Walk with me...

Hello, readers!! Everyday is different here in Benin. I learn a new local language word almost everyday. I practice with the Mama's that live around me. It is fun to be able to meet and greet with another language besides French. Monday-Thursday I walk to school down a dirt path where I meet up with a bunch of my students...even though they arent in my class, they are still my students. The kids are from the ages of 11-23. Yes, very different from the states. Anyways, they are very nice. Some kids actually buy me "bien glace" water and some snacks sometimes. I havent braided my hair in awhile so on the walk, I hear about how the girls want my hair and how we can switch for a day. They can have it...it's so hot on my neck! We also talk about when we are going to go to the market and get the ingredients to make a very popular meal here in Benin (LA PATE) I actually went to the market last Wednesday and bought corn, peppers, salt, klin klin (plant leaves), and a cube of something.....it was delicious. But, you know it's a ton of work. Had to go pay 100cfa to grind the corn and then had to cook the klin klin sauce...then have enough muscle to stir the PATE! Once we were finished cooking it, we ate it up with our right hand! Never the left---dirty hand---. Anyways, it has been kind of chilly on our walks to school and chilly I mean around 65 or so. I love the chilly weather...I am able to sleep well without sweating to death...but I have to take a cold shower in the morning and the shower is in the outside part of my house.....a bit chilly if you know what I mean...haha 6 months later I can finally enjoy it! The warm weather will be coming back in Feb/March....by warm I mean unbearable sunshine! This is Africa! But, back to today...I have my first cold...cant stop coughing...breathing the dry air from the desert...it is getting better no worries.With the "cold temps" there have been quite a few BIG spiders and scorpions...BIG ONES...just have to have shoes on and be prepared to take your shoe off REAL QUICK...I MEAN REAL QUICK and smash him up! The kids come and check on me every once in awhile...they love just to stop by and say hey! I am tutoring a student Weds and Thurs and a brother and sister on Sunday evenings. I am doing the Spelling Bee at my school this year (CEG Lokossa). I will have one girl and one boy winner and we will travel to Natti (north) for the National Spelling Bee! I hope the kids work hard...everyone wants to travel up north! It's beautiful up there! I havent been there yet, so I am looking forward to it as well :) We just had a strike at my school...the week before exams...ugh! The kids will not be prepared for the test....I pray they do okay....I still taught all my classes..."work hard, fly right!" The BIG 23 is coming up! Going to spend my birthday here in Lokossa with some friends! My neighbor is going to make salad and maybe find a choc. cake for me! Cross your fingers for me!! I need some chocolate cake! Yes, Yes I do! haha Well, I think that is all for now...things are going great...getting to know a lot of people, having fun, getting over this cough cold thing I have, and teaching some English here and there...lol English is my life...who would of thought...I can hardly speak English well and here I am teaching it in Africa! Okay, love and miss you all!!!

Holidays in Benin!

So, I have officially survived two of the biggest holidays, yet hardest holidays to be away from home! :( They were very interesting though....I stayed in Lokossa for Christmas; ate rice, salad, drank Sprite, and one can of beer at the park. I ate with my neighors and friends of that family....really anyone who was hungry stopped their moto or car and joined in on the feast! After we ate we were greeted by a photographer who by the way was taking pictures of me eating or for better words "filling my face!" Haha We took lots of pictures around the park; I took pictures of some kids, got some smiles out becuase here "Benin" they do not like to smile in pictures because it will "ruin" the pictures! ummmm Idk...I showed them the pictures and they were like wow! You didnt ruin the pic with your smile! Yes, I know thanks! haha After the big meal and a lot of guys hitting on me: "Tu sais: tu est belle...give me your phone number!" Umm no sirrreeee!!! haha welcome to my life!!!! Everyday! Doesnt bother me so much unless the guy is old and drunk and annoying! That is when I get a little upset and threaten to smack in local language even though I would never!!! I was super full! Then there was New Years in Porto-Novo. I was hoping to spend some time with the BF but he had to leave quite unexpectily to Parakou...boy was he mad...mais ca va alle! It is going to be okay....so I spent the couple days with his family....they fed me and talked to me....I had a great time...took some pictures..updated the pics on facebook for my readers...haha and then got to come back to Lokossa with the BF's brother and father...his father works in Lokossa and his brother goes to school where I teach...weird how things work out like that! :))) Trying to plan a trip to safari ASAP and of course to Parakou <3!!! Have a good reason now!!! Oh side note--I have been told I got a little fatter since the holidays started..hmmmm.....ppl can notice the slightest weight gain or loss here...it's interesting..Oh, the BF...he is super nice, caring, and has helped me out a ton! Dont worry, he is great!! Miss and love everyone! Happy New Years! Hope the New Year brings you lots of happiness, love, money and good health!