samponton

Hi, I'm leaving for Abomey Benin in less than 2 weeks. Will be volunteering in an orphanage there with a volunteer-tourism program. Anyway, does anyone have any female clothes advice re: the weather and customs? I'm seen that knees are not good to show so no shorts unless they are long. Looks like the heat won't be awful but lots of humidity. I thought about just t-shirts and their women's pagne (long cloth as a skirt) and sandals. Any other ideas or packing advice?

maxwell

Hi Samponton -
they didn't give you packing advice? I was there a few years ago but was just backpacking, and I didn't make it to Abomey. It was bloody hot when I was there (May), however I believe the rains start back up in June so I guess that cools things off. I wore knee (and I do mean all the way down to the knee) length baggy cargo shorts a few days, and on the other days very light weight capris. Although the skirts sounds fine for wandering around town, if you have to use the zemis (motorcycle taxis) to get around, it may be difficult to ride the zemis even if the skirt is long. Just a thought.

I didn't feel over exposed wearing sleeveless shirts, however I would check with the orphanage to see if they care. I remember reading that it was more conservative north of Cotonou, however Abomey isn't really that much further north if I remember correctly.

Have fun - sounds like a great trip!
Linda

samponton

They did give me a packing list but its pretty vague. Just thought someone who had been there could give me more advice. What kind of trip did you have there and what did you see? I'm a female traveling alone and will be in a homestay. I'm thinking it will be quite humid. Do you have any more advice? or comments? I would love to hear anything you have to add? anything you wish you had brought? bottled water easy to find?
Thanks!

maxwell

Samponton - I did a trip report http://tinyurl.com/pp7p9p which talks abut the places I went. I was only there for about nine days so I didn't need much. I don't know how long you'll be there, but I'd just make sure to take any sort of toiletries you need that might be hard to find in Abomey (I didn't go to Abomey so I don't know if they have as many grocery stores and pharmacies as Cotonou).

If you are a vegetarian and can't go without eating protein (I can't), I'd take plenty of protein bars with you. I was glad I had bunch with me.

I don't know what kind of footwear you are taking, but I am really glad I had my keens (very ugly but very sturdy) flip flops with me - let my feet breath but protected my toes on the street and provided good grip when riding on the motorcycles (which I suspect you will have to use at some point.) Also, if it is going to be really rainy you might want a very light weight breathable poncho? (I can't recall when the heavy rains start back up - might not be June)

I backpacked around alone and really felt quite safe - if you know a little french (I didn't) it will be even easier for you. People were extremely friendly and helpful - I think you'll have a great time. Let me know if you have anymore questions - happy to help!

maxwell

Forgot to answer bottled water question - yes it was very easy to find - so don't worry about finding water.

samponton

Thanks for all the advice. It helps. I'm leaving Sunday. Am staying 3 days in Cotonou and then the rest in Abomey. I am having a home-stay in both places and not sure what to expect. I do have another question though if you are still "listening" - I had planned to take 2 camera batteries instead of buying a random adaptor that I might not use again. Did you do that or did you buy an adaptor and if so, where did you get a west african adaptor?
thanks,
sarah
ps - your pics are great.

maxwell

I never rely on buying extra batteries, as I've had very bad luck with that (when I've had to pick up batteries in a less than developed place, I've found they lasted for about three or four pictures). I always travel with a converter/adapter...I don't think I'd want to try to find one in Benin though!

I hope you will post back after your trip, as I would love to hear your impressions and see some photos! have a great trip!

samponton

thanks - I'm taking a u.s. to European (France) converter - I'm hoping it will work. I have one that says Africa on it with a kit of mine - maybe it will work. couldn't find anything "specific to Benin."... if you know there is such a thing, please let me know. I will post when I return with a trip report and pictures. Leaving tomorrow! quite excited. Did you just backpack all around Africa or with friends?

samponton

Here is my trip "report" and slideshow on my volunteer trip if anyone is interested.
www.benin2009.webs.com
I'd be glad to answer any questions anyone has about this trip or area. email [email protected]

maxwell

thank you so much for posting this! Really great slide show. Have to admit it moved me to tears at one point.

It brought back some wonderful memories of my trip there...the street scenes, the friendly smiling kids, the lizards in your room...

What is the first song on the slideshow?

samponton

Thanks for watching it! I know it's long but the making of it kept locking up my computer and I finally just put an end to the editing!
It's an Angelique Kidjo (Benin singer) song. I will try to figure out which one and get back to you.

Yes, it was a pretty heartbreaking trip but I'm trying to help the kids out now....hopefully, although the problem lies in the corruption (of the nuns at the orphanage!) and getting the stuff to the kids instead of other greedy hands.

samponton

Batonga - Angelique Kidjo

maxwell

thanks so much!

can you share more about the nuns? are they pocketing/selling donations?

samponton

I have no proof of course but it seems from many experiences I had to be that they are doing both. They live quite well and eat quite well and the kids are pretty neglected in all ways. I was told that its known in the community that they do this but I guess since the kids are at the bottom of the "food chain," nobody really cares. Also, I was there with a couple of french students who said the head nun demanded money from them before they left and she was quite angry when we bought things for the kids and gave it to them and didn't give her money instead to "supposedly" buy them things. I'd be glad to chat with you about this but its probably better off the forum since its not really travel related??
Did you visit this orphanage in Abomey?

thit_cho

Thanks, very interesting -- I visited Abomey in 2000, as well as elsewhere in Benin, and its nice to see information on an interesting, safe country, which manages to remain safe even while its much larger, eastern neighbor witnesses escalating danger.