Like so many others, I reacted with stunned disbelief at the result of the Brexit vote. I think it’s the stupidest, dumbest political decision I have seen in my lifetime, truly a major disaster for our country. I don’t want to be a citizen of an insular, self-seeking, flag-waving country that postures as a world leader while being out of step with its 27 immediate neighbours and mistrusting anything foreign.
One of the strangest things about this strange week is that I arrived in Lomé on the morning the vote was announced and since then there has only been a minimal internet connection here. So I haven’t been able to access any news on the web, express my anger on Facebook, sign petitions or look up the links friends are sending me. I’m feeling curiously cut off from my home country at such an crucial time. I’m purposely writing this at 2am in the hope that it will post. Can’t wait to get back to the village where the technology is more reliable.
Brexit
A curious moment as I joined the ‘European Union’ queue at passport control and realised with dismay that it might be the last time I ever do so. I sooooo hope not. I’ve left Dad with clear instructions what to vote as my proxy.
Just spent five amazing days in Lyon. On Saturday, I made a further three year commitment to the lay fraternity of the Society of African Missions. Since then it’s been a social whirlwind – every meal in a different place with different people, each and every one of them inspiring. The fraternity is an exact fit for me, and I’m feeling very loved and cared for as I return to Togo today.
I’ve just spent three wonderful days catching up with good friends in Paris. Also had a meeting with Valentin at the lab I used to work at to plan my next field trip to Côte d’Ivoire and gave a talk about my Kabiye research. You can read it (in French) here. Taking the TGV to Lyon this afternoon.
Cornishmaninafrica 