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Let’s chat about the fact that your girl went for a month’s vacation and end up spending 4 months in Benin!

I left Paris on the 27th of december 2021 for a week in Accra and 3 weeks in Bénin.

After having too much fun in Acrra and a North of Benin roadtrip; , I felt like not going back to Paris near the 10 of January, l felt like a calling to stay put, the stars were aligned for me to stay home. I talk a lot about going home for good one day, living in West Africa, but do I really know what it’s like living there?

So, I challenge myself to live and launch Aduke Africa’s 1st product while on the field. My south and centraI Benin Travel Itinerary! Ialso wanted to have a taste of what is it like to search for a job in west-africa!

I just extended my ticket for 3 months at once! I was like girl, let’s take the leap fully!

Getting out of your comfort zone will humble you and you will learn a lot from it! So that is what I did!

What did you do over there? Were you not bored? 

Focus on networking in the tourism economic sector and I build and tested a partnership with a local agency! Then I also search for a job and network in finance. I have learned so much from this experience. I was able to re-visit my favorite spots in Benin and bond deeper with my family and my Yoruba culture! I met so many amazing souls that fed great input into me!  I am just grateful that I dared to follow my instinct and do what was right for my mental health and my well-being. This flex is a luxury for me! I was able to figure things out for the future I wanted for myself.

I can now confirm that I will move for good in a few years to west Africa. And I even find my soulmate as a bonus! But that is another story to be told, one day… I al still a little private about this part of my life.

Did you stay only in Benin?

My headquarters were in Bénin, but I spent a week in Accra and a Week in Lagos.

I have experienced different environments and I know now where I feel the most comfortable living in west Africa. It was my first time in Accra. And my experience during the Afro-Chella and New Year’s Eve was unique and mind-blowing. Check out my article on this experience.

What was your daily routine?

I start the morning with exercises! Then I work on my business Aduke Africa. I am a solo entrepreneur. I might have a networking lunch and dinner also in the day. Then I try to catch the sunset at the beach, at my favorite restaurant, while seeping frech coconut water or a nice cocktail! I was living my best life for sure, you can tell. Then on the weekend, I plan a getaway, or I enjoy great parties! Accra turned me a bit into a party girl!

Benin is a calm and easy country to navigate into. Nothing crazy happens, but if you want a calm and mind-blowing landscape, and to stay in touch with culture. Benin got you to mate!

Lessons that I have learned:

I recommend this kind of experience for sure. During the pandemic, I saw so many of my fellow travel addicts from the diaspora doing so and living their best life. I envy them so much, but I was scared to put a stop to my career and not feet in the society’s common rules. The amazing crew that I have met in Accra comforted me that doing so was not crazy, it will benefit me on so many levels. I had the gut feeling that at this season of my life I cannot run from my inner calling. I need to pursue it and know what all this is about!

Did I find all the answers I was looking for? Not, but most of my doubts were arrested on living in on the continent. Now I know more about the daily challenges I will have to face regarding living in west Africa. I am so proud of myself; I acted and dare to live my African dream to its fullest for a few months! I was part of something bigger than me.

So, follow your gut Africa lovers, it knows what it is best for your soul!

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