May 4th, 2010
In Timbuktu I could not help but face the very same realization that the many European explorers faced when they finally reached Timbuktu: it is just a motley collection of mud huts in earth’s most inhospitable desert. That being said, there was something glorious about reaching the unreachable. Timbuktu is, to this [...]
Feb 6th, 2010
Oh the perils of traveling with three beautiful women… A fond look back with some photo highlights.
DSC_0238 by anappleanight
DSC_0240 by anappleanight
our motley crew by anappleanight
our motley crew by anappleanight
rockstars by anappleanight
DSC_0022 by anappleanight
DSC_0027 by anappleanight
it was worth schlepping the champagne thousands of miles by anappleanight
we never did figure out how to tie a turban by [...]
Feb 5th, 2010
The journey to Timbuktu could not have been more perfect. After doing so much reading before the trip on the countless well equipped, well funded, bad ass expeditions that set out to reach Timbuktu over the centuries, our leisurely time on the river could not have been more lackadaisical or without worry.
We had arranged to [...]
Jan 2nd, 2010
When I last wrote, I had been maxing and relaxing in lovely Banfora in southwest Burkina Faso. The country’s name literally translates from Moré and Dioula, the major local languages, to “the land of upright people.” Without exception I found Burkinabes to be friendly, welcoming, and sincere.
My time in Banfora could not have been a better [...]
Dec 25th, 2009
Merry Christmas from a little piece of paradise in south west Burkina Faso called Banfora.
Though I have not been able to fulfill muy usual christmas traditions of Chinese food and a movie, I am toughing it out and just finished reading pool-side on a perfect day. Trust me when I say I deserve the relaxation [...]
Dec 23rd, 2009
The best laid plans… ahhh, ever so true; never more so for me than during these past days.
But first… Paris! First class was surprisingly ehhh, as the seat did not recline flat, which left me at an awkward sloping angle, with every patch of turbulence sliding me further down the seat. That and the guy [...]
Dec 20th, 2009
As I pack up all my gear for this adventure, it is finally starting to sink in that I will be exploring the nether reaches of the modern world. In doing so I will encounter some truly unique and spectacular sites, like the grand mosque of Djenne, the largest mud structure in the world:
You can [...]
A little more than one full year after reading the article “Mali: Where the Music Lives” (http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500069) in Conde Nast Traveler, my departure date is here! In the coming weeks I will chill in Paris, explore Burkina Faso, and adventure in Mali, with some amazing friends. Tonight I leave for Paris on Air France from [...]
Dec 19th, 2009
Nothing elicit here, just some good old fashioned clippers at an over-priced and over-sexed hair salon in metro-Detroit.
This was me before:
During:
And after:
OK, I am ready. Let’s do this…
Dec 17th, 2009
After three months, multiple agencies, and countless emails and conversations, not to mention a scam artist, I am very pleased with our final tour package in Mali. After a week in Burkina Faso with Victoria, we will meet up with Katie and Elisa in Djenne to start the Mali leg of our trip. Here’s what [...]