Trip to Upcountry #1
I traveled Northern region of Togo over the last weekend.
It was about 6 hours drive to the final destination, Kara. The road condition were not great, but the scenery of rural area in Togo is very green and pleasant. Since I wasn't the driver (thanks to my husband drive all the way up to through the stressful driving on the West African road!), I really enjoyed the road trip.
scenery in Atakpame
scenery in Atakpame
-Sokode-
We stopped at the town, Sokode.
Some of you may know about the company Alaffia. They sell fair trade products such as coconut oil, shea butter, and African baskets. They make their products at their compound in Sokode.
Entrance of the Alaffia compound
The workers there are mostly women, and they work really hard. Every products are made by their hands.
There is another facility few minutes away from this main compound. They make "Queen Alaffia" collection there. They make fabric items such as bags, wallets, batik fabrics, etc. The women at Queen Alaffia were rescued from prostitution and work there. All of the products Alaffia makes are very well and beautifully made. I was very fortunate for being able to see all these process in person.
After they wash the cacao beans, they are drying before they start processing.
They select the cacao beans by hands.
Crashed cacao beans.
Cacao Butter
Basket makers. The woman on the right was really interested in my camera, and asked me to take her picture.
They start making from the base of baskets.
Final process of baskets making.
A woman at the Queen Alaffia.
After we left Sokode, continued driving to Kara.
Read "Trip to Upcountry #2"
