A Memorable First: I Drove a Motorcycle!

One of the highlights for me in West Africa was learning how to ride a motorcycle. Starting in Ghana, we began taking moto taxis to get around. It was the first time in my life that I had been on a motorcycle and I really enjoyed it. We took even more moto taxis in Togo and Benin than in Ghana. After riding my bike across West Africa, it was exhilarating to be able to go fast without any effort.

Roger, my dad's friend from Peace Corps Benin who he hadn't seen in 22 years, treated me like a king. All my Dad had to do was mention my interest in learning how to drive a motorcycle and he set up a lesson for me.

Roger's nephew, Patrice was my instructor. Since the Beninese people speak French, I was lucky he spoke some English. So when we were out of my dad's listening range he could still tell me if I was doing anything wrong. The motorcycle I learned on looked more like a modern scooter and it didn't have a clutch. This made it a lot easier to learn on. At first I rode on the back so Patrice could show me what to do and then we switched so he was on the back to tell me if I was doing something wrong. The first time around as a driver was especially exhilarating. Then when Patrice was satisfied that I wouldn't mess up, I got to ride around on my own.

I felt lucky to be able to do something that I know I won't be able to do at home for a long time. I nonetheless hope to ride again soon somehow.

- Brook