The airport serving Mopti and Sevare is a fairly dilapidated affair and the usual rows of airport seating are all located outside of the small terminal building. Our flight is scheduled to depart at 7 am, but Granpere told us not to go to the airport until 7:30 am. This is only a contradiction for non-Malians. Apparently nobody in Africa turns up for their flights on time, so the airlines fib to … [Read more...]
Sahara Desert to Bamako, Day 211
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Choosing the cheap accommodation option in Timbuktu (which sits on the edge of the Sahara Desert in case I hadn't mentioned it) means no air conditioning and not even a fan. So it was hot; real hot last night. We did have a mosquito net and since Timbuktu is also just a few miles from the Niger River it's possible, I suppose, that an enterprising mosquito might buzz into town looking for an easy … [Read more...]
Bamako, Mali, Day 212
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Christi and I decide to explore downtown Bamako, although even getting there is a nightmare. We cross the wide shallow Niger River via the Bridge of Martyrs. All manner of humanity and pollution-belching vehicles (notably mopeds, motorcycles, cars, and trucks) zoom past at chaotic speeds. It's amazing there are no accidents, especially for those people stupid enough to walk. Bamako also has very … [Read more...]
Kati, Mali, Day 213
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The engine in the Dragoman truck is revving and about to pull out of the Sleeping Camel when a dusty, dirty Jeep Group arrives from Timbuktu. I learn from Agatha Christie that they had about the same amount of time as Christi and I in the desert metropolis and the cost of the trip ended up being about the same as flying, so Christi and I are feeling rather smug. Christi actually pleads to … [Read more...]
Kayes, Mali, Day 214
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Breakfast at 7 am after an unpleasant night under the stars. Take a quick group photo by a nearby Baobab tree, pack up the camp and deal with the bags (boy is this becoming tedious) and we're on the road by 8 am. The temperature climbs rapidly and no one is happy at the prospect of another hot, smelly day on the truck. Adonis quells any insurrection by stopping at the village of Kayes to allow … [Read more...]
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