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Step 1: Disassemble plans. They hadn’t really meant anything, anyway. Don’t be silly.

I left Athiémé as early as possible Friday morning to arrive on time to apply for a visa for Ghana. I made it to Cotonou by noon, and happened to find a volunteer-friend (she volunteered to be my friend) at the office. She gave me two critical pieces of information because she is a good volunteer: 1) that I needed my passport to have the visa stamped in, but because I am kinda stupid, my passport was still in Athiémé, and 2) that Ghana was on holiday, so the embassy wasn’t even open.

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Cotonou

Erika Kraus
2007-01-23 13:19:52

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Step 1: Disassemble plans. They hadn’t really meant anything, anyway. Don’t be silly.

I left Athiémé as early as possible Friday morning to arrive on time to apply for a visa for Ghana. I made it to Cotonou by noon, and happened to find a volunteer-friend (she volunteered to be my friend) at the office. She gave me two critical pieces of information because she is a good volunteer: 1) that I needed my passport to have the visa stamped in, but because I am kinda stupid, my passport was still in Athiémé, and 2) that Ghana was on holiday, so the embassy wasn’t even open.

Step 2: Eat good food that differs from the usual good food.

Instead of getting frustrated, I got lunch. I like to economize my time.

Step 3: Hang out with Americans.

I traveled with two other volunteers to Pobé for a health volunteer’s AIDS celebration the following day. She worked very hard and pulled off a wonderful celebration/information session. I discovered that I am not the only person who survives all the headaches involved in organizing a ceremony.

Step 4: Release weeks and months worth of contained ball-sport energy, and energy in general.

Sunday morning, early, I played basketball. Oh my gosh I like basketball. Basketball on Sunday mornings in Cotonou is a recent discovery. I was so excited to play that I kept waking up throughout the night to make sure I hadn’t missed my alarm. At 6h30 I got out of bed, and by 6h45, I was at the court. None of the other women were there, so I asked people who were around when the others showed up. I was told the basketballers arrive by 7h30 or 8h. Right.
So I shot around a bit, but when the women arrived, I PLAYED. I played basketball with beautiful Beninese women who know how to play- defense, offense, full-court, rebounding, shooting, passing, and the best part- no ridiculous fouling. I do love basketball, even more when played with savoir-faire.
I was drenched. ...