Our time is running out in Benin...

Our time in Benin is swiftly coming to an end. We only have about 5 weeks of surgery left, yet we know that there are so many people in Cotonou who still need the operations we specialise in. I see people on the dock every day who ask me if we can operate on their hernias/goitres/burns/hemorrhoids etc etc...the only consolation is that our next location for active field service is in Lome in neighbouring Togo, only 3 hours drive from Cotonou, so maybe some of those who couldn't be helped in Benin can travel there. We will set sail in a little over 6 weeks, and we will be arriving in Spanish owned Tenerife two months today! The island has become almost legendary to the crew of the Africa Mercy - it's a place where many crew join or leave the ship or take vacation; it's a place where the temperature is a little more bearable, and the shops and restaurants are more recognisable that we're used to in West Africa. Our fruit bowl will soon be overflowing with glorious European fruit once more! Olly