Sikasso

This past weekend, our group traveled to Sikasso in the southern part of Mali. It had recently rained, and the climate is slightly wetter to begin with, so Sikasso was very green and beautiful. The roads, however, were slightly muddy.

On Saturday, we visited a cave where people of the Muslim, Christian, and animist faiths all have a designated area where they can go to pray. The cave itself is actually beneath a plateau, which we later climbed. During one part of the climb in particular, we had to pull ourselves up a rock face while holding on to a chain. It was really fun, and the view from the top of the plateau was absolutely incredible.

After that, we drove back into town and visited some historical sites including an old wall and a what is left of the Mamelon, a French fort. We also visited a large compound that belonged to the family that once ruled Sikasso. While we listened to a guide, kids from all over the place started appearing to check out the Tubabus (us). There were probably 20 or 30 kids just following us around for an hour. When we left, they chased our bus down the road. It really is hilarious who entertained they are by white people.












We got to go into town a little while later and walk around the large market where I found a really cool straw hat that I bought from an old man. I also bought a carved out kalabash with drawings burnt into it that I bought from a little girl. Many people use kalabash to prepare meals, and a common Malian blessing literally translates to "You and a kalabash full of water," after the ancient belief that God gives those who die a kalabash of water in heaven.

We wrapped up our journey to Sikasso with a visit to a waterfall (that unfortunately was a little too dirty to jump in) and a government-run tea leaf field. Sadly, we had to tell our new hotel friends goodbye and head out on Sunday. It was back to Bamako for another long week of classes.