I just had a motorcycle accident

Here in Cotonou, the easiest way – and in many ways the most practical way – to get around is by Zemidjan, the commercial motorcycle operators. Today, on my way from the market, the Zem rider tried to dodge another one on the new Honda Grom, realized that he was going to run into a car and tried to swerve back. He lost balance and the three of us – the rider, myself and the bike – all fell down.

Just at the moment when I realized that he was going to lose control of the bike I felt some measure of frustration… that brief moment when I felt the two of us suspended in space, for just a split second. It felt so powerless not to be in control, not to be able to do anything about the fact that I knew we were going to crash. And then it was over. I was on the floor, the newspaper and the book that were under my armpit were flung away, and the nylon bag that held some apples was thrown another way. The only sharp pain I felt as I was about to stand up was from a grazed left-hand finger. I stood up, picked up my things and gently walked away without saying anything to anybody. After walking for about 100 metres, I called on another Zem, told him my address, agreed on a price, got on it and we rode to my place.

I know that I am still going to take another one to the market tomorrow.