**UPDATE 1030AM 4/5** UN SAYS GBAGBO IS NEGOTIATING SURRENDER (USA Today) **UPDATE 3PM 4/4** - Water is cut to most of Abidjan. Power intermittent. The UN has reported that 11 of their peacekeepers were attacked yesterday. In response, the UN has mobilized helicopters...
Month: March 2011
Blog For Cote d’Ivoire #IvoryCoast #civ2010 #blog4civ
At the doctor's office yesterday, I walked into an animated discussion in the waiting room. "Can you believe how crazy it is everywhere?" "I know! The Middle East and this earthquake in Japan. It's hard to keep up." I listened for a while and then asked: "Have you...
Plans, Goals and Dreams for Upcoming West Africa Trip
I have mixed feelings about the term "bucket list." Creating a list of specific experiences and things to see can give a person tunnel vision. For example, maybe I'm in Mali with limited time and Timbuktu is on my bucket list, but when I show up in Bamako there is...
Music in West Africa: Senegal Part I
Previously, I covered Malian music: Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV. In April, I will visit Senegal for the first time. While it will be my first trip there, I have long been familiar, and occasionally obsessed with, Senegalese music. The dominant genre in...
I Haven’t had a “Job” in 8 Months and That’s OK
The last day I worked a conventional job was sometime in late June 2010. It is now March 2011. I don't have a lot of money. I traveled for six months last year and I recently bought a one way plane ticket back to West Africa. How is this possible? 1. I saved money for...
Quick Update on Cote d’Ivoire
Thank you to everyone that has spread the word about Cote D'Ivoire. CNN ran the story and video from the women's march. It's a start. A few updates: - Power has been restored to Northern Cote D'Ivoire. Water is still cut in most areas. - Police have been looting the...
Cote d’Ivoire Needs One Minute of Your Time
I was upset and worried. Now I'm legitimately angry. I still can't get through to my friends. People on twitter are saying that there are roadblocks around Yopougon, the neighborhood they live in. I'll admit this is personal, but it is outrageous that there is not...
The Story No One is Talking About
Libya deserves all the attention it's getting. Gadhafi is a criminal and there are horrific things happening in that country right now. But news networks can afford a few words and pictures on Cote d'Ivoire. For background on the Ivorian crisis, read this post. Gbagbo...
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Things I write about
The Great Jakarta Tour of Far West Africa Part 1: Bamako to Dakar
That time I got married in Mali
Bamako to Abidjan by bus: a chance to get intimate with the hot season
You Bring the Yam, I’ll Bring the Fire
Drawing Camels with 100 Different People in Bamako in 24 Hours
A photo essay: Bamako taxi interiors
A Cocktail Shaker and 10 meters of Fabric in Adjame Market
My sheep, sail boats on the Niger, dance contests and other photos from Mali