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Internet Blackouts, Angry Children and Future Presidents - Summer in Togo Part Deux

T-minus two weeks before I depart the fantastic country of Togo!  While much hasn't changed since I last wrote - I still think Togolese are pretty calm and agreeable people, etc. - it's only fitting that we go over a few things that I have concluded as a result of my time here. Conclusion Number 1: If had one wish for Africa it would be for high speed internet.  Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph, coming from the States where I could browse the internet at DSL speeds in my sleep if I wanted to, being on this lovely continent has made me appreciate cable so much more. The other day, the entire country lost internet access for four days. I am going to give you a minute to take that in. Imagine if the United States - a single country, like Togo - lost internet access for four days. CHAOS! Seriously though. I don't think there is any one to blame and maybe the problem isn't rampant all over.  But high speed internet would go a long way in West Africa.  I might have made a wish for electricity too, but Togo is on top of it's game in that department, unlike other places. The light only went out twice in the 2.5 months I've been here!  Conclusion Number 2: My children will probably hate me.  Why? Because they will speak 12 languages by the time they are 10.  Communication can be THE deciding factor when it comes to deal making or interaction at all.  Being here, I've learned that the ability to greet someone and chat with them in their langauge can go a long way. Thus little Ife and Jr. will be eating different languages for lunch. What languages will they be speaking, you ask?  Simple - English, French, Yoruba, Igbo, Ewe, Manderin, Japenese, German, Spanish, Portuguese and whatever other two languages we deem important by the time they enter the world. See why they'll hate me?

Conclusion Number 3: I didn't want to talk about Nigeria again, but I had to and it will be short.  I went on a quick trip to visit family and I have to say it was smooth sailing for the whole journey.  No problems at the airport, didn't have to pay a single bribe, NOT ONE DIME. Stayed one night at a hotel in Lagos before leaving for Ekiti Saturday morning, no issues. Came back to stay another night in Lagos before flying to Accra to drive back to Lome, again no problems.  No one harrassed me, tried to sell me any tires or asked me for my sneakers and ipod.  All of you with your Lagos stories are lying. STOP LYING TO THE PEOPLE ! lol.

ps. I also met the guy who owns Tantalizers, the fast food joint in Naija. Nice guy and tasty food. Try it out if you are in town. Conclusion Number 4: I'll probably be back here again soon and for the people who are still sleeping on Africa - I feel sorry for you. Yes I know it still has it's issues, but the future is looking too bright.  I had the distinct pleasure of working with a bunch of Togolese and Ghanian high school students and to hear them talk about what they want to do, the dreams they have and what they will achieve (not hoping to achieve, planning to achieve, but will achieve) was amazing and inspiring and I'm just glad I got to be there to hear it.  I think one kid is going to be Ghana's president in a few years.  I got his email address. Who know's? Might need a job someday and the Ghanians seem to have their stuff together.  ;) Below is a picture of the students. Hopefully I won't get in trouble for putting up the picture - not trying to get deported back to Jersey early. And here the pic from the home page - The girl's listening intently...right before we embarked on the most gangsta game of American football Togo had ever seen. The girls played so hard! I almost passed out from laughter. Good times.   Thumbnail Photo Credit.