This post is automated. I scheduled a few before I left Bamako. While you read this I may be looking at the world’s largest mud mosque. More likely, I am sweating it out in a bush taxi, resting my feet on a goat, listening to Sekouba Traore.

The paperwork for my numerous planned adoptions will probably not go through. That’s OK. Kidnapping is not beyond me. I have been spending time with a group of adorable kids that can’t afford school fees. They receive something of an education at a make-shift school and music workshop that has been set up by several pseudo Muslim Rastafarians in a southern suburb of Bamako. I am going to post more info about the school and some ways you can contribute once I get more information myself. In the meantime, I have been teaching mini-English lessons, playing some music, and telling the children not to hit each other with sticks. Here are a few pictures and a video clip from my time there so far:

Let’s climb all over Phil style

Serious family portrait style

He has no idea what this shirt means. Similar situation to the I fucked your sister shirt in Cote D’Ivoire.

Pictures from Hamadou’s photo album. Thought this was worth sharing.

This is Bintou. She holds down the percussion.

A few cups of tea, sitting under a baobab, a little guitar, Bintou being silly. This is perfect.

15 years old, learning the Kora, and from what I can tell, working his tail off learning math, English, and French. I will be posting more information about the center/school once I figure out exactly how they are handling funds. In the meantime, if you are in need of a worthwhile initiative that is helping out some kids who can’t afford school fees, go here http://www.jayniistreetwise.org/. Great organization helping street kids in Ghana pay for schooling. Check it out.

This sotrama got a flat tire on the way back into Bamako. No one had paid the fare yet so we were all free to hop in another vehicle. The mate and driver obviously didn’t want this to happen. Shit was like an indy car pit stop. Maybe 2 minutes? They only lost two customers. Impressed.

Up next: an interview with an Australian hostel owner in Bamako.