My name is Stella and I’m a 24 year old Beninese queen living in Nantes (West of France) since 2011.

You are most likely wondering: WHAT THE HELL IS BENIN?
Well here are some Benin Facts:


The number one thing I miss when I am away from Benin is my family.
Jk, no it’s THE FOOD (sorry Mom).
Y’ALL. I don’t even know where to start. In Benin, we eat a lot of sauces/soups. Gombo (my favorite), Man (a sauce made with spinach), and Crincrin are eaten with corn dough called Wô in Fon, the signature dish of Benin. Also, fried deliciousness is a staple in Benin meals such as fried plantains, fried yams, fried cassava, french fries. And our typical Benin breakfast is my ALL TIME favorite food: porridge + doughnuts. The porridge is made with different types of fermented cereals.Benin Fact: Food is basically carbs heaven!

Benin Fact: There Is No Black Racism
When I was asked to write this piece, I really didn’t know what to write about. I mean what makes Benin so different from France? Let me tell you.

Facing racism is still something I don’t really know how to handle.
Benin Fact: Voodoo Originated In Benin
Also Benin is a really relaxed country about religion. I am Catholic but my friends and even family believe in a lot of different religions and we all get along pretty well. For example, our public holidays are Christian, Muslims and Voodoo. Yes, voodoo, or if I should say animist.Benin is known to be the birthplace of voodoo and every 10th of January we celebrate it.
Growing up in this religious melting pot gave me a lot of insight and realized that the fundamentals are the same. We are all trying to be the best version of ourselves and to love fellow beings. The presence of all these religions together does not exist in France.
Benin Fact: The Elderly Are Cherished
Another thing, family is really important for us Beninese. Respecting the elderly is mandatory. For example, when I visit I have to greet ALL of my family members. Mind you my mother has 11 brothers and sisters FROM THE SAME PARENTS. Kuddos to my Grandma that I didn’t have the pleasure to know. During my visits, they never fail to ask me when am I getting married, while simultaneously telling me to focus on my studies rather than dating. They also don’t want me to marry a White man, but tell me that mixed babies would be the cutest. Since 2012, I’ve worn my hair natural, and every time they ask me why I don’t brush my hair. They also force me to eat and also give me some to take away, while warning me about my weight gain (again). I can’t really say anything back so I just sit there and laugh. It’s all love though. I know that they love me and will always have my back no matter what happen.
Benin Fact: Tourist Are Welcome!
Earlier this year, Julie, one of my French besties got an internship with the World Health Organization. Can you believe it was for four months in Cotonou?


The photos of Benin in this article were taken by her. I hope you enjoyed them!

About The Author
Stella is a Beninese student living in France. She loves traveling in her free-time, but only gets to travel home once a year. You can follow her travels on her social media buttons below:
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