A day of firsts

1/9 Bamako

Today was a lot of firsts. First day of school, first sotrama ride, first long day of walking, first day at Cherifs, first dance lesson, first blister… It was a pretty good day. I work up early, walked to Julian and Haley’s, walked to the sotrama stop…lots of walking. I actually really enjoyed the sotrama, although I probably wouldn’t have nearly as much if I’d been alone. It would definitely be pretty intimidating without Julian and Haley. Class was fairly interesting, and then after school we headed to Cherif’s house for dance lessons. It was fun, although I really want to try drumming, but I’m not sure if women really do that here. After dance, we headed home, but we really need to find a better route. The way we got here this time was in Soumayla’s brother’s car to Point Sud, sotrama to the Grand Marché, a 45 minute walk to Julian and Haley’s, and then a plea for a ride on a moto to mine. Way too long and complicated, and I really hate asking for rides from Haley and Julian’s families. They’re always super nice, but I still feel bad. When I got back, I pretty much just hung out in my room and made a ton of Bambara flashcards. Hopefully they help!

How I miss that walk now. Maybe not as much the Grand Marché part, but even that I wish I could go back and do again. Random men on they street yelling out “Toubabu mousso!” and their surprise when I yelled back “Farafi che!”, Moussa, my security guard friends, the ridiculous amount of people on the street, crossing those ridiculously busy streets, the occasional kid galloping by on a horse…I miss it all. That walk was one of my favorite parts of the day, honestly. I wish people were friendlier here, and walking was more of a thing.