Togoville - April 24/25

One Saturday we headed off to Togoville, a town outside of Lome, with Christina one of our ward translators. As Ruth, Christina & I waited for a taxi at the round about by the port we ran into Jim, 2nd engineer, and Oliver, one of our engine day volunteers, heading to the same direction, joined up for the day.
Our first stop was at the one and only slave trade castle left in Togo used until the end of the 1800's. The upstairs of the building was used for negotiations and the small crawl through windows above the ground was where the slaves were kept. Tight dark spaces with musky smell!

Original floors still there.

As we were leaving the castle the guide told us the neighbor boy was a patient on the ship, so we stopped by the house to see him. This is how we found him, asleep on the ground, cute as a button in his little cast.

We took a boat across Lac Togo to reach Togoville.

Christina & I

Here I am attempting to drive the boat with the large pole they use. Needless to say, I didn't get the boat moving very far...or straight.

When we reached Togoville, Oliver took us to the King's residence where we were able to meet the Prince of the village. Years ago, when the country of Togo was formed a treaty was signed between the German and French in this town.

Below is a picture of the Prince with all the historical objects (and old German flag) and the grave of his grandfather, who signed the treaty, behind him.

A common toy.

Rain break - so time for a drink at a local restaurant.

The Catholic church in town.

The paintings around the church told the story of Jesus' life.

Group shot: Christina, Jim, Ruth, Christina's friend, myself & Oliver

Walk into the country

Little prego goat, as wide as tall :)

We met up with one of Christina's friends, who is a teacher at the local school.

Crazy tree

Local hospital/clinic, closed on the weekend

Stopped by a Sisters Mission where blind children are taught. The kids were having a nap, so sadly we weren't able to meet them.

And a coconut for the way home.

The next day, Sunday, we went to Christina's church to hear her choir then to her house for some great African food!

The Sunday school kids...and the 'lady with the stick' for bad behavior.

My attempts to stir the Acumae - no wonder all the women have nice arms :)

Fish with a tomato sauce

Eating Acumae - traditional Togolese food :)

Some of Christina's family