Before we'd gotten to the boat, we'd had breakfast with Mac and three girls from the Peace Crops. Interesting to hear what their experiences have been. Breakfast was VERY familiar looking to any American -- pancakes, french toast, maple syrup (REAL!), tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. After breakfast a small group of us went to see the bead museum -- lots of history on the beads. Then onto NO PLANNED ACTIVITY for 24 HOURS!!!!! Given that I was suffering pretty badly with what turned out to be bronchitis/sinus infection, I really needed the R&R. I basically spent the entire time on the pinasse (fancy name for the boat) horizontal, with my head propped up so I could breathe. Fun to see some of the activity going on down the river -- various villages and settlements, people riding down the river on other boats, women doing wash in the river (euw!). And nice to just lie there with my eyes closed, decompressing after an intense period of time! The next photo shows them cooking lunch -- 2 men "manned" the pinasse, one "driving" and one doing everything else. Cooking was on an open fire (safety shmafety).
We simply cruised along all day. A bit before dark we landed on our shoal and the boat people got out the tents. There were plenty, allowing most of us to have our own. Nice for dad as he didn't have to sleep with the "coughing wonder" that I'd become. And I didn't have to feel bad for tossing and turning all night. Up the next morning to continue along our way to meet back up with the cars to continue to Segou.
Despite being sick, I truly enjoyed the relaxation offered by the trip down the river. It also allowed a different view of the country than over-ground, especially with regards to the rather poor roads. We'd had quite an intense "immersion" in Konsango, and this 24 hours gave us all an opportunity to de-compress and assimilate it into ourselves as we transitioned back into "modern society".........
Beth great pictures!
ReplyDelete