Scenes from Port-Gentil

Just a few general shots to give you an idea of downtown.

Now you see it, now you don't!!

So take a look at this picture, and see if you can see anything different about our lovely yet pig headed daughter in the shot below. Think she should have listened to her parents who tell her daily not to CLIMB UP ON TOP OF FURNITURE? (You might need to double click on the picture below for the full effect)

All I can say is that there was a lot of blood involved.

Truckin'

Where I come from people use straps, rope or bungee cords to attach important items to the roof of a car or the back of a truck. In Gabon they use, well, people! This is one of many shots to come proving the versatility of human arms, hands, and even butts.

Childhood in Gabon

I often tell people here I sure wish I had had MY childhood in Gabon! Constant sun interspersed with fabulous tropical rain storms that you splash around naked in, never have to wear a sweater (not to mention snow suits), swimming pools, birthday parties, afternoon social time with moms and kids -- and then there's AMADOU, the "guard" at your house, who carries you to the store and back to go get bubble gum!!

Here's Cecilia and best friend Kanzy (half Dutch half Egyptian) on their way back from a trip to the store
A rain storm is always welcome in the heat here, and makes for loads of fun when you're 5!!

Private swimming lessons year-round when you're 3 .........
No need for shirts at the table, even when guests come to dinner. (This is Jourdain's best friend Johan.)

Ines to braid your hair and take you to birthday parties.....



and then braid your best friend's hair too.

You're never limited to playing with your train set indoors.....
or to playing indoors period!!



It sure is a nice place to be a kid!!

Sweet Home Africana

In an effort to catch up on these last 3 months (gasp!) that I haven't posted, I thought the best would be a whole series of pictures based on themes, showing a bit more clearly what things look like for expats in West Africa.

First up - exterior of our house: Here's the front (with Cilia down in right-hand corner)


And the front yard















Back yard........ (with big mango tree)















Mangoes up close from said tree















Our Gabonese mutt - named Mooie (means "little girl" in Malian language)













The pool

Back porch




















And my Dutch BFF Monica with Cecilia's BFF Kanzy on the street in front of our place