This Global Walk Outside | Day 23: Benin
One of my favorite things about our outdoor space is our covered patio. Even in the midday heat, we can sit outside in the shade and enjoy the fresh air.
On a walk through our neighborhood to the beach.
Coming from the Midwest where it is cold for the better part of the year, living near the equator is quite different. The temperature stays consistent pretty much all year long and while it is quite hot, it’s nice to be able to enjoy outdoor spaces all year.
Plants that line the house. We have no idea what kind of plants they are but they are definitely made for the heat and can survive on just rainwater.
Our covered patio with seating. We spend a lot of time out here.
The other side of the house is used for drying clothes. Most people don’t have a washing machine or dryer so it’s done by hand and line dried.
Compared to our home in the States, this outdoor space is much more functional. It wraps around the entire house and even have an additional bathroom outside. With kids (and a new puppy) we knew outdoor space was important to us so a large outdoor space, with grass, was a must.
My favorite of the outdoor plants. It makes these beautiful flowers all year long.
Most locals don’t have grass because of the inconvenience to maintain it, but some do and we were lucky enough to find a place with a large grass area. We spend a lot of time outside so it’s great to have a space for the kids to run around.
One of the best parts about where we live is being steps away from ocean. Nothing is better than the sand between your toes looking out at the deep blue water. Beaches in Benin aren’t overrun with hotels and tourists like some places. They are clear and beautiful and the perfect place for an evening walk.
A nearby lake. We try to spend our weekends outdoors whenever we can. The nature in Benin is amazing!