My favorite part about Mali so far is the hospitality. Everyone here is very nice and when I see people in the street they will look me in the eye and ask "ca va?" or say "i ni ce," the most common greetings. Now that my bamara is getting better I can get a little farther, asking how they slept, how their family is, how their parents/kids are, and people are very happy to speak and impressed that I can say even that much.
Going out on the street, it's hard to walk anywhere without a posse of kids following you, wanting to hold your hand and drink your water. If they're shy sometimes they'll just stare but it's not rude, it's just weird to see a foreigner in such a small part of town. When we go out, the kids will yell "Tubabu!" which means foreigner, or white person, but it's not mean, it's the invitation to a game! If you yell back "Farafin," which essentially means you are black, they'll start chanting "Tubabu, tubabu, farafin, farafin" until you get too far away. Or they'll try to practice their French, and even some times English on you! It's a real treat and whenever I'm too sore from dancing I'll just take a stroll around the streets and that immediately wakes me up!
That's all for a bit. K'an Ben!
Rob! I am so happy to read of all your adventures. It seems like you are learning the language really quite quickly. That dance was so so amazing. I love the tid bits about the language keep them coming! I was waiting and waiting for a post, so it was such a treat to get all of these in one. With respect to recovery and soreness (advice from my runner side) really make sure you're getting sufficient hydration, and sleep (though I'm sure it's tough with so much to do and see). Love.
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