There are no two places more divergent in architecture and economy than the cities of Porto Novo and Cotonou of the Republic of Benin. While I was in Nigeria in May, I went to the Republic of Benin. Why? Because it is so close geographically. It is bordered by Nigeria to the east and a trip from the heart of Lagos into the Seme Border will take you just about two hours by car. Also, my dad wanted to visit a few of his friends so I tagged along for the free ride, free food and ...well, free everything. When we got to the border, I wanted to take pictures but as is typical of many African states, there were fierce looking border patrol people in khaki-like uniforms, that I dared not act the tourist. Truth be told, the best bet in a place like that was to act as inconspicuous as possible and in a grey and black dress with cream-colored cropped cardigan, I blended quite well into the dusty air and grey clouds. Although the border is notoriously known for "unofficial transports...
I turned 27 about a week and a half ago and I wanted to mark it in a different way. In the past, I usually go out with friends and have dinner with my family. Since grad school, I have spent my birthdays in lab working. I know. So, I decided to go on my first solo international trip ever (which turned out to be not completely solo....but life happens....in a refreshingly good way). I took the plunge, despite some of my friends and family indignation about solo traveling. I chose a place that I knew I would find interesting and will capture my attention for a week. So, yeah, no beachy resorts here ;). So, where did I go? Mexico. To be specific, the states of Quintana Roo, Yucat รก n and Campeche. Why Mexico? You ask. Well, it's close, it's cheap, it's convenient. My birthday (or birth week as I spent the week of my birthday there) was most enjoyable and fun.
The centre de promotion de l'artisanat is a place in Cotonou that showcases art and craft in different forms. Specifically, drawings, carvings and paintings. An artisanat is a place where skilled craftsmen (and women) create interesting objects and pieces. This got me a little confused in the definition of art and craft. Art is expressive, think literature, music, paintings and sculptures. Craft, on the other hand, isn't. A craft can be decorative art, like vases, small decorative paintings and so on. But then again, I suppose a craft that is expressive enough can be described as an art. (o_O)? Can you see the name in the distance, atop the blue canopy? At any rate, in this little quaint place in Cotonou, the main attractions were carvings and drawings. By driving slowly around the center, we were able to see most of the drawings, sculptures, drums and other artistic elements carved from wood. There were also unique yards of colorful clothing, known as ankara and on...
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