My Benin Republic Travel Experience: A fun filled Journey to Remember
Hello everyone! I joined this great #hive platform roughly a week ago. I am glad to discover this travel community where i can share my travel experiences and journey. Obviously, this is my first post in this community. As a newbie, i am still trying to navigate and explore this great community of adventurers and travellers.
Reliving and still soaking in the beauty of an unforgettable and beautiful excursion to one of the countries in West Africa- Benin Republic(Their official language is French). It was organized by a backpacking team i was part of. I wouldn't say it was an impulsive decision..i have always wanted to see the world (that's one of my goals in life). The experience was beyond my expectations. I learned part of other people 's culture,tasted new food and made new friends.
Our initial stop when we arrived at the country was a local restaurant. Now, this is where things began to get interesting . Unlike back home where fast food outlets is everywhere and food are served in minutes , Benin Republic restaurant was the very picture of slow homemade goodness. We had to wait for our meals to be freshly cooked.meanwhile we were served cashew nuts as starters..Waiting and being patient was not something natural for many of us..we are used to doing things in fast pace but in the waiting, it made us slow down,converse and appreciate the laid back culture. And when the food was finally ready, it was delicious and worth the wait.
Once we filled our stomach, we made the final leg of our journey. The team checked us into Casa Del Papa Resort - it was absolutely breathtaking . We stayed in the seaside room and we woke up to refreshing sound of waves. The resort was serene and well structured with healthy and beautiful landscape.
We visited Sacred forest - a forest of mystical significance and we saw different statues. We went to Point of No Return - During the height of slave trade, it was the hub for European slave traders. All the captives are shipped from there to work on plantations which is an irreversible journey. It was really a sad and sobering experience. We ended up taking photos and i flew so high!
We also visited Temple of Python, it is a focal point for religious and cultural ceremonies..where pythons are revered . One was hung around my shoulders.. Appearance can be deceiving, i was scared but i had to be brave because i love adventure.
We engaged in so many activities back at the Resort , we kayaked through the calm water. We lounged at the pool after sightseeing and each morning breakfast buffet was served with everything from local cuisine to English breakfast options.
When the journey was over, i felt refreshed and energized. I thoroughly had a good time. And i collected memories i will treasure for years to come.