Togo-central and northern
Another road trip! But I really do appreciate the opportunity to really see a country.
First stop was the Voodoo market. Kinda freaky. Even though it's not about dark spirits, it was still unsettling.
After the market, we started our drive outside of Lome. It really is a beautiful country.
Chateau Viale was a private residence. Then the presidential palace for a few years before it was abandoned. Too bad it fell into such disrepair.
On the way back to town, we stumbled on an art school and took a quick look.
First thing the next morning we went out to a village where the tribe still lives like their ancestors. No running water- they have to hike 1/2 mile to get a bucket of water. The kids were running up and down the stairs- whereas I thought I was going to pass out. But the view from up their looking down on the city through the fog was breathtaking. The pictures don't do it justice. In hindsight, I'm glad I did it, but at the time I hated it. I told my guide if he makes me hike another 5 miles, up the side of the mountain he was going to have to carry me on his back...guess what. No more hikes! Anyway enjoy the pictures that I damn near died to get.
Right above is a traditional African classroom. Just below is a traditional African kitchen. They're usually outside or a separate structure from the main house. See how thick the fog is! It was hard to see and also slippery.
After I made it back to the car, we left for Wome waterfall. Unfortunately as soon as we got there, a thunderstorm started. We had to wait about an hour, but we made it down to see the beautiful waterfall.
As you can see, I had to hike to see the waterfall...through a creek...it was at this point that I started thinking my guide was trying to kill me. I can't believe I didn 't fall in or down the mountain. The ground was slippery due to the sudden rainfall, and the current was really fast. But I made it safely. Luckily that was it for the day. First thing the next morning we headed out to Atakpame and Kamina, otherwise known as the city of 7 hills. Kamina was important during the German invasion/colonial era. Below are pictures along the way. Check out the random waterfalls in the mountains as we were driving.
Check out the size of this termite mound! The waterfall is bottom right.
First stop when we arrived was to TOV- A place to rekindle love...beautiful views from up above the city. It's not quite done, but it will be a hotel and event space.
Below, Kamina Station. It was an important site for the Germans during WWI. They destroyed everything when they found out the French were taking over. These are the remains.
Then on to Kara where we visited Djame Wildlife park, Iron village and Sarakawa Game reserve.
Then off to the Iron Village. It's amazing that they do this all by hand.
We got to see a baby buffalo and baby wildebeest.
Now for what I was really looking forward to. Kante in Temberma Country-The multi level clay houses!
The interior and rooftop.
The first floor is for the animals. The second and third for people. They sleep in individual rooms on the rooftop. The round rooms with the thatch roof is for food storage. The ones with the flat roof is for people. The children sleep with the mother until 10 years of age. They Y shaped wood logs are ladders so they can get up to the top to get the food out or put food in for storage.
The guy actually climbed up the inside of the tree, then climbed out up top and climbed back down. I tried to film it, but it was too dark inside the tree-which wasn't easy to squeeze into...but 3 to the right of him sitting at the base of the tree, you can look closely and see him climbing out of the tree in front of the sun. This was used as protection to spot the arrival of enemies and ambush them before they can hurt any of the family.
Overall I had a wonderful experience in Togo. I had a great guide and driver that went above and beyond to make sure that I enjoyed my time in their country. If anyone wants their contact information, just let me know. I highly recommend! Next stop- Benin.
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