Mali is by no means a tourist country. Bamako, the capital, has a small airport where only 9 flights come and go each day (9 come in, 9 go out). There is also a small airport in Mopti, which I understand also has limited flights. From the US, there are basically two options for the most "direct" means to travel to Bamako -- on Air France through Paris or on Royal Air Maroc through Casablanca. Dad and I took the Casablanca option.
Our travel day started with a 7am taxi drive to the airport. Jet Blue took us to New York -- not a horrible experience, but it is a long flight. Our flight to Casablanca left New York on time at 7pm, landing in Casablanca EARLY in the morning. The flight was rather empty and we were in the front of the plane, so it wasn't so bad. The Casablanca airport experience is interesting. There is no such thing as a queue. Every person for himself. No lines, no waiting, push, shove, make your way to the front. We had a dickens of a time finding out how to make the arrangements to go to the transit hotel (with a 14 hour layover we were entitled to a room at the hotel, lunch and dinner). Finally made it there, then stood outside waiting for the shuttle to the airport. By then I'd figured out the pushing maneuver well enough to get dad and I seats on the van. I think there were 25 people smooshed into the vehicle. Got to the hotel and the mad rush for check-in. Each person had to fill out forms, including the number stamped on your entry visa. For me, with my relatively new passport, this was easy -- the only stamp there. Dad, on the other hand, had a bit more of a challenge. We FINALLY found his stamp and made it to our room. Double bed -- hadn't slept with my dad in one bed since I was about Maggie's age! Didn't stop much and we both slept about 3 good hours. Up for lunch, then we took a taxi tour of Casablanca. There's a HUGE mosque there that dad and uncle Bill had visited last year. They'd also visited the souk (market). I was happy with the taxi tour, not yet having my travelling legs. At one point we did get out on the beach -- it really reminded me of Scheveningen in Holland -- restaurants and attractions set up right on the sand, so people could enjoy a meal/drink and the kids were entertained. Small world!
After dinner we headed back to the airport for our flight to Bamako (scheduled to leave at 11pm). Security was interesting -- didn't have to take off our shoes, but they did look into our bags. The plane to Bamako was PACKED. And the people (almost all male) not only took up lots of space but they also were LOUD, talking the entire 4 hour flight. Yikes! I'm thankful for the ear plugs and face mask in my carry-on! Got to Bamako, got through passport control (actually experienced lines this time), got our luggage and headed out. We were met by one of the gals and the driver, made it to the hotel and collapsed.
WHEW!!!!!! Thankful for no delays on the way there and a ready bed upon arrival after being greeted by a smiling face.........
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