Bamako is a mash up between big city and village

watching the dance

Area around Centre Togola

Bamako has over a million people with lots of traffic, commotion and pollution. On the street, there are massive industrial trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, animals, women carrying babies, people balancing huge loads on their heads or on carts and more--all weaving and moving through each other in extreme close proximity, in what seems chaotic and precarious.  No pictures of this yet~ I am usually focused on dodging and negotiating!

On a less busy side street, I watched a big truck get stuck in huge mud pits. It was pulled out backwards by another big truck. And of course a woman was walking through the narrow spaces and around puddles, while balancing a table on her head.

thanks!

Andy Jones has a drum and instrument supplier here. I went to meet them, take pictures, and distribute tips. 

I got to meet Johan Dom the owner of the business and the djembe craftsmen. I was inspired and impressed. 

The utmost care and attention is given to these instruments in every step of the process. These drums are perfect!

what pleasure to see the happiness of deserved reward!

Andy has been collecting money from people who purchased these instruments that they wanted to give the craftsmen for tips. I had the blessing and extreme honor of giving this to them in person. They were so happy!!! And they really deserve it. 

I feel like I am saturated with pollution and dirt. I'm ready to get out of the city for awhile. Am taking a bus to see my Malien friend Ibrahim, who is working in some small villages outside Koutiala. This is where I am hoping to distribute the donated medical supplies, shoes and clothes people have sent. 

The first clothing was given to a woman in Jeremy & Tewah's neighborhood. All her things were burned in an accident and she is extremely poor. Gave an outfit to her baby girl~ from donations given by my friends back home. Here is a picture of her and a neighbor boy. As you can see, she looked absolutely adorable in it!!

New outfit!