Before we leave Bobo-Dioulasso, Christi and I take the opportunity for a little more exploration. We want to soak up as much of the atmosphere from this wonderful town before moving on to the capital, Ouagadougou. It’s a pleasure to walk the somewhat dirty streets of Bobo-Dioulasso and watch the locals at work and play. I could definitely stay longer in this energetic but friendly town. In fact we’re enjoying the town so much we’re late back and the truck almost departs without us. I also receive evil looks from Doogie Howser and John Malkovich who had to store the packs without me.
It’s a six-hour ride to Ouagadougou (including a brief lunch stop) and while the road is in fairly good shape PeeWee Herman is rather an expert at hitting every pot hole we encounter, which puts the natives in a restless mood. Our collective mood is not helped by the heat, which, if anything, is getting hotter the further inland we go. We reach the Hotel OK Inn in Ouagadougou by late afternoon. Tomorrow is a holiday so plans are quickly made to visit a the museum of music (and for those on cooking detail) the local grocery store. Neither option appeals to Christi and I so after putting up our tents (no upgrades today, unfortunately) we hang out by the pool at the hotel instead, chatting to some of the other passengers.
Over the last few days I’ve gotten to know Dennis and Margaret Thatcher a bit better; mostly Dennis to be fair as Margaret prefers to scowl. This middle-aged couple fascinate me for their complete and utter selfishness and unwillingness to compromise (especially Margaret. The original Iron Lady would, no doubt, have approved) And they are completely honest about their views, which are completely un-PC, of course, but deliciously refreshing for all that. They have traveled extensively in their desire to collect all 220 official countries (although what constitutes a country is actually a rather gray area). Their tally to date is 150 (151 including Burkina Faso). Back in what passes for the real world, Dennis and Margaret live in the suburbs of London. He is a retired scientist, who is badgered every moment of the day by Margaret. They chose (wisely) to forgo children so that they can devote even more time and resources to enjoying themselves. They are an odd combination, but it seems to work for them so who am I judge. Margaret is not a team player, though, and trouble’s brewing, I fear…
Blog post by Roderick Phillips, author of Weary Heart – a gut wrenching tale of broken hearts and broken test tubes.
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