16 Aug 2011 Bamako SLEEPING CAMEL

Bamako is the Capital City of Mali. I have never seen so many people on motor bikes, men and women. Again everybody does just what he/she wants, no traffic rules.  To try and cross a street is a nightmare. Hans and Stephanus take our hands and just walk, putting out their hands, miraculously, the Cars and motor bikes just stop to let you pass.

After a search of “a needle in a Hay stack” we eventually got  to the SLEEPING CAMEL, what a relief. The 6 of us were dead tired and in need of having “tender loving care”

Matt and his staff did everything possible to make us comfortable. Soon we were all settled and having a nice shower. The Boys were having an ice cold 500ml Casteel, not spelt wrong; this is the beer here in Mali.

Women are driving alover Bamako, smartly dressed and very confident on their Bikes

The next morning the girls decided to go to the market. Shanhaz got the directions, remember she speaks French fluently. So off we went. First, the bridge crossing without the help of the boys. They went off to sort out our next 3 visas. The bridge crosses the Niger River, about 1 km wide. There is 4 lanes going across the bridge, 2 for cars 2 for pedestrians but the motor bikes use those lanes. We waited and then when there were a slow down, we walk and put out our hand, it worked. We safely crossed the bridge. The closer we got to the market the more people were walking, motor bikes driving cars hooting. We have never experience such traffic, pedestrian JAM.  Then the rain started, that was a blessing in disguise. All of a sudden everybody was off the street and we could walk easy. The rain did not stop the 3 of us. Eventually we got to the bridge that takes you to the Arts and Craft Market. Here there were many friendly people trying to assist us. Coming from the previous countries, we were allured, thought they will ask you money for any advice. To our surprise they were helping us to get where we want, without asking anything. This was a life time experience.

The Mali people are very friendly and helpful. They don’t get cross when you don’t want to buy anything. Still all is about bargaining. As we walked alongside the road, a old woman pushed Elisme aside, preventing a car to bump her. Elisme thanked her and then she took Elisme and Mariana and started talking while taking them across the street.  We could only show our appreciation with hand movements. Then an old man came out of his shop, stopped Elisme and showed her she must put her rack sack to the front. There are many “PICK POCKETS”. This just showed us how kind the Mali people are. Still strange to us are the people, putting out their prayer carpets, middle of street or shop or where ever they are. They are not shy of their beliefs. What an example for us CHRISTIANS.

Mali women are the best dressed women so far in West Africa. Whether they stay in a shack or walking in the street or on a motor bike they are so well dressed. They have a style of their own, but all styles have long skirts with a matching head scarf. BEAUTIFUL

Here we have to apply for our Visa’s for Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Ghana. This is usually a big problem for South Africans. We made contact to the SA Embassy. We were very lucky to meet Vivianne who gave them good advice about visa application. The boys started with the Burkina Faso, they were quick, and they waited for the visas. Next the boys took the passports to the Nigerian Embassy and they promised that we can have it within 24 hours. They took photo copies of our passports to Ghana Embassy. They promised to start working on it and that we can, bring our passports, and then it will only take 12 hour...

Then the banks are another story. We all try to draw money. No bank honoured our cards. This was creating a Huge problem. The visas is costing us 290 000 FCFA. Now we must try and chance $ or Euro’s. The guys at the SLEEPING CAMEL said we must get a taxi to town to get a bigger bank. Louis Sms’ed Elisme that the amount or 100 000 FCFA. Was drawn from our account but we never got the money. Everybody was now anguish, what happened on their accounts.

The girls was using the time to, sort out their vehicles for the next trip. Washing was done by the Sleeping Camels staff. We can really recommend to any tourists to come and stay with them. Matt and his staff are really very kind. Nothing is too much for them to help us with.

Hans busy with the Land Rover at Sleeping Camel

Gas bottles were also a problem, as we were running low on gas. In Morocco we could not fill our bottles. The Guys here phoned a place, they came and fetch our bottles and filled them for us.

Vivian and her friend Michelle came for drinks at our place, we had a lovely evening with them. Vivian is really so professional, she is an asset to the Embassy.

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I must say in all the countries we were, the SA Embassies are doing an excellent job. Thanks to everybody.

Corbin Sparker from the American Embassy, who is a friend of Hans came to say hello. He is a very nice guy. He was giving us a lot of info on Mali. He has been here for a year and well travelled.

Tonight we are going out for Dinner and then tomorrow we are leaving for Timbuktu.

Next time Timbuktu

Elisme is doing washing. Aggie at home will enjoy this. whats there to do washing must be done.