering from anything they could cure, we just took some pictures. Lots of little kids were around.
It was a long drive to our next stop, and elementary school. The street scenes were interesting. Only the main road was paved, almost all of the side streets were dirt, and very dusty.
Everybody carried loads on their head.
Furniture shops (and everything else) were just spots along the road.
This is the way you load your van.
We stopped at an elementary school just before they were dismissed for lunch -- they go home for about 3 hours during the heat of the day, then come back for several hours in the late afternoon. Everything was pretty minimal, but the children sang songs in their classroom and were quite willing to have their picture taken.
About a 1/4 mile further down the road we visited the local King and his family. There was drumming and singing and a procession of the royal family. Most of the kids were back from the morning session of the school and were sitting among the 250 or so tourists watching the event.
It's good to be the king.
Final street scene on the way back to the ship. Front view on the left, back view on the right. A very contented traveler.
3 comments:
Pictures of the kids are amazing.
thanks....i took the feet & baby in a back sling, and the one i like to call "beads", D took the little face in the concrete block which i think is awesome.
after i took the little one in beads, i showed her the picture and she got the biggest grin and her mother laughed and clapped her hands! Wish i could get a copy to her. c
What great photos especially of the kids. Really enjoying your blog, makes me feel I'm aboard the ship. Great photo of you on CC at pin ceremony with Capt. Flokos, everyone's favorite Capt. You look very happy! Francie
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