I don’t drive here.

I’m quite honestly afraid to, not that I have a fear of driving in general (except around semi-trucks), but there is a gazillion more motorcycles here than in the US, and while there are generally marked lanes, those are merely suggestions, as are stop lights, turn signals, and all the like.

It’s a little limiting not to drive, but when I do get out and about in the town, I have the ability to observe more, and take pictures of interesting things I’ve seen. I say interesting because some are products I’m surprised to see in Lomé from America or imported from other places, or because they reference pop culture in the US, or are just magnificently outrageous that it blows my mind the ingenuity of movement here.

I figured I should free up some space on my phone, as some of these have been on my phone for what feels like ages, when it’s only been 8 months. H and I are gearing up to return back to the US for some time, and I’m excited to sort of experience it as a tourist. I’ll be sure to share a ton from all of my travels there too.

It is also worth noting that we found out where we are headed to after Togo. I’ll share that way later, but I’ll say that I am beyond excited. It’s going to be good.

But also, I need to learn to enjoy my time here, because even though it has been immensely difficult, we are on borrowed time. I’ve already begun recognizing what I will miss most, while simultaneously dreaming about what I’m most excited about in the future. It’s a really weird feeling to be almost halfway out of the door.

But enough about me, let the pictures show you what I’ve referenced above and what makes West Africa interesting to me.

Prepared food in order of appearance, A salmon filet with spinach and potato puree at a new cafe restaurant, sushi from Blue Turtle Bay, an “American” breakfast from a bakery downtown, MANGO SEASON, Peanut sauce chicken from La Caliendi (a Senegalese restaurant), tiramisu and panna cotta from La Bruschetta.

Shopping items: Kelloggs Christmas Cornflakes (photo taken on April 2)..it takes awhile to get here, okay? Pringles with the flavor “Ketchup”…I cannot say I tried it, but it’s intriguing to see what flavors are marketed for the rest of the world. Should I do a roundup of flavors and options of chips here? And the surprise….Nando’s Peri Peri sauce. This is nice to see, but I bought the ingredients to make my own. Let’s see though if I end up going back to buy the store bought version in the US though 🙂

Now on to what has been spotted around town:

And now a few photos of nature:

And there’s the general Lomé rundown.

I’ll be back this week with photos from an artist conclave, and buildings I find aesthetically pleasing.

Then next week, I’ll have two (!!!!) posts about what I have been up to on my side hustle, what I want to pursue, and how I’m packing for 3 months and 2 seasons in a carryon and personal item. Think I can do it? Oh, and when I’m jet lagged from the international haul, I’ve got my favorite Love Letter to write.

But!!! *******For my US readers, I’m willing to bring back a gift of local pagne if you give your best guesses to where we’re going next! And to my mom and dad and any of H’s family, you’re disqualified, sorry! 😀

Until next time,

Carrie