Moto

So I think I mentioned it in my very first post, but since I was able to successfully upload a video about moto riding, I'll go into a little more depth.

Benin is a special country in regards to Peace Corps policies. On one hand, no Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) are allowed to operate or ride on motorcycles. In Benin, however, it is the main mode of transportation, and therefore PCV would basically not be able to function without it. So the compromise is that we can ride on motorcycles (called motos, zemidjans, or just zemis here) as long as we always wear the PC issued moto helmet that we received upon arriving to Benin. 

You can get anywhere you need to go by hailing a zemi driver (the taxi service of Benin). Usually if they see a yovo (foreigner, white person) standing on the side of the street, they'll stop and ask if you need to get somewhere. You tell him where you need to go, and he tells you a price. Usually he'll try to rip you off since you are a yovo, so if you explain to him that he's charging too much, or that you live here, you can find a compromise. 

The video below was taken while I was riding on my host-brother's moto this past While we were checking out some sights for the fete national (national celebration) that marks the 50th anniversary of Benin's independence.