It still amazes me
how happy rain makes me. How clear blue, sunny skies make me cringe yet dark
clouds make me so excited, happy, and content. Rain means cool air and cool air
means not sweating uncontrollably. Amazing
how much manageable and more enjoyable life is here when you’re comfortable. I spent a few days in the capital, Lome, preparing
for Camp Espoir and was able to really enjoy them as I wasn’t drowning in sweat
from the usually intense heat and humidity. It was so nice! I felt so normal; walking places, doing work
and not being discussed with myself! I also ate really well while I was there, almost
to the point that I was getting a little too used to ‘normal’ food again – that
is expecting it rather than treasuring it. I was in the American bubble;
working in the PC office with my fellow volunteers, enjoying high speed
internet, consistent electricity , being productive, going to lunch and dinner
in different places. On the last day when
I took my first run in Lome I was quite satisfied as the increased levels of
delicious dinging had paid off with a high energy run along the beach.
Thankfully, I was
gently worked back into the ‘Togo bubble’ as I headed to Kovie, my friend
Veronica’s village a few hours northwest of Lome. It is a really beautiful
village about the same size as mine (7,000) Her house is also really spacious
and peaceful with an enclosed front courtyard to herself. We went for a killer run among the green
fields starting to sprout, avoiding puddles (seriously, it rained almost every
day!) the first morning. Of Latino
decent, Veronica was excited to make me a traditional breakfast after our run.
Beans with a tomato sauce, cheese (or as close as we can get here), eggs, and
toast. She also explained the tradition with beans in her house growing up; how
they’re prepared a batch for the whole week on Monday and mixed and modified to
make different meals throughout the week. I loved hearing her speak about her
culture, very passionate and very proud. It was so lovely sipping coffee and
relaxing on her front terrace, enjoying the view over a good meal after a great
run. A perfect morning.
A very active and
involved volunteer, Vero had meetings and business to attend to so I got to tag
along and watch her work. Her village
loves her and she seems to be known by everyone! I appreciate her passion for
her work and for the people she’s come to call family. Later, when we were walking to go see nearby rice
fields, we got to talking about the development of Togo and of development in
general. I think it’s safe to say this
is a highly discussed topic among PCV’s here; sharing frustrations, opinions,
what someone’s read in the latest book from the other side about development.
More and more I’m understanding how
development, corruption and poverty are all intertwined. How it’s often easier to keep a population
oppressed than help lift them out of their despair. Vero reminded me of this
country’s youth and how not long ago anyone willing to voice their opinion was
often never to be heard from again. Volunteers
throughout the country have heard such stories, so it was interesting to me to
really think of this place on a development timeline; a continuum.
Saturday we headed
to Atakpame and I had a wonderful few days celebrating my birthday with some of
my closest friends here. It was a big
week and for the first time in a while I can say I was happy to return to my
home this morning.
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