stories, from africa: Mbibi and Bini

We had a chance to do a little more forest bathing, which actually had me wondering if maybe what I am missing in life is more nature and less people. I felt certain I could spend a few weeks or more out there among the trees without the slightest bit of the loneliness that seems to haunt me in Abidjan.

Domain Bini is 62 hectares of wooded area just outside Yopougon. Mr. Bini told me he'd inherited the land from his older brother, who'd inherited it from their father. It is surrounded by plantations and the Banco forest. Mr. Bini spent some time considering how to use the land and has been slowly developing his ideas. Or rather, ideas he thought would take a few years have already been achieved and now he is striving to keep up with the new pace of things.

His intentions are to keep everything natural. Chairs, cups, and bowls are all made from natural elements. Our lunch was served on a tree plank table top covered with large palm leaves. Rather than plates, we were served finger food on banana leaves. "No silverware or plates here. Everything is natural and you have to eat with your hands," Mr. Bini announced as he called his guests in.

We had a chance to walk through the forest- which felt much more welcoming and at ease than the banco trip- although our group was definitely outnumbered in the adult to child ration which made for a more chaotic walk- or maybe it was just me and Mbibi. She's reached that magical age of intensity. Everything that happens sends her into gales of giggles or horrifying screams of terror and defiance. Our jungle walk coincided with nap time and she confused herself between wanting to walk or be carried on my back. In the end she threw such a major fit she ended up peeing all over me, herself and the extra pagne I'd brought to wrap her with. I striped her down, wiped her dry and changed her clothes before handing her off to one of our guides, who graciously offered to carry her. (and with whom she was on perfect behavior, having been thoroughly exhausted by her fit and surprised by wetting herself.) Oh, my girl.

Her favorite place was the hammock crawl at 'base camp' and once we returned she rebounded with energy and wit. She loved playing with the other kids but also had a great time by herself, pretending to go to the boutique (one of her favorite destinations these days) and buy stuff from Diallo (her favorite boutique guy.)

After a brief reprieve, we took the kids down to the clay baths. I asked Mr. Bini how many years we could expect to shave off our age, but he laughed and suggested perhaps only a week. The clay baths were full service (well, none of the adults in our group went for the full experience and so maybe they were so hands on because of the kids.) They "soaped" them up and sent them off to dry in the sun (plenty of opportunity for zombie pics during the dry time.) The two women also assisted in the washing off process. Mbalia washed first and then we were off to explore so I am not exactly sure what happened next. I turned around to see all of the kids huddling on the edge of the pond and one of the women beating at something with a long stick. Snake? Water critter? There's always a little bit of excitement in the jungle.

I enjoyed talking with Mr. Bini about ideas for the future- many of which he's already considering (definitely helpful to offer some sort of transportation- sadly I cannot revisit because of this factor. Offering retreats for team building, more canopies for sleeping) and a few that he hadn't (partnering with scouts organizations to offer retreats, other retreats in arts and health, creating another "base camp" in a different area of the land to allow for groups to come but still maintain a sense of seclusion.) It is fun to think of possibilities with other people's opportunities.

He was kind enough to say he appreciated the ideas, and he does appreciate getting feedback from visitors. Not only does it reinforce that fact that his ideas are on the right track, it also helps to keep him inspired and motivated. He told me he doesn't get a chance to sleep well and even when he would like to spend a night drinking or relaxing, he cannot. The ideas are just swimming around and around.