The Door of No Return in Ouidah
The Door of No Return in Ouidah. Slaves walked from the forts in Ouidah to the beach. This shrine, a doorway carved with the images of slaves in chains, and abstract metal statues on each side, marks the passage way to the slaveships.
Coutonou to Parakou
On our ride north, from the city of Coutonou to Parakou, we passed many villages. This one is typical -- mud huts and thatched roofs. The greatest need in Benin is potable water. From this photo, you can see why.
Le Majestic Hotel in Parakou
Gaye poses with the staff outside Le Majestic Hotel in Parakou. As you see in this photo and others that follow, Gaye's gray hair was a rarity. She was often greeted with "Chauveux gris! Jolie!!" Not sure of the spelling here, but it means, "Gray hair! Pretty!!" We didn't see anyone with gray hair. Perhaps this is due to the life expectancy age of 52.
The largest marketplace in West Africa
We visited the marketplace -- the largest market in all of West Africa. The stalls are tiny and crammed with goods. The print fabric isusually worn by the Beninese. The woman's outfit is quite typical of everyday wear. Here the Embassy Coordinator of Self-Help Programs, Haoua Riley, teaches Gaye the skill of bargaining (a must in Benin!).
Gaye collects sand from the beach
It is possible that her ancestors walked here. The moment was spiritual and intense.
Ambassador Bridgewater @ Cashew Project
Also on the ride, we visited many projects supported by USAID. Here Ambassador Bridgewater, my "home girl," visits a cashew project. Roadside stalls are being built for the storage, preparation, and sale of cashews. Jobs will be provided for many women in the area.
King Abomey
We were received by the King of Abomey in his courtyard. We were greeted by his drummers and singers.
Interior of the Market
This is the interior of the market. The aisles between booths are tiny. The market is so large, we hired the man in the forefront to guide us to various goods. Women often carry bundles on their heads. Sometimes several items are stacked high and usually no hands are used, but because the aisles are so narrow hands are needed.
Temple of Pythons
We visited the Temple of the Pythons. Pythons are sacred. Inside the Temple, Suzanne held one in this fashion, while another 40 or so pythons were on the floor, at our feet.
Ambassador Bridgewater / Books
Ambassador Bridgewater views the books she presented to the University in Parakou from USAID. These are mainly reference books and American classics translated into French, e.g., How to Use the Computer, and Richard Wright.
Ambassador Bridgewater & Gaye Dancing
Ambassador Bridgewater and Gaye, wrapped in beautiful cloths, dance with the women as they chant to the drums. For Gaye, this was the highlight of the trip: to dance in Africa with her sisters.