Mali, anyone?

I've always thought of my parents as remarkably positive and optimistic people, but during this last week they blew me away. Coming directly from a whirlwind tour of Morocco, they spent only one day resting in Bamako before we took off for my little village via Malian public transportation. Even if they complained about the over-packed, breaking-down, roasting-hot van with painfully wooden benches, the smiles never left our faces. In Tioribougou they picked up a few Malian greetings and exclaimations, and we spent lots of time visiting my friends and a couple local authorities (mayor, village chief, doctor, school principals). Walking all over town in the hot sun was exhausting and I was waiting for the words "can't we go back to your house yet?" but they continued smiling and laughing and bean-joking with the Traore's. We attended a funeral party, drank Malian tea, ate to and tigadegena with our hands, and explored the market. I had planned on only making them stay over one night in village, but they enjoyed it so much they stayed three! The day we went back into Bamako, we spent a little time in the Grand Marche before they took off that night for the last leg of their trip: a South African safari. It was incredible to have them here and I feel that when I come back "state side," they'll understand me a little better knowing how I've lived. Mom and Dad, thanks for coming all the way over here to see me:)

My next topic: How to Visit Mali

-Go to your doctor and get your shots and Malaria prevention meds.

-Research flights (you should be able to find something significantly lower than $2000).

-Tell me when you'll get here and what kinds of things you hope to do (Timbuktu? payes Dogon? Bike tour? Time in village?).

-Pack your bags and go to the airport.

That's pretty much it. I'll take care of stuff that needs to be taken care of over here. The flight is the biggest cost. Once you get here, depending on what you want to do, you'll spend next to nothing. I'm accepting (and expecting:)) visitors until next August and anyone is welcome. I hope some of you are able to make it! This is an opportunity to see Mali, which not many people get to see at all, from an insider's perspective rather than a tourist's. Let me know!