We made it!

Yes, after two and a half months extra in Benin, we at last got on a plane to France. With amazing timing, Simon finished school the week before we left, and his brother and sister finished four days before we left Parakou. What a weight off our minds! Our suitcases were lighter too ... or they would have been if we hadn't been given presents which nearly filled the space!

Marc's dental treatment was only completed the day before we left - that too was a relief to have done.

We stocked up on masks before we left - some throwaway and some which I made myself. We knew we'd have to wear them all day on the Tuesday as we travelled in a minibus down to Cotonou, and again all day Thursday for our flight.

Here we are ready to leave Parakou:

Here are our washed masks drying in Cotonou:

On the plane:

Marc's parents and sister met us at the airport on Thursday evening, not getting too close to us, to pick up eight of our ten suitcases and to give us some food supplies. Here's Marc eating breakfast at our airport hotel the next morning:

Just after having been dropped off to our Airbnb by a taxi:

Views from the Airbnb:

Simon's writing corner all very well organised;