Ani oula!
Today we took a lovely day trip to the nearby city of Banfora, about an hour outside of Bobo. We went with a man named Zerbo, recommended to us by the cook from the hotel in Ouaga. The bus ride was neat, since we were really entering the agricultural zone. There were sugar cane fields on either side, and every now and then we would pass a small village, or just a family compound.
When we arrived, Zerbo’s friend Issa picked us up, and then got in touch with his friends until he found someone with a vehicle. We started off by going to see the Domes de Fabedougou, these huge rock formations formed ages ago by moving water. It was nice to climb to the top and feel the wind again, and breathe in fresh air! A very nice change from the heat down at the bottom.
We then went to see the famous waterfalls of Karfiguela, and were told we could go swimming at the bottom, but given the colour of the water we decided it would be wise to refrain from such activity. Think murky brown bubbly liquid...
We also saw the biggest ant hills ever…this one in the picture is actually on the small side compared to other ones we saw. I look like a miniature person when standing next to some of them. I had to ask the question, how big are their ants? Turns out theirs are the same as ours, just much more motivated and hard working.
After lunch, where we were served what I believe was the equivalent of 3 chickens (SO much food…) we went to Lac Tangrela, to see the hippos. We were taken out in a pirogue, a precarious-looking but completely sea worthy little boat, and we rowed out until we saw a few big noses sticking out of the water. The hippos were the smart ones…they were staying cool while us crazy tourists were out in the blazing 40 degree sunshine.
I know I probably sound like a broken record, but the people here are just so incredibly nice. The children have the most amazing smiles, and really white teeth! And it’s so easy to meet people. On the bus home tonight we made a bunch of new contacts, with everyone willing to help us out with whatever we need. It’s delightful, really.
Donc c’est tout pour aujourd’hui, mes amis. A la prochaine!
p.s. the mangoes here are the most amazing things…ever.
p.p.s. I had picture to post with this entry, but of course, it didn't work. I'll try to make the next entry only pictures from the trip. A bientot!
3 comments:
Salaams baby,
Glad to hear that you're enjoying your new life - and that you're taking advantage of this time before you start seriously into your work, to enjoy some of Burkina.
Adam and I went to see Toumani Diabate on Saturday (did you know Mum went to his club in Bamako!). he is the 71st generation of kora players in his family - and his 15-year old is now learning to keep the family tradiion of griots alive. Wow!! His band is called the Symmetric Orchestra and they are made up of musicians from all the countries that once comprised the Mandinka Empire. So musicians from Ivory Coast, Guinea Conakry, Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso - all in their traditional clothes. he then gave us a lesson on how to play the kora. Once I understood how complex and beautiful it really is, it actually brought tears to my eyes when he then started playing this absolutely beautiful piece.
Think you might get an opportunity to take djembe lessons in Hounde.
That's all for now baby. Have to go and see if Miss Congenialty has posted a note today.
Love you very much,
Dad
Little Baby Deb Deb!
This sounds so exciting!!! Omygudde!
Lucky you...hippos...that's super sharpe. As in...totally insane!
Um, so I miss you a lot.
I tried to call you yesterday. But the country code was wrong, or something...it didn't work. I'll try again sometime. If it doesn't work out from here, I'll be in touch (all the time) when I get home.
Love you so much, and am so excited for you, happy for you, and proud of you. I show you off to everyone. "Hey guys! Wanna hear about my sister?!?" Well...not quite. But dju know.
Oh, and what are dju?
Love you so so much, Sara.
XOoxOoXoXo
Wow Sara! I'm so impressed with your blogging skills!! Although it'll get harder to find internet, keep up the great work! It sounds like you are adjusting so well to your new surroundings already. What is the French like there? Does anyone speak English to you? Keep cool! Miss you. xoxo Heather
Post a Comment