Monday, July 31, 2006 Yesterday was a historic day. That's right, Parakou has a working stoplight. I was walking down the road the other day in search of a bottle of coke (more on that later) and lo and behold what was going on in front of me? There were motorcycles and cars stopped in front of a red light. Scary.

Anyway, the coke. Sobebra (the Beninese bottling company) released a product in February called Youki. They're essentially the same contents as another Sobebra product; Fizzi, but contained in transportable plastic bottles. The promotional price was 250CFA, which was a great deal... you got more beverage than is contained in a petit (0,35L vs. 0,5L in a Youki) for the same price. I was interested, but figured I wouldn't care once the price went up to 350CFA. Turns out I was wrong. I like soda, and I like taking it with me. I also like not having to be lectured about returning the glass bottle, and not having to take the glass bottle back. All in all Youki was good, although limited in flavor selection (2: grapefruit and fruit cocktail). Stop the wagon though. Friday Stacey showed up with a plastic bottle of Coke. On closer inspection it was a Sobebra product (usually things like that come from outside of Benin). Exciting! So, after the amazing experience of the stoplight, I went in the store... and what did I see? Fanta!

Maybe a bit more explanation is needed. Ben'dali and I have developed an unnatural fascination with Fanta. It's one of the more rare beverages in country. It exists, and is produced here... but no one seems to stock it. Getting a petit Fanta is a good day. Finding a grand, well that pretty much makes your week. Finding Fanta in a plastic bottle. Well, I don't think I really have to expand.

So, good times.

I'm getting ready to go to Ghana... which means studying for the GRE. It sucks, although my first few practice scores don't look too bad. We'll see though on the day, I have two weeks from tomorrow!

Saturday, July 22, 2006 I'm alive! And probably more importantly the new stagiares are here! Welcome PSL-19! 59 wide-eyed and tired trainees got off the plane last night to be welcomed by the most awesome of volunteers: Ly, Theresa, Anne W., Susan, Robin and me! Actually I think I just frightened them.

I did in fact receive 2 Toblerones, this stage is officially awesome.

Even better, I took a couple of pictures (literally a couple.. don't get too excited.) They are in the gallery.