Day 18 - Lomé, Togo: Tradition, Royalty & Lessons from a Simpler Life




We were greeted by yet another beautiful sunrise this morning as we sailed into Lomé, Togo — soft golden light washing over the sea and lighting up the sky with a sense of promise. I began my morning with my usual routine: recording this week’s hypnosis script, which was on freedom from sugar, then heading to the gym for my workout.

(Side note for those reading the blog: If you’re not yet in my daily EFT/Hypnosis WhatsApp group and would like access, just send me a message — you are always welcome.)

As we approached the port, we were welcomed by another vibrant and colourful traditional performance, this time featuring stilt walkers towering above the dancers. It made me reflect on whether we do anything similar in Gibraltar when cruise liners arrive… perhaps a question worth pondering.

Upon disembarkation, we had our temperatures taken as a health precaution — a reminder of how different countries manage arrivals.

Joe decided to sit out today’s excursion, especially after learning that pharmacies were closed on Sundays. He instead enjoyed the Caviar and Champagne breakfast, and later went to the gym for a stretch session with the PT to ease his back.

Meanwhile, I joined the excursion titled Traditional Togo, and it truly lived up to its name. We began with a tour around Lomé, observing daily life as we headed out of the city toward a primary school with over 1,500 children. Even though it was a Sunday, the children were all gathered to welcome us.



And what a welcome it was.

They sang songs in French, played music, smiled widely and shouted “Bonjour!” at every opportunity. Many were dressed in their best Sunday clothes, proud and excited to be part of the experience. The joy and warmth they radiated was overwhelming — especially when contrasted with the basic facilities of their school.

No air conditioning.
Over 30 degrees.
Simple concrete rooms, with class sizes of over 100 kids in some year groups.

It was a powerful reminder of how entitled we often are in the West — and how happiness is not always tied to comfort or luxury. These children, with so little materially, had so much spirit.

Our next stop was to meet the local King of the region. What an extraordinary experience.



We were greeted by a huge procession — music, drums, elders, vibrant fabrics, ceremony and pride. The King walked in accompanied by the Queen, the Queen Mother, and the elders of the tribe.

He does not speak directly to visitors; instead, he addresses us through a spokesperson. Through this representative, he welcomed us to his land, shared a brief history of the tribe, and explained how they came to settle in this area. He is the fifth-generation King, carrying deep ancestral responsibility.

We were invited to ask questions, and one that particularly stood out was:
“How many people are in your tribe?”
The answer: 6,000.

After the ceremony, we boarded the bus and headed back toward the ship. Along the way, our guides shared local words (many the same ones we learned in Ghana yesterday), cultural insights, and stories from their daily lives.

What struck me most was the poverty — life is undeniably hard here. Yet, alongside that, there was a profound slowness, connection, and happiness that made me pause and wonder:

Who really has the better life?
The one with things, or the one with time?

Their wants are simpler. Their pace gentler. Their smiles more frequent.

And no — I’m definitely not ready to give up my washing machine and wash clothes by hand like the women we saw today! But the perspective was humbling.

An interesting cultural moment:
Our guide shared that it is rare to find a local who smokes, as voodoo doctors frown upon smoking. And indeed — we didn’t see a single person smoking all day.

Back on board, I had a chilled afternoon, spent doing my crossword and sudoku, and booking the remaining excursions for this leg of the cruise.

My whole evening was then consumed by trying to sort out Joe’s Audible account on his phone. It took time (and a lot of patience!), but eventually I got it working — so Joe will be thrilled when he wakes up tomorrow.

Tomorrow is another sea day, and I’m looking forward to a slower pace and the chance to absorb everything we experienced in Togo.

Daily Reflection:

Today reminded me that joy is not measured in possessions, but in presence.
There is beauty in simplicity, dignity in tradition, and wisdom in ways of life that remain close to the earth.

Highlight of the Day:

✨ The children at the primary school — their songs, their smiles, and their pure, infectious joy. 



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