comings & goings

It's been a while and it's going to be a while. Gone is the cyber in Kétou. I can no longer update my blog (been right on top of that haven't I), send an e-mail, check Red Sox scores (the horror) or otherwise interact with the outside world even once a week. The closest internet connection is now in Pobé about 40 miles, 1 hour (over one of the worst major roads in the country) and 800 francs (1/3 days pay) one way. I may go to it occasionally but I suspect I will just try to use a cyber whenever I travel. I travel infrequently, normally at least.

Another thing going is me. I am currently in the midst of a travelling spree. There was a week in Porto-Novo recently for Camp GLOW. Camp GLOW is a Peace Corps program to help build confidence and study skills in young girls and help them realize other options for their lives than those normally available in Bénin. On the way home from Porto-Novo there were stays in Adja-Oueré (more on that later) and Pobé for a night each. These towns were on my way home so didn’t involve much extra travel actually just time away from Kétou. After less than 2 weeks at home I am now in Bohicon for the PC Olympics (not a PC sponsored event regardless of the name). After the games is a party with a glam rock theme (I’m early Elton John). This is actually the COS (close of service) party for several volunteers about to leave. In a similar vein the night at Adja-Oueré was a party celebrating one year in Bénin for the group of volunteers I arrived with. Not everybody was there (though all were there in spirit, including the 6 who have left) it was still a very good party. With 2 days in Kétou (for laundry?), and another night in Pobé, it’s off to Grand Popo for PSN training. PSN is the peer support network, it is a group of volunteers who offer their time and services to assist other volunteers cope with the stresses of life here. When training is finished I will be going to Azové for Bénins Independence Day August 1st and to visit my host family again. With 2 days free before that I will be visiting another volunteer or two somewhere along the way. I then return to Kétou on August 2nd but leave again for the yam pilé (it’s food) festival in Savalou on the 15th.

As I mentioned one group of volunteers are in the process of finishing their service. Another group is on the way, arriving July 21st. Due to the closing of the Chad program Bénin is getting a record number of volunteers this year, 60. It will be interesting to see where they all get posted to eventually of course but even more interesting to see myself in them when they first arrive in the country. The scary part is that now I, and the others in my group, are the experienced ones here that the new arrivals will be looking to for assistance and direction. As I know what I’m doing.

In other happenings the rainy season is about to end here in Kétou meaning that the really hot weather is coming. I have also started doing the work I was trained for and told to expect to take up much of my time (teaching business and money management skills to small business owners and entrepreneurs). It does give me something to do (as well as a reason to stay finally) but I am still not very busy (did you see my travel schedule?).

Finally, my postmate, Steve, is leaving at the end of August. I believe I’ve mentioned earlier that Steve lives in Kétou as a TEFL (English) teacher at the public school. He arrived about a year before me and has helped me immensely in learning many things and adapting to life here. From telling me where to find good food and the price of taxis to explaining various cultural unknowns his help and experience have been instrumental in my being able to function and even survive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him, and the others like him, for all that they have given to myself, my fellow volunteers and Bénin and wish him, and them, the very best in whatever they choose to do next.

I’ll update again when I can. Don’t know when, don’t know where, don’t know how. Life’s just an adventure, isn’t it?