For N we decided to head to west Africa to the very poor landlocked country that is twice the size of Texas – Niger. The gross national income is just $360 (compared to the U.S.’s $63,000 or even neighboring Nigeria’s $1,960).  Also this former French territory has also gone through its share of military coups and regime changes since its independence in 1960.

The north of the country is the edge of the Sahara Desert and the bordering Sahel, so most of the people live in the south. Still, the country is home to many Unesco designated National Parks, including W National Park and some interesting wildlife including the largest population of elephants in West Africa Eve’s and favorite, the Caracal cat.

For more information on Niger, check out our slide show HERE. And below are some more interesting fact about Niger:

• Niger is one of the hottest countries in the world, with the year-round average temperature of 84 °F
• On Independence Day (3 August), people often plant trees to combat increasing desertification.
• Niger has the largest animal natural rock carvings in the world – Two towering giraffes and other rock carvings or petroglyphs were discovered in Dabous region in Niger, and date back to 8000 BC

FOOD

The food is what we would call typical West Africa – lots of beans, greens and palm nut oil. They do have the French influence, though with the destruction of our own kitchen we never got around to making beignets.

Dinner

Efo – It proved hard to find a main dish that is truly from Niger. But they do eat a lot of stewed meat and greens, so we  went with Efo a traditional spinach stew of neighboring Nigeria, which we read is also eaten in Niger.  It was pretty delicious, with a rich earthy taste. Fava beans were a great addition.

Couscous – Unlike Nigeria and much of west Africa, Niger eats more couscous (being close to North Africa) than fufu so we went with that.

Fried Plantains – Popular all over Niger. Delicious

Breakfast

Millet Porridge with brown sugar – At the African store, we found this and tried it as it’s common in Niger. Kind of like a slightly crunchy cream of wheat. As Andrew said – “not terrible”

More fried plantains! – Still Delicious

Moringa Tea – Moringa is a very popular green in Niger, but as we could not find it in the fresh version, we tried the tea. Kind of like a green tea!

CULTURE

The largest festival (and what the tourist industry is trying to tout as its main tourist attraction) occurs at the start of their spring (in September) called Cure Salee. It literally means salt cure – which comes from animals licking salt in preparation for the spring. Celebrated by the nomadic tribes of the north, Cure Salee is also a large courtship time and strangely feminine looking men from the Woodabe tribe dance and sing at their best to attract women.

So we researched Cure Salee and looked at their dancing and practice a few of their eye moves and teeth chatters (apparently, thought to be quite attractive!) of our own. Sadly we did not have any face paint.

….Next up is Paraguay…And Isaac is already working up the presentation!