[ Cinkassé, Togo ]
Bonsoir mes chers Transglobalistes—
It’s time to share a few captures from northern Togo, near the three-way border with Burkina Faso and dear old Ghana. I passed my time here primarily wandering about, seeing how things worked and what sorts of characters populated the environs. (I also spit across the border into Burkina Faso once, just because I could; at least some part of me entered Burkinabe territory.)
You’ll not be surprised to learn I stumbled upon a group of charming weavers–tucked into a small alleyway; the shy, industrious ladies allowed me a couple of photos. Looms and weavers and their fabrics always make for good memories, and images.
Most mornings, before exploring, I would walk to the south-side bus and taxi lot for an omelet and a cup or two (or three) of coffee and conversation. The jovial shopkeepers and roguish drivers were happy to mug the camera once or twice as well.
However, truth be told, I was lazy; I didn’t work hard enough to do the town photographic justice. Like nearly all border towns, Cinkassé is a fascinating, vibrant mix of humanity, awash with languages, religious practices, tribal markings, styles of dress, and ways of being. It may be a small town, but its personality is out-sized. If you are a traveler who enjoys a bit of grit and noise (and if you don’t, you’re not really a traveler, are you?!), then consider this small town highly recommended.
As-Salaam-Alaikum,
—jim
PS
Below the image gallery, you’ll find a short embedded Facebook Live video. It’s Yours Truly, wandering about Cinkasse on market day. Enjoy!
