Lomé September 15, 2008

I was lucky to visit some of the communities where Red Cross volunteers live and work before leaving Togo.

Villagers played music for us and prepared delicious meals consisting of African cuscus, chicken and palm wine. Their generosity made a very strong impression on me; they have so little and yet were ready to share it all with us. We ate abundantly; it would have been unacceptable for us to refuse the delicacies made by the women of the community with such care and effort.

In Koloware, central Togo, I had a wonderful time eating delicious food, singing songs, and even received an unexpected yet much honoured marriage proposal (unfortunately I had to decline).

In the community of Evou Apégamé, in the region of Plateaux, the religious leader asked me to remember him and his village, while holding my hand tightly and looking firmly into my eyes. These are moments that become unforgettable memories.