May 16, 2012 - Lome, Togo

May 16, 2012 - Lome, Togo

We docked on time this morning. We are on the pier side and the tour buses look about the same as yesterday.

But like yesterday we had a folkloric drum group and dancers to welcome us. I don't think too many cruise ship's stop at these ports so it is still a big deal.

Togo is another long narrow country sandwiched between Benin and Ghana. In the 1880s Germany claimed the 32 mile coast between the French in Benin and the British in Ghana. After 1900, Germany decided to turn Togo into a model colony, and began a program of building and development. It became the only German colony to be self sufficient. In WW I it was occupied by the French and British in 18 days. In 1960 Togo became independent.

It is currently a republic transitioning to a multiparty democracy.

Our tour today includes the National Museum and the Fetish Market.

Our tour left on time which was nice. The buses were the same as yesterday, no A/C, but comfortable. We managed to get a seat with an open window and on the right side of the bus which is better for sightseeing. After many years we have learned the tricks of tour buses. The two guides took turns, both with reasonably good English.

We had two guides, a driver and a security person. We have not felt unsafe in any of the ports.

Our first stop was the Fetish Market. For those of you unaware, a fetish market is a one stop shop for all that is voodoo. Bone, horn, toads eyes, charms, dolls and anything prescribed by a voodoo priest to conduct what ever ceremony you want. The dolls sold we were told are not real though. Most of the other items looked authentic. The sellers were very aggressive and it was hard to deal with the large number of sellers at the same time. Evelyn took a picture of a young boy and then he wanted her to give him money. It cost me a dollar to get her out of hock. She should have known... Here you bargain for everything. We bought two voodoo dolls and paid $10 each. But the experience wasn't very pleasant but interesting.

Our next stop was the handicraft market, where the sellers had a much better attitude. Still needed to bargain hard and we got a very nice wood statue and a wall hanging. You don't have any idea of what a good price is so you need to bargain to a point that you feel that you have made a good deal. We were told that the first price you are offered is double so that gives you a base for your bargaining. I now have 3 rules of shopping. The 1st is if you like it buy it, because you won't see it again (as in the next day), 2nd. decide what it is worth to you don't go over that amount and 3rd be prepared to walk away. Now if I just take my own advise.

We then stopped at Independence Square and the the National Museum. The Museum was very interesting, the Togo people seem to be proud of the German colonization and the fact that it has been good for them. At the Museum they display the colonial leaders along side the current leaders.

We drove along the beach area to see the fishermen and found ourselves at the Togo/Ghana boarder which seems to be a part of Lome. We then drove back to the docks to see the fish market and then back to the ship.

In comparing Togo and Benin I think that Togo is a little better developed, though it is a close call. We drove by the US Embassy and it made me wonder how much money do you have give as a contribution not to get that job. I guess you could be stationed in Benin...

The port area is massive, with many ship's anchored off shore. We saw a Mercy ship which has been here for a number of months, providing free medical services. Our guide said that they have done many cataract operations that has restored sight for many people. A simple operation that is done every day in our country.

My observation about shoes is still a theory, however fewer flip flops and more leather sandals.

I think I should mention the wonderful cotton prints both worn by the man and women. Loose fitting pants and shirts on the men and wonderful dresses and sometimes head scarfs worn by the women. We have seen women carrying all sorts of parcels and baskets on their heads. We tried to lift a pan filled with green coconuts that a woman had lowered from her head. It was really heavy. It's quite an art. I guess you would say a learned skill. They walk everywhere with bundles large and small with out much effort.

Tomorrow is Ghana.

We had dinner in the dinning room. The theme was " Baltic" and the staff was wearing Hawaiian shirts and the menu had a large selection of fish. Go figure...

The show was very good, Joe Sackenheim, who is part of the Princess onboard entertainment did an hour of 40s, 50s, and 60s songs. He has nice voice and a good stage presents.

Evelyn and I then went to the African Nights Deck Party around the pool. Balmy and slightly breezy, starlit and under the lights of the ship. Really very pleasant and romantic. We did not stay for the desert buffet.


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Hal