December 2016 – January 2017

Intro

Journey Map

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Featured Image

Grande Mosquée, Porto-Novo, Benin

One of my most challenging sketches for many reasons: the stifling heat and humidity that had me almost dripping sweat onto my sketchbook; the complexity of the building itself with its intricate details; and finally, the curious kids who swarmed me the entire time! At one point, I had maybe 15 kids surrounding me and had to ask (in French!) for a little space so I could finish, promising that I would show them all afterwards. About 3 or 4 minutes later, they all returned!

Instagram

Lagos, Nigeria 📍 - a local woman carries drinks for sale at the colorful #market outside the central #mosque in #lagos, #nigeria 🇳🇬 ...

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Taneka Beri, Benin 📍 - another highlight of the trip - the round mud and straw houses of the #taneka people in northern #benin, in the village of taneka beri, north of djougou 🇧🇯 ...

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Lomé, Togo 📍 - colorful west african #textiles and fabrics for sale at #lomé`s grand #marché d`assigamé in the #city centre 🇹🇬 ...

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Yaoundé, Cameroon 📍 - #selfie at one of #yaoundé`s many modern architectural gems, the basilique marie-reine-des-apôtres de mvolyé, dedicated in 2006 🇨🇲 ...

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Abomey, Benin 📍 - a fascinating #unesco #worldheritage site, the royal palaces of abomey are a series of 12 palaces spread over a staggering 100 acres in the centre of #abomey, the former capital of the #kingdom of #dahomey.  though pictures aren`t allowed inside where there are incredible bas reliefs adorning the palace walls, these ones on the exterior of the #palace give you an idea of what they look like, though they are nowhere near as amazing! 🇧🇯 ...

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Lagos, Nigeria 📍 the shitta bey #mosque, one of the most historic sites in #lagos, was built in 1892 in a unique afro-brazilian architectural style, and is located adjacent to the busy oyewole market 🕌 🇳🇬 ...

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Parakou, Benin 📍 - ugh i love african markets! so much color, life... and super fresh veggies!! -- the grand #marché azeke in #parakou 😉 🇧🇯 ...

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Abomey, Benin 📍 - last picture from #abomey before heading down to ouidah!  these kids at the appropriately monumental king #behanzin #monument saw me snapping photos and instantly struck a pose! 😂 🇧🇯 ...

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Porto-Novo, Benin 📍 - my #sketch of the incredible grande mosquée de porto-novo!  this #beautiful building was completed in 1925 by the afro-brazilian community and showcases a unique blend of architectural influences brought back to #africa from former slaves who returned home from brazil in the middle of the19th century 🇧🇯 ...

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Ganvié, Benin 📍 - #fishermen preparing their boats for the catch of the day at the lake village of #ganvié 🎣 🐟 ...my last photo from amazing #benin! 🇧🇯 ...

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Sketches

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