Sunday, September 6, 2009: Driving Adventure

We found the Internet even here in Glazoue!


Sunday September 6, 2009:

The team left Cotonou for the four-hour drive north to Glazoue. The ride itself was an exciting experience – the road, although technically "paved" was at times similar to the "old mine train" ride at Six Flags. There appear to be no traffic rules in Benin. It seems you can pass at any time on either side regardless of oncoming traffic. The governing rule is ... well not sure there is one! Jeff Singerman was diving his truck with Barbara Singerman and Squeaky in front and Audra, Kathy, AB and Ryan followed in rented vehicle our driver Kossi. Jeff Singerman seems to have certainly learned the ways of the road here. He went to pass a truck (on the left) and there was another car in front of him passing as well - but very slowly - so Jeff swerved to the right and passed up the right shoulder past three trucks and then back onto the road and then passed the next truck on the left returning to the lane and Kossi followed suit matching Jeff turn for turn!

We finally made it to Galzoue - after nearly four hours of exciting driving passing more than a dozen vehicles stopped in the road with either mechanical problems or flat tires, hundreds of potholes (some that would swallow a small car) and thousands of motorcycles and scooters weaving in and out along the way.

The Bethel hotel in Glazoue is very nice with cold air conditioning and plenty of COLD water for showers. The hotel is very clean and wel kept and the beds are comfortable.

After unpacking we went to the Glazoue Baptist church where the Pastor Philippe was having a baby dedication for his new baby. All the church members were there as well as members several other local to congregations to celebrate with Philippe and his wife.

The team was welcomed warmly and introduced to the church. The ceremony (three hours) was full of singing, dancing, preaching and praying. We had translators to translate the Fon into English so we could understand the sermon and the songs. After the service food was served. Some very good donut-like breads and some whitish looking water that we politely declined.

After the service we went back to the hotel to get ready for Ouesse tomorrow.