Video

Scenes from West Africa

by phil July 21, 2011 Video

This was a “waiting in airports” project. Not much in the way of beautiful hd footage or general cinematography, but I hope you can appreciate some of these scenes, many of which include dancing children. If not, just close your eyes and listen to the music: “Sabali” by Amadou & Mariam (see a previous post [...]

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3 Fun Strategies to Deal with Hasslers, Hawkers, and Touts

by phil November 30, 2010 Camel Drawing
Thumbnail image for 3 Fun Strategies to Deal with Hasslers, Hawkers, and Touts

“My friend!” This is the universal greeting offered by those who want your money. They may or may not be offering a service in return. They are well versed in the art of psychological warfare. The more touristic the area, the more practice they’ve had. I used to play a lot of Toe Jam and [...]

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Capping the Loose Stool Count at 70, First Thoughts on Morocco, and Camel Drawing in Bamako

by phil November 26, 2010 Camel Drawing
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The loose stool count is at 61. A conservative 61 due to negligent bookkeeping in Timbuktu. Also, pooping blood should probably count double. But let’s pretend it’s 61. My goal for the remainder of this trip? Keep it under 70. In Mali, Cote D’Ivoire, and Ghana that might have been too ambitious. Here in Morocco, [...]

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Timbuktu and Back

by phil November 10, 2010 Mali
sotrama to sevare mali

This is what people say, right? I went to Timbuktu and back? To exaggerate distance? I understand. And this is why many people visit Timbuktu. They want to say they were in that place from that expression and yes it is far and yes there is nothing there. This didn’t seem like a good reason [...]

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Danse Afrique Danse

by phil November 1, 2010 Mali
danse danse afrique bamako mali

I was planning on telling a tale of Ali Farka Toure’s family, fulani herders, sandy streets, bloody toilet bowls, dust, amoebas, and a tortuous quatre quatre ride with only one ass cheek on a seat. That story will come next. Right now I want to write about dance. There is an African dance festival in [...]

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Journey to Timbuktu Part 1: a Breakdown, an Overloaded Pinasse, Flying Urine, and a Late Night Foot Job

by phil October 27, 2010 Mali
Pinasse on the Niger River

2AM on the BT N Segou. A sheet of urine sails over my head. This is the third time tonight. Like a letter dropped into a post box, the flying saucer of piss fits through the two foot opening between the railing and the roof of the boat’s upper deck, landing in the water below. [...]

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