Letters from West Africa
Day 41. Camping
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Those of you I know from Finland, probably know that I’m an enthusiastic outdoors person. This has become even more pronounced in the warm and tropical environment of Grand Popo and on most days I only visit my accommodation for sleep or work. Most of my wake-up time is spent lollygagging at the beach so it’s only natural to wonder if there is a need to visit the room at all.
Tonight, I am going to a beach party on the other side of Grand Popo. The party will go on until the late hours of the night and some of us have rented a tent to stay the whole night on the beach. My Beninese friend tells stories of turtles crawling out from the sea at night and I feel a little worried, will the thin fabric of the tent be enough to stop them?
We meet on the beach after sunset and the party starts with light chatting followed by coconut drinks where the natural coconut water has been spiced up with a hint of rum. We eat our bellies full of akassa patties with cheese and goat kebabs. After a few drinks more the neon lights are turned on and a huge boombox appears from the thin air. The party is about to start. We spend hours dancing in a variety of formations and when we form a circle, each of us takes turns at the center to show off our moves.
The night goes fast and by the time our legs are about to give up and my head is spinning, we gather around the bonfire to sing and discuss some serious and not-so-serious topics. Some of us fall asleep next to the bonfire, on the sand underneath the stars. I manage to make it to the tent only to wake up at early dawn by the songs of the fishermen. The fishermen are already hard at work and they need to pull their net past the camping site.
It’s time to collect our tents and head for breakfast. Cheers, Anna PS. Turns out the turtles were not too interested in joining our camping after all. I didn’t see a single one during the night. PPS. If you are featured on the video and would like to keep your privacy please let me know.
The venue.
What is life without coco?
Picture by Jaakko T..
Dinner at the camping site.
Picture by Jaakko T..
There is no party without djembe.
Picture by Stéphane A..
Bonfire. Picture by Jaakko T..
Neon.
Breakfast at a nearby hotel.
Picture by Jaakko T..
Second breakfast.