Aneho: Togo's Coastal Gem

• HelloAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
• GoodbyeAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
• YesAwo
  [ah-woh]
• NoAyi
  [ah-yee]
• Please/You're welcomeAyi
  [ah-yee]
• Thank youAkpe
  [ah-kpeh]
• Excuse me/SorryKu
  [koo]
• How are you?Ako se?
  [ah-koh seh]
• Fine. And you?Yeh. E se?
  [yeh. eh seh]
• Do you speak English?O se gbe English?
  [oh seh gbeh English]
• I don't understandMi nɔvi wɔe
  [mee noh-vee woh-eh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ɖo xɔ menu, ɖeka
  [mee doh kho menu theh-kah]
• I don't eat meatMi wɔ ɖo agbli
  [mee woh doh ah-gblee]
• Cheers!Ayo!
  [ah-yoh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi ɖo xɔ xɔ esia, ɖeka
  [mee doh kho kho eh-syah theh-kah]

• Help!Mawu
  [mah-woo]
• Go away!Vɔ xɔ
  [voh kho]
• Call the Police!Vɔ xɔ Polisii!
  [voh kho poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Vɔ xɔ dokita!
  [voh kho doh-kee-tah]
• I'm lostMi tsoe
  [mee tsoh-eh]
• I'm illMi ɖe
  [mee theh]

• I'd like to buy...Mi ɖo xɔ...
  [mee doh kho...]
• I'm just lookingMi ɖo ɖe ɖe
  [mee doh theh theh]
• How much is it?E ɖe ena gbɔmɛ?
  [eh theh eh-nah gboh-meh]
• That's too expensiveE si sɔsɔ ɖe ɖe
  [eh see soh-soh theh theh]
• Can you lower the price?O ɖe ɖe ɖe
  [oh theh theh theh]

• What time is it?E ɖe ɖeka?
  [eh theh theh-kah]
• It's one o'clockƉe ena ɖe
  [theh eh-nah theh]
• Half past (10)Xɔ xɔ (10)
  [kho kho (10)]
• MorningƉeka
  [theh-kah]
• Afternoonɖe ɖe ɖeka
  [theh theh theh-kah]
• Eveningalɔ
  [ah-loh]
• YesterdayDziɖɔ
  [zee-zoh]
• TodayDzo
  [zoh]
• TomorrowAɖa
  [ah-dah]
• 1Yi
  [yee]
• 2Eɖe
  [eh-theh]
• 3Eha
  [eh-hah]
• 4Ena
  [eh-nah]
• 5Evi
  [eh-vee]
• 6Eɖo
  [eh-theh-oh]
• 7Ese
  [eh-seh]
• 8Eva
  [eh-vah]
• 9Nawo
  [nah-woh]
• 10Kɔme
  [koh-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Ɖe ena...
  [theh eh-nah...]
• What's the address?E ɖe ɖe ɖe?
  [eh theh theh theh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ɖe ɖe mi (ɖe lɔgɔ)?
  [oh theh theh mee theh loh-goh]
• When's the next (bus)?E ɖe ɖe xɔ xɔ (bus)?
  [eh theh theh kho kho (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Xɔ xɔ (to ....)
  [kho kho (to ....)]

Aneho, historically known as Little Popo, was founded in the late 17th century by the Guin people. It served as a refuge for the Guin who fled from wars in the east. Situated on the Atlantic coast, it quickly became a significant trading post.

Aneho became a focal point during the colonial era, first falling under German control in the late 19th century as part of Togoland. The town's strategic location made it a valuable hub for trade and administration.

Aneho played a crucial role in the transatlantic slave trade. The town's coastal location facilitated the export of enslaved people to the Americas. The remnants of this dark period in history are still visible in some historical sites and local oral traditions.

Aneho is known for its diverse religious landscape. It is a center for Vodun (Voodoo) practices, and also home to one of the oldest Catholic missions in Togo, established by French missionaries in the 19th century. The coexistence of these different religious traditions highlights the town's cultural diversity.

After World War I, Togoland was divided between the British and the French. Aneho came under French control and continued to serve as an important administrative and commercial center. The French influence is still evident in the town's architecture and educational institutions.

Togo gained independence from France in 1960, and Aneho has since evolved into a peaceful town that blends historical significance with modernity. It remains an important cultural and touristic destination, known for its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and dances.

Aneho is located in the Maritime Region of Togo, near the border with Benin. The nearest international airport is Lomé-Tokoin International Airport in Lomé, about 50 kilometers away. From Lomé, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private taxi to Aneho, which usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Public minibuses (known as 'bush taxis') also operate between Lomé and Aneho and are a more budget-friendly option.

Within Aneho, the primary modes of transportation are taxis and motorcycle taxis (known locally as 'zemidjans'). Both are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For short distances, walking is also a viable option as the town is quite compact. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring surrounding areas, but it's advisable to hire a local driver familiar with the roads.

The official currency in Togo is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Aneho, so it is essential to carry cash. ATMs are available but can be sparse, so withdrawing sufficient cash in Lomé before traveling to Aneho is advisable. Ensure you have smaller denominations for easier transactions, especially in local markets and smaller establishments.

Aneho is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, petty theft can occur. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for the police and 118 for the fire department. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in Aneho. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest major hospital is in Lomé, so for serious medical emergencies, transportation to Lomé may be necessary.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow or nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aneho like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic colonial buildings and the Aneho Lagoon, which is a great spot for bird-watching. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Ewe festival if your visit coincides with one.