We have arrived!

Hello from AFRICA!!!!!

On Sunday we finally arrived in Benin (Africa) after nearly 24 hours of travelling! [SIDE NOTE: as I am typing this, a bird just flew into the house over my head...]

Culture shock number 1: The Cotonou, Benin airport consists of one terminal (ie one gate).

Culture shock number 2: Our luggage did not arrive on Sunday... and only half arrived on Monday evening... we are still waiting for 3 more pieces of luggage and a stroller for Arielle's very cute daughter Ophelia. (I will have pictures of them up soon and others too... once the rest of the luggage arrives)

Culture shock number 3: Never, NEVER again will I EVER complain about New York drivers ever again! And anyone who does complain, I will have a picture up of why New York drivers do not compare to the craziness of drivers here. (Though I am told that it is worse in Nigeria, I am going to take their word for it rather than find out for myself)

The family I am staying with (a wonderfully kind family who welcomed me into their home with open arms, THANK YOU!) has given me an African name: Sena. It means destiny in a language called Goun.

Today I bought fabric to have an African dress made (we go tomorrow to have it made by a tailor). I'll take a picture of the finished product and post it when it is done.

Till next time! (ie later today!)

Jessy Blank