I checked in Cotonou.

1. I chose to stay near Etoile Square in Cotonou. For one thing, it's one of Cotonou's major city centers, making it easy to get around. More importantly, it's home to Cotonou's largest carpooling spot. Etoile Square itself is a large roundabout, marked by a tall pillar in the center. Atop the pillar is a statue with distinctive local characteristics. You could say this is Cotonou's most iconic landmark. 2. Cotonou itself doesn't have many attractions. As a major city in West Africa, it perfectly embodies the characteristics of other nearby cities: crowded, somewhat chaotic streets, cluttered houses, and municipal construction that clearly needs improvement. That being said, when I first arrived in West Africa, I was overwhelmed by this scene. But now, after being "baptized" by cities like Dakar, Lagos, and Abidjan, I quickly adapted to the rhythm and lifestyle of Cotonou. 3. The main mode of transportation in Cotonou, or even Benin, is by "motorcycle taxi." The number of motorcycles here is so high that I think only some Southeast Asian countries can compare. Almost my entire trip in Cotonou was by motorcycle, including from Ouidah to Cotonou, Ganvie back to Cotonou, and finally to the airport. However, since I'm a backpacker, riding a motorcycle is no problem. If you have luggage, I wouldn't recommend it. 4. Cotonou is a typical polycentric city. It seems to be divided into several areas, each with its own "city center." Among all these centers, the one that impressed me the most was Dantokpa Market, located near the Cotonou Lagoon. It was at least the most bustling and also the most "chaotic" place I saw in Cotonou. The market has everything, and its complex structure makes it easy to get lost, so I only dared to wander around the periphery and didn't venture deeper. 5. There are many Chinese restaurants here, offering hot pot, stir-fries, and even explorations of the primeval forest. The city's infrastructure is excellent, with abundant attractions and even more friendly and welcoming people. You don't need to carry much cash in West Africa; some countries don't allow it and will confiscate it. So, wherever there's a Chinese restaurant, you can exchange currency, though the exchange rate certainly won't be the best. Overall, it's a pretty good experience!