Letters from West Africa
Day 8. Pool
It evokes some frustration to suddenly find yourself by the paradise beach and not being able to dive in the light blue sea. I will bet, that every single resident here has packed a swimsuit, just to find out that even the most skilled swimmer would not step their feet into the raging sea. Luckily, there is a pool here, and it is just a zem ride away.
On the other edge of Grand Popo, is an extravagant 4-star hotel, Millenium Popo Beach Hotel. It is expensive even by the Finnish standards and just one night at the Millenium Popo Beach costs more than many local people here make in a month. The hotel has a fountain, a nightclub, an aquarium with sharks and of course, the pool. Maintaining an outside pool in this environment is a constant battle against nature. The sand from the beach travels with the wind and so do the leaves, insects and dirt. The heat from direct sunshine promotes the growth of algae, bacteria and other simple organisms and to prevent that the pool needs to be heavily chlorinated with strong filters and regular exchanges of water. The fresh water is precious here and so is the electricity. We pay for a day at the pool 5000 CFA (7.6 €).
The pool is empty. Only the members of the staff are circling it with the nets, fishing leaves and feathers from the surface of the water. Despite the challenges, the pool is maintained in perfect condition and so is the beautiful garden surrounding it, but the oasis of green grass and exotic flowers ends abruptly at the decorated walls of the hotel. Behind the walls, one can still catch glimpses of wooden shacks, dryness and dust. The whole set-up feels a little grotesque. Cheers, Anna Ps: One night in Millenium Popo is more than a local person makes in a mont not a year (edited 26.08.2024).
Green oasis.
The fountain was under maintenance.
Fresh water is precious in Grand Popo.
The pool.
The showers.
Some feet.