Genius.

I was so excited to get to post that I got up and out on the early (air-conditioned) bus before dawn this morning. All is going well until about an hour into the trip I sit bolt upright and start digging through my bag. Yep... forgot my keys. Called someone at the Bureau and yes, they are still sticking out of my locker. Genius.

As luck would have it, just as this was happening our bus was pulling over due to brake problems. Nice. I also had just been next in line to pay for my ticket. But having not paid yet, I just got myself off. Thankfully a zemidjan was driving by a few seconds later headed in the direction of cotonou. Yay! So off we go. Gonna cost me a bundle for that zem ride, though! Anyway, he took me down a way I had never been before in Cotonou but I knew we were going in the right general direction, so it didn't bother me. Well, there we were, flying along near a technical school in the middle of Cotonou, when we drove right by the President, Yayi Boni, exiting the school. He was surrounded by soldiers and a march of students was following behind him. I waved. It was kind of really cool.

Anyway, got back to the bureau and grabbed my keys and flew back out on to the zem. At this point it was about 9:15 and I was hoping I could still catch the 9am bus north, which often doesn't leave until closer to 9;30. I was hoping today was one of those days. It was. I flew on and we took off a few minutes later. Cheers!

Unfortunately the bus was HOT and we ended up stopping at one point for a problem with a tire, but overall, it wasn't the worst trip I have been on. And I got to see the President.

In other news, back at post, it was hot today! 92degrees. I think that cold season is drawing to a close. Sad. I do see that there is a massive winter storm hitting most of the US right now... I think I'll keep my 92 and dry, thank you.

Peace out. K