Alright Leo, speaking of moving around, because we've been sitting here for ages, let's talk about getting active! Ooh! What about "Sports, Activity, and Adventure Options" in our two countries?
Hahaha! 'Getting active' Mira? Is that your subtle way of saying I need to lay off the baklava? Hehe! Fine by me! Let's see if Benin and Togo offer anything more exciting than just walking to the fridge for snacks.
Oh, you know I didn't mean that, Leo! But seriously, after all that talk about serious stuff, it's time for some fun! So, sports, activities, adventures... Where should we even start? Hmm! Maybe with the sports everyone goes crazy for?
Sounds like a plan! And if I know anything about most countries, the answer is probably going to involve a ball and a lot of running. Aha! So, football first, right? I'm guessing both Benin and Togo are footballmad?
Bingo! Football, soccer, whatever you call it, it's HUGE in both Benin and Togo! Wow! It’s like, if you don't love football there, do you even exist? Hehe! I’m exaggerating, of course… a little.
A little? Mira, you once said you'd trade me for a good striker! Hahaha! Just kidding… mostly. But yeah, football is king. Are they any good though? Like, do they have national teams that make people scream at their TVs?
Well, they might not be winning the World Cup every year, but the passion is definitely there! Ooh! Benin has the ‘Squirrels’ and Togo has the ‘Sparrowhawks’ – seriously cool nicknames, right? Imagine cheering "Go Squirrels Go!"
Squirrels versus Sparrowhawks! Sounds like a nature documentary showdown! Hahaha! I’m picturing a tiny squirrel in a jersey taking on a bird of prey. It’s… cinematic. But beyond football, what else gets the adrenaline pumping?
Hmm! Let’s think… Benin has this amazing coastline, right? Miles and miles of beaches! Ahhh! Perfect for chilling out, soaking up the sun, maybe building a questionable sandcastle or two.
Sandcastles? Mira, are we comparing countries or planning a toddler’s birthday party? Hehe! Beaches are good, sure, but are they just for sunbathing or can you actually do stuff?
Well, you can definitely swim! Ahhh! And I bet you could find some beach volleyball going on, maybe some frisbee if you’re feeling energetic. It's more about the relaxed vibe, you know?
Relaxed vibe is nice and all, but my idea of adventure involves slightly more… motion. Hmm! What about Togo? Do they just copy Benin's beach plan or do they spice things up?
Togo has beaches too, of course, but they’re a bit more… actionpacked, maybe? I heard you can actually surf in Togo! Whoa! Imagine catching some waves in West Africa!
Surfing in Togo? Now you're talking! Wow! I’m picturing myself, board shorts, cool sunglasses, wiping out spectacularly on my first wave… Okay, maybe not the last part. But surfing is definitely a step up from sandcastles.
Hehe! Exactly! And Togo isn’t just about beaches either. They have mountains! Mount Agou, I think it’s called. For hiking, maybe some amazing views…
Mountains and surfing? Togo is suddenly sounding like the adventure capital of West Africa! Mount Agou… Is it like Everest or more like a… slightly bigger hill?
Okay, okay, maybe not Everest. But it’s the highest point in Togo! You can hike up, get some incredible panoramic views, feel like you’re on top of the world! Wow! Plus, the air is probably way fresher than in the city.
Fresh air, panoramic views… Sounds almost… healthy. Quick, change the subject! What about Benin? Does Benin have any natural wonders that aren’t just flat beaches?
Of course! Remember Lake Nokoué? With Ganvie, the floating village? Ooh! That's a pretty adventurous way to live, right? Imagine your commute to work is by boat!
Commuting by boat… Unless you’re a Venetian gondolier, that sounds like it could get old pretty fast. Hehe! But a floating village is definitely unique! Can you, like, kayak around or something?
Definitely boat trips! Ahhh! You can explore the lake, see the village from the water, maybe even try some fishing. It’s a completely different experience, right? Not your everyday tourist trap.
Okay, a floating village boat trip is pretty cool. I’ll give Benin points for originality. But adventurewise, still leaning towards Togo and those waves. Anything else Benin can throw at us?
Hmm! Well, for proper adventure, you could head north in Benin. Pendjari National Park! Whoa! Wildlife, safaris, all that good stuff! Imagine seeing elephants, lions… maybe even a squirrel the size of a small car!
Squirrelsized cars? Mira, you’re back to the squirrels! Hahaha! But a national park with wildlife… that’s a solid adventure option! Safaris are always exciting, even if you mostly see monkeys and slightly grumpy looking buffalo.
Hey, monkeys and grumpy buffalo are still wildlife! It’s all part of the experience! Ooh! And Pendjari is supposed to be really beautiful, untouched, you know?
Untouched nature… Sounds nice, but also potentially full of mosquitos and things that bite. I’m a comedian, not Bear Grylls. Togo, back to you! Anything else up your sleeve adventurewise?
Well, this is a bit different… but Togo has Togolese wrestling! Whoa! Traditional wrestling matches, sometimes with rituals and ceremonies… It’s a cultural experience and a sport!
Togolese wrestling? Is it like WWE but with less spandex and more… actual wrestling? Hehe! Rituals and ceremonies? Are we talking firebreathing and snake charming at ringside?
Maybe not firebreathing, Leo! But it’s definitely more than just a sport. It’s tied to their traditions, their culture. It’s supposed to be really exciting to watch!
Okay, traditional wrestling with cultural vibes… That’s actually pretty interesting! I’m picturing myself ringside, trying to understand the rituals while dodging flying wrestlers. Could be a new standup bit in there somewhere!
See? Adventure! And cultural immersion all in one! So, between Benin and Togo for sports and adventure… It’s a tough call, isn’t it? Hmm!
It is! Benin’s got the chilledout beach vibe and wildlife safaris. Togo’s got surfing, mountains, and wrestling with rituals! Wow! For pure adrenaline, Togo might edge it out.
But Benin’s got that unique floating village! And maybe sometimes, a relaxed beach day is the adventure you need! Ahhh! It really depends what you’re looking for, right?
Exactly! If you want to chill and see some wildlife, Benin’s calling. If you want to ride waves and climb mountains, Togo’s got you covered. Aha! Or if you just want to see squirrels, Benin wins automatically. Hahaha!
Leo! You and those squirrels! But yes, I think we've given our listeners some great ideas for getting active in Benin and Togo! And if you want to see videos of any of this, maybe check out YouTube channel!
Definitely! And if you are planning an adventurous trip and need some travel tips, maybe jetoff.ai can help you plan it all out! Just saying! Hehe!
Shameless plug, Leo! But helpful nonetheless! And if you like this podcast, you know what to do! Like and subscribe! Ahhh! It's free and it makes us feel like Olympic champions!
Olympic champions of podcasting! That's the dream, Mira! Hahaha! Okay, next up… let's talk about something a little less sweaty… how about nightlife?