Benin Orientation

Orientation week in Benin is going well from the little we have heard. Christoph arrived in Benin from Germany as scheduled on 1st June.  Matt had a bit more adventure traveling from Chicago where his first flight was delayed due to weather, which caused a chain reaction in missed connections (in Atlanta and Paris). It wasn't all bad... as he had an unplanned overnight in Paris (a great chance to practice his French) courtesy of his airline. He and his luggage arrived in Benin just one day late. Even though John didn't travel with the interns, he was able to advise Matt along his journey via phone & text.

One restaurant the interns got to enjoy their first few days is a great little vegetarian place in Cotonou.

This place is a local gem.... we love it because it has tasty and healthful food and breaks some stereotypes along the way.  What would you order from their Menu du Jour?

One topic of discussion during orientation is how to be polite in this new context.  
This came into focus for me as I read a cultural research paper by colleague Johannas Merz.  He calls it "Locational Accountability in Relationships of Trust"  and he gives this typical example of how it can look in person... (and why it can be a perplexing aspect of culture for newcomers).

Daniel,a Beninese neighbour: Good morning, how are you?

Nicola, an expatriate: I’m fine. And how are you?

Daniel: I’m fine too. And how are your children?

Nicola: They’re fine.

[Pause]

Daniel: I’m going to Sintagou [a village about 15 km away] this morning.

[Pause]

Daniel: Well, this was just to greet. See you later.

Nicola: See you later.

Now, this is probably more info than a typical American gives to anyone outside his or her home on a daily basis... and this is also changing in Beninese urban contexts. But in rural Benin, relationships are so central that one is morally obliged to inform at least one other person when leaving one’s house, even when going short distances... this information helps build trust and security in the community. Now someone knows where Daniel is, and if another trustworthy person asks, they can also be trusted with this information by Nicola... but if she is asked by a non-trustworthy person she will be expected to withhold the information.  

How does this "locational accountability" look in your family?  Do you ever use it with people outside your family?