pics and parties

pics are up! just got back from a few really exciting events! first of all, i got to see a Moringa formation take place with about 60 Beninese participants. it was great! the first day people learned how to properly transform Moringa leaves to powder and the second day we got to cook and more importantly, eat. we started with bouille. that's a porridge like, corn or millet based thick liquid that you can just add a tablespoon of moringa to. after that was rice with fish and sauce, again with moringa added, with a lovely side of fresh moringa leaf salad. everything tasted great! since i was a bit south anyways, i continued on to Bohicon, a town near Abomey which is known for it's voo-doo culture. there was a massive fete for the 100th anniversary of the death of a king (back in the days when Benin was a kingdom called Dahomey). it was great and we even got to see the president Yayi Boni (said just like it's spelled). the next night was when we saw the dancers. they sang and danced all traditional songs and dances. this is based on a history of the white man invading and taking over a kingdom of very proud people. i'd be lying if i said i wasn't a little uncomfortable. it was amazing to see but was definitely a reminder that i am always a visitor here. although, people make me feel at home everyday!