Last Post in Togo: The Lists

For my last post in Togo, I figured why not end on a happy note as I’m sure my trip home will be a doozy. My site-mate Katy Todd and I worked on two lists before we left Dapaong: Things we’ll miss about Togo and things we’re looking forward to in the U.S. So if you notice that I smile over the little things, please don’t find me odd…just content to be home.

Things we’ll miss about Togo:

• An excuse to repos/take a siesta
• Drinking (tchakpa) in the morning
• Kids excited to see you
• The simple life
• Muslim call to prayer
• No one is afraid to break out in a dance no matter how bad he or she is and if you wiggle your butt a little it’s like you’re the coolest person in the room
• Children yelling your local name from corn fields as you walk down streets
• Motorcycle taxis
• Relatively inexpensive means of transportation
• Frequency of bars/buvettes (although I don’t think that’ll be a problem for me in NYC)
• Togolese food—it really is quite good
• Open air buses :)
• Playing with stranger’s kids without asking—yep, it’s not creepy here

Things we’re looking forward to in the grand ‘ol USA:

• Customer service
• Using debit cards
• Change of climate
• Stores having change ($$)
• Trying on clothes before buying them
• Reliable menus
• Varied meals—(If you make me pasta or rice within the first three weeks that I’m home, don’t be surprised if I sigh and/or shed a tear.)
• Sleeping on a real bed and not a cot
• Fixed prices
• Having something to do other than eat and drink
• Not sleeping under a mosquito net/applying insect repellant
• Posted hours of operation
• Monthly cell phone plans/no worry about buying phone credit
• Reliable electricity
• Reliable wifi
• TAP WATER
• Anonymity/not having to say hi to everyone on the street
• Cheese/milk/rice and almond milk

Well, there you have it. This soon-to-be Returned Peace Corps Volunteer is signing off of this African adventure and ready for the next adventure stateside.

Much love and perhaps I’ll see you soon,

Samantha