Traveling in Africa

Traveling in Africa  has been quite an interesting experience...there's never a dull moment! Here are a few things I have learned about traveling during my time in Togo:


1. It takes almost as long to barter the price of the ride as it does to get there (oh, the joys of being a yovo in West Africa!)


2. Helmets and side-mirrors are not actually a necessity, just an added bonus for some...


3. If a zemi (aka motor taxi) has a working spedometer, you have found a nice ride...if the zemi has a working spedometer, side mirrors, AND a working gas gauge, you have found a REALLY nice ride!


4. Sometimes it is just better to close your eyes than to watch what's going on in front of you


5. It is possible to ride a motorcycle in a dress (I never thought I would even  try!)


6. If you need to stop and get gas, there will probably be some glass bottles and funnels involved :)


7. There is never too much luggage...Somehow it will all be packed on top of a car or bus...the same is true for fitting people inside!


8. If you don't see a visible path, that doesn't mean you can't drive on it...even if you're driving through grass up a mountain, you WILL get to the top somehow! 


9. If something breaks on the car/bus, it can be fixed...even if the car still looks/sounds like it will fall apart at any minute...somehow it runs...after all,  this is Africa!


10. Sidewalks are perfectly acceptable places for motorcycles to drive...no one will say anything because everyone does it!

Never too much to fit!

This was when we fit 9 yovos (plus the driver) in a taxi!

CRAZY!!

Zemi ride in Benin (with my luggage :)