The Dogon, 6 days, 5 nights

Oh my goodness, at noon today we finally arrived back in Bandiagara.  First thing--- take a super long shower and wash clothes (in a horse bucket with laundry soap... hanging underwear from every knob I can find).

Here at the internet cafe the service is very slow; so this post won't be inclusive of ALL that has happened... please stay tuned over the next few days for the memories as they arise and the pictures (I took quite a few for us).  I am quite healthy other than a large burn on my calf from Mamadou's motorcyle... we got that the first day.  Sort of like a branding for this entire journey.  And now here I sit with seriously dwindling money and a bit of a dark mood.  Are you suprised to read that ????  This week was tough in quite a few ways.  And then I sat down here and read your comments from the past week and I am completely rejuvenated.  It's funny... just like you, I didn't quite know what this web site/Blog was going to really be about.  And there you all go and lift us right back up where we belong... I love you, and I'm quite proud to be physically representing so many magnificent souls.

I've JUST decided that it's important to continue to be honest with you.  We deserve a rest... living in villages is kind of like hard core camping.  And it's not really a negative picture I'll be painting.  It simply reflects the challenges of living 100 % outdoors, with no electric or real comfort of any sort.  These impressive people are generally hard working, in a hot climate. They live off of the land, the support of tourism, and the donations received for their schools.   Prepare yourself to be capable of at least living similar  to them for a few days.   Presenting their way of life will be a challenge for us to share... so give me a day or two to comtemplate that undertaking.

Did you know that visiting the Dogon is the number one tourist destination for all of Mali ??  Most people only come for a day or two.  Currently it is the off-season; and we only met a couple from Portugal and two blokes from England.   This place in Mali is popular for two reasons.  Topographically it is stunning, and I'll approach that in the very next posting.  And of course the other reason is the people themselves.

Thank you for being there with me.