Meals in Benin

So I thought it would be fun to show what kid of meals they serve here in Benin. These are pictures of my breakfasts and dinners over the past few days as a reference for how one eats here. (Please note that I haven't had a chance to take a picture of the main staple of their diet yet because I haven't had it within the past week. So instead of waiting to post this blog to include it, I'll just build up the suspense by talking more about it later. )

As a guest at my host family's house, I eat alone at the table before everyone else. The rest of the family will either eat after me, or outside in the courtyard area. Most meals consist of a very oily bowl of onions and peppers, with a side of something starchy. You'll notice there is a lot of fish. Most of the time they don't bother processing the fish at all, and will just cut it in half (separating the head from the tail) and toss the pieces in a stew. Since I'm a special guest, I've sort of been getting VIP treatment. Stay tuned for pics of my meals once the initial excitement of my being here wears off...

Here are a few of the Breakfasts:

Egg, cucumber, lettuce, onion, tomato, for the sandwitch. Side of tea

Avacado, lettuce, onion, pulled fish, tomato, cheese, and bread. Side of tea

Pulled fish mixed with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Tea, and a plate of pineapple

...and some of the dinners....

Goat stew with potato, carrots, and onion in a creamy mustard sauce (which I'm not too fond of). Side of papaya and pineapple.

Beans and onions, sprinkled with a powdery thickening agent. Side of plantains. 

Kind of like a pot pie. Pulled fish, potatoes, carrots, and peppers inside a fresh-baked crust. Side of coke.