Republic of Benin
7 of us decided to borrow the school van and drive to Benin. Sounds easy enough, but the experience is quite indescribable. We got our Visas, including a Visa for the car as well as lots of other paperwork. We hired a driver to take us who is from Benin so that he would know the way and then be able to see his family while we were there. We also were required to have to "Mo Po" security from the Embassy behind us on the Nigeria side of the border.
The border is the part that can't really be described. I think everyone but us was able to walk by or drive right by. We were stopped and told to pull over. This seemed normal to get our passports stamped, but we didn't realize that we would be there for 3 hours, being told that we basically needed to pay for all of our papers again. For example, since it was the cars "first time over" it needed extra papers. Our armed security was by us the entire time, wishing that we just had diplomatic plates so we could drive by the many people who had created jobs for themselves holding up sticks so we couldn't get by. Basically, the border experience was a one time thing for me that will make me think twice about road tripping it through West Africa again.
The resort that we finally made it to was beautiful. Check out the cool beach. It was safe feeling with good food and friendly people. It was a ways from the town so after being in the car so long already, we mainly just enjoyed the beach, the kayaking on the lagoon, mini golf, etc. So beautiful!
The way back went much smoother, although we did put a little dent into the back of the school van when our "Mo Po" ran into while taking care of an "incident". I'm glad that I did some more local activities for my last Spring Break in West Africa. I really enjoyed the experience. Check out the pictures of the drive and of the beach.
No comments:
Post a Comment