I went to Dantokpa Market in Cotonou to buy some cassettes (as you do). I went to my usual lady and my eyes nearly popped out when I noticed the blue sweatshirt she was wearing…

You see, it wasn’t just any old blue sweatshirt: this one had a shield on the with the word ‘NEWNHAM’ underneath it in yellow. This was a genuine piece of school uniform from Newnham Middle School, Bedford, where I taught for 4 years before coming to Benin! Wow! So, how did she get it? Well, another market in Cotonou, Missebo, sells second hand clothes, many from British charity shops, so that’s the most likely.

I was amazed, but of course the lady was not at all moved by the event (although she did offer to sell it to me for a tenner, which I politely refused!) Mind you, I did managed to get her to let me look at the name tag, which read: Sarah D. So, Sarah, whoever you are, a Beninese market stall holder is wearing your old school top!!

Other news:

• We have a possible friend coming to visit in February and a whole family from our home church coming for Easter. Should be fun.
• Rob’s off to Togo next week for an alphabet song writing workshop.
• Madelaine has just joined karate club at school and Ruth art club.
• Lois has a big birthday next month (hint hint!)
• The Harmattan is still here, but a little weaker.
• The Landrover had a new drive shaft the other week and is going really well now.

And finally…

You remember we went to the Pendjari National Park in December? Well, here’s the card we filled in to show how many animals we saw (it’s part of the leaflet they give you when you enter the park):

(NB If you’ve not seen our wild animal pics yet, click here to see them).

Thanks for visiting!