Cotonou, Benin

Different energy in Benin vs Togo, the people were not as warm. Spent our time here walking the city, mainly the Grand Marche. The smog/smoke/dust/haze was previlent here as well. Garbage everywhere as well as the lack of waste water infrastructure. Color, sights, and sounds everywhere. Traffic was pretty much a free for all with the majority being motorcyle taxis (MotoTaxi) and scooters. We did opt for a short MotoTaxi ride, definately worth the small fare for the experience.

Lome', Togo

The experience of Africa begins here.
Hazy, noisy, busy, and a developing country.
First actual exposure to the poverty and life in a third world country. Eye opening! There is so much we take for granted in our day to day lives. Even through the dust, smoke, trash, and lower standard of infrastracture; the people here are smiling and warm.
The Grand Marche, Cathedral, Voodoo ceremony, and the children....
And as we had been told prior to our visit, the children stole our hearts.
I was only going to post a few of my fav pics but couldn't decide, so here's the 25 I narrowed it down too.

Recife & Olinda, Brazil

Last stop in Brazil and kickoff to our Atlantic crossing.

Again, beautiful beaches and tall buildings.

It was the churches, historic Olinda, the street scenes, and the views that caught my eye.