Well, I am back.

And in true fashion taking a detour. I mentioned in my last post that I would share my favorite photos from an artist conclave and buildings I find aesthetically pleasing, I will, but probably will not until I get back to the states where I just ordered a memory card reader (Sorry dad, that isn’t for you).

I have a gripe with Fujifilm, and it all lies within their bluetooth app. It’s a mess. However, in the last photo dump off my camera, I siphoned off photos from a little road trip that I would like to share.

Previously, H had went on a few trips up north while I’ve been behind in Lomé. When he returned, he would constantly mention how getting out of Lomé did wonders for his mental health. Around that time, I definitely needed the boost.

I’m not a beach girl, and somehow I keep ending up at them. I like mountains, forests, lakes. That is my style, and hint** our next post isn’t on the beach, but close enough to plenty that a cheap air ticket or train ride could get me to one.

This was a spur of the moment trip, so by no means if you’re looking at this as a travel guide, think that this is an all encompassing tour of the area. It is not. It is simply a brief set of snaps that got me to see a little more of Togo than I had before. Mind you, we had to be back in Lomé before dark and the sun sets at like 6:30 every day no matter what season. So the trip was short.

This one could be for the history lovers, it could just simply be for those that follow along in my stories and minimal travels, or just out of the kindness of anyone reading what I’m throwing out there as I’m navigating this new expat life.

This was our trip headed to the plateau region of Atakpame and Kpalimé, Togo from the low coastal lands of Lomé.

The first casualties of WWI::

First stop: Walhalla Cemetery

This is a cemetery memorial for the Togoland Campaign in 1914.

In the scramble for Africa by the Europeans in the late 1800’s, Germany made Togoland a protectorate, which was surrounded by the British Gold Coast (Ghana) and French Dahomey (Benin). Germany made advancements in telegraph and radio communication between its colonies, navy, and protectorates, particularly at the Kamina Funkstation near Atakpame.

When European tensions ran high and on the brink of war, despite a European agreement to keep African colonies out of European skirmishes, UK forces pushed the Germans in Lomé up to the plateau region, and French from the north and the east, to defend the radio station at Kamina during the Togoland Campaign. Interestingly enough the British forces were first deployed to Togoland before anywhere else in Europe during WWI.

Ultimately, the Germans ended up destroying Kamina and other radio towers in the area and ultimately deserted them. Not before being able to send 229 messages from Kamina to Germany immediately following the outbreak of WWI.

Losses were high, particularly amongst the troops the French were using in Africa from the Congo basin, Benin, and Senegal. The first British Officer to die in WWI, died in Togo and is buried at the site. Each of the cemetery markers signifies those lost during these affairs.

It’s interesting to come from the US system where we learn that the kickoff of WWI was the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, but never did I learn that the first battles and deaths occurred in Africa, and not the Battle of the Marne in Europe as we’re frequently taught.

Now, my rendition was a very poor one. However if you’re interested in this history, see the links below:

BBC– WWI: The crucial battle for Togo (video)

Togoland Campaign (JSTOR article)

After the cemetery, we headed back to the truck to keep on our trip. Not before meeting a little Rooster friend (and seriously, there are many chickens crossing roads, and I cannot tell you why they wanted to go to the other side.)

Random snaps in Atakpame:

Pictured: (1) A load of cows headed somewhere. Cows look a lot different here, no dairy cows in sight! (2) While stopped at a random corner, we spotted this woman selling goods, but in a KFC apron. Really makes you wonder. (3) the tallest truck to every exist. There’s a real knack for stacking things here, and how they defy physics traveling without spilling over or rolling over, I will never know.

Road to Kpalimé and lunch:

I will never get over what people can carry on motorcycles.

Also, I can honestly say the Charcuterie Chicago was intriguing…but ultimately it gave me a good giggle because just…how did this come to be?! 😀

I don’t have any more photos from Kpalimé, yet. We honestly were moving against daylight and needed to get back to our pets. It doesn’t mean that it’s not in our future, as this region boasts waterfalls, hiking, woodworking markets, and lush agricultural produce. I will say though, that it reminded me of Hot Springs, Arkansas (just Togo-fied) like you can see the history, just colonial influenced.

Anyways, if it’s not pagne, bissap, or peanuts, it’s magnificent Baobab trees here. I was able to get this shot as the sun was beginning its descent, and while not the biggest one I’ve seen, it’s still surreal sometimes to believe that I live here, and I get to see it in real life, instead at the Animal Kingdom in Disney World.

Now, can I say that I’ve been changed since this trip? Not entirely, but it was very nice to be able to get out of the city and see more of what life is actually like in Togo.

I’m thankful that you are able to see the best parts with me.

Until next time,

Carrie