Update

Roughly what is in my journal

July 29 Road To Mopti
Wow, met up with Maarte. Saw him walk by my restaurant shortly after writing my last joural entry. We went to the National Museum in Bamako but not inside because the ticket guy wouldnt give us change. I showed him the markets and in general just did some catching up. He was sick also ad had only started to recover. I feel almost completely recovered and decided to head to Mopti this morning. When I am there I will decide what to do next.
I got to the bus station at 10:00, was told the bus was leaving at 10:30, then 11:00, then 12:00 and departed at 1:30.
The bus drove really slow, picking up people so as to fill up. Right now it is 7:00 and I am still 400km away from Mopti arriving after midnight is likely. That really sucks.
Plus i have a really stange girl who wants to talk to me and keeps touching my leg. And my sunglasses broke.

July 30 Road To Mopti
It is now 11am the next day and I am still not in Mopti. 7 to 10 hour busride? I arrived at the bus station 25 hours ago. Didnt have to pay for a hotel and crazy girl got off the bus both of which are good things. Still another 3 or 4 hours to go.


Mopti
Finally.
Already discussing prices with guides. I am saying 10000 CFA a day and they say 20000 or more. Patience.

July 31
A few hours away from August and a few more hours away from Dogon Country.
Heard from others it should be amazing. Maarten found me again.
Negotiated with a nice guide for a price of 14000 CFA a day.



August 1 Teli

Dogon Country is beautiful. The guide has not been necessary yet but he is very nice and has a positive energy about him. The people are very nice and generally just interested in being around you. They have a very long hello which resembles grunts back and forth. When a group does it they do it in unison.
Waterfalls drop off the escarpment. Cities are built up the side. Four days was a good decision.

August 2 Ende

Feel as good as ever. I was so tired yesterday that I slept 12 hours. I think my last night in Mopti was restless. It means today has been much more successful in my appreciation. Breakfast ad coffee was a great way to start.
Swam in a waterfall pool last night which was beautiful.

August 3 Bengimenting

Feel so good that I was jogging up the cliffs. Pushing the guide to go faster and faster.
Unfortunately Maarten isnt feeling good again and is walking much slower. I hope he is OK.
Now he is choosing the pace.
Gives me more time to enjoy the views.

August 4 Mopti again

Spent my last night in Dogon with Abraham the 2 string guitar playing jazz man who fell in love with Maartens harmonica. Lots of hiking and finally required a guide.

August 5 Djenne

Finally saw my big mud mosque. Sold my phone. Now to prepare for the boat to Timbuktu. I think it will be where Maarten and I split ways again.

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Part of trip: Spain to Nigeria and Home Again

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