It could not have been possible for travel to have gone any smoother. Well, except for perhaps first class, as let's be honest who can possibly get any sleep sitting up straight in a middle seat in coach. But really, no flight delays, smooth transitions through airports, and upon arrival in Togo no problems through customs. With all the possible hiccups expected with traveling these days, I am very thankful.
Seeing the Sahara for the first time took my breath away, as God's creation tends to do.
We arrived to Togo very late and very exhausted. I say we because another missionary traveled the same journey with me starting from Chicago and we hadn't realized nor seen each other until we both paused at the Togocel booth at the airport to buy SIM cards for our cell phones. Customs was such a breeze, honestly probably because we were the absolute last two to pass through (thanks to our stop at the Togocel booth) and everyone just wanted to shut down for the night. When we finally arrived at our place of rest for the night, it didn't take any discussion, we were in agreement for skipping dinner to instead get some sleep.
So when I woke up the next morning, I was quite shocked to realize this was looking out the door of my room. I had heard the waves the night before but hadn't been able to see anything. Unfortunately, did not have time to stick my feet in the Gulf of Guinea
I was quite amused by the driving. First, so many motos! The roads are almost all motorcycles, here in the city and even throughout the country as we made our way north. Second, there are no lines painted on the roads. It's a free-for-all, they know it's a free-for-all, and they don't even attempt to create order. I'll be honest I like this kind of driving. It feels like a dance where the traffic sways and flows in time.
Interestingly, one of the residents at the hospital is from Cameroon and he mentioned that he was impressed with Togolese drivers, because they will actually stop at a red light, whereas in Cameroon, no one stops. So I guess everything in degrees. (more about the residents later).
This picture I think well demonstrates the effect of the Harmattans. This time of year the winds from the Sahara blow sand into the air that blots out the sun. The air is so dry. Drier than I was expecting. And as temps will get down to 70s at night, it is considered cool. It is very common to see individuals out and about with stocking caps on, even in the middle of the day when it's back up to high 90s.
Here in Mango there is minimal vegetation in the form of trees. The ground is all red dust. No one attempts to stay clean, as it's not possible. Between the Harmattans and the red dust my quota for non-nutritious consumption has drastically skyrocketed.
Much Love.
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