Park with Care

As my experience in other African countries is quite limited, I am not able to compare Port-Gentil to most of the rest of the continent. I'm often told by those better traveled than myself, however, that our little town on the west coast of Africa is a hidden pearl among many much less pleasant places. Since I really do like this town and the life we have as a family here I am ready to agree that we are very lucky to be living in Gabon, and in Port-Gentil in particular.

I had to chuckle recently though when I was told that one of the nicest aspects to our town is that the drainage is at least covered, something unheard of in most countries running up and down the coast. (And when I say drainage I mean water and every piece of paper, plastic and refuse that somehow ends up collecting down in there.) Well, up until then I hadn't really gained a full appreciation for the drain covering in town, as there are gaping holes pretty much everywhere you try and park, and I am constantly having to tell the kids to watch out for the big hole of gunk as they jump out of the car. I'll go out and take a few shots of some of the more, um, traditional parking spots tomorrow, but until then keep in mind that these images here are of my car parked in a GOOD place.