A. Collection of antique voodoo dolls
B. Population of Peace Corps volunteers
C. Shrimp
D. Pristine stretch of beach
E. None of the above
While any of those things may very well be true, the answer I’m looking for is actually E, none of the above.
In fact, as of about a year ago, Benin is home to the region’s largest hypermarket (the European term for supermarket). Yes, little old Benin has a larger grocery store than even places like Ghana and Nigeria. Who would have guessed? Not me. But I’m certainly not complaining!
So yes, the food will be fine. That’s one less excuse you can use to avoid visiting us.
Actually, Erevan’s just about the most expensive supermarket in town. There are much smaller, better grocery stores (about the size of a big 7-11, but stocked with real food) throughout Cotonou, and in the nieghborhood where you’ll probably be living.
Food in Cotonou’s definitely not an issue. Processed commerical American food? Sure, it’s about impossible. But you can get the ingredients to make just about everything from scratch.
really??? I didn’t know that! That’s amazing! how are the prices??
Yeah, but there’s the diplomat’s discount! Still, the best way to shop in Cotonou is to learn where you can get what you want and then, when they have it, stock up, because it may not be there the next time!