There seems to be a quiet dissatisfaction regarding the lack of news from this side of the Mediterranean so here’s the briefest of the briefest of headlines – me happy. Very happy indeed. Just in the first two weeks there was so much nice, sweet and utterly good stuff happening to me that I started worrying the rest of the trip might not rise to the new standards.
I’m back in Bamako and having a well merited rest. Or I was as the last two nights were back to same old let’s-take-over-the-city story that we somehow manage to reproduce every time we get together. Plenty of fun, lots of dancing and a blast of a time with friends. After the time spent in the desert and around the Dogon country it feels great to be back in the big city. It does not feel quite the same as the desert with it’s charms, silence, tents, camels, tea and colorful tuareg clothing but falling asleep on the rooftop in the middle of Bamako listening to the first morning priers has a certain appeal to it. That is if you can sustain the mosquito attack. And just when you believe you have won the battle there comes the new enemy – the morning sun does away with the annoying mosquitoes but brings on the ever persistent flies that make sure you ain’t gonna get no more sleep. No choice. Up you get. Grab a cup of coffee followed by the gorgeous tea and the new day begins. In a baking hot and dusty Bamako.
I wish I could relive this years edition of The Festival au desert all over again. It did get relocated from it’s traditional location next to Essakane in the middle of the desert to the outskirts of Timbuktu which was quite a shock for everybody and an organisational feat but it all ended up brilliantly and with no regrets. Tons of great concerts, excellent musical experiences and cold beer served on top of the dunes with splendid views. Not to forget the cold showers to get you going in the mornings. To me it was to be the best edition ot them all. And I’ve got to thank some sweet sweet friends for that.
So, back in Bamako having fun and wishing I could share these moments with some that have had to go back I’m waiting for another festival – The festival on the Niger river in Segou – before I hit the road and go on discovering the region. If you are ever presented with a chance to go to Mali even if it is only for a few days do not ask any questions but just pack and go.