Hanging out in Bamako

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For the last few days we’ve been staying at the Tubaniso Training Center, outside of Bamako. PC Mali has done a great job taking care of us. A banner at the entrance to the compound reads “Welome Peace Corps Guinea” and we’re being treated as if we’re on a paid vacation. We’re staying in mud huts, but they’re rigged up with lights and ceiling fans, making them very comfortable. A kitchen staff works all day to prepare great meals for us. They’ve set up a store where we can get basic supplies and cold sodas. If you need anything they don’t have, the shopkeeper will run into town and get it for you. There is a small library, a few computers, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and mountain biking. The PC bus is acting as a shuttle to Bamako all day, with stops at good restaurants, the movie theater, the art museum, and the artisan’s market, and the old Marine Corps house where there is a swimming pool. We’re even getting about $14 per day for spending money, which is huge if you live in Guinea.

Bamako is a large city with some rapidly developing areas. There are many large, new buildings made of cement and painted bright colors or covered in brightly colored tiles. Traffic circles are home to large monuments, sculptures, and well-manicured gardens. There are public parks, soccer fields, and a stadium. Parts of the city are very modern and parts are more traditional African markets, rows of stalls selling everything from raw meat to radios, clogged with shoppers and vendors. So far I’ve checked out the artisan’s market and the grand marche. People are friendly and familiar with tourists, but you have to haggle a lot to get reasonable prices. I found some great silver earrings and rings for about 2000 CFA (about $4). I also picked up some good Malian fabric.

I will be checking my email every few days, so if you’re bored at work it would be great to hear from everyone back home. Happy belated birthdays to Emily and Jenny J

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Comments

[Eric]

Another paid for vacation for Rose. I wonder if you will ever have to actually work for a living?

[Aunt Judy]

"the life"
I think "another paid vacation" is the berries in that you'll have plenty of WORK time in your future. Your eldest brother is no doubt jealous that he didn't join the PC to enjoy the same work!! Have fun and enjoy whatever you do and wherever you go. Sounds great to me!!! I love hearing about your experiences and journies. Keep 'em coming!! Hugs, Aunt J

[MALI1]

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