Mali - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**worldwidemike** · 01-19-2009, 06:00 PM

So, it dawned on me that some folks probably don't know I'm going to Mali next month (Feb 2009). I was debating between this trip and joining Adam in Ethiopia, but when I couldn't get the vacation time off for when he'd be there, I pulled the trigger on Mali.

Interestingly enough, I'll be meeting up with a different Brit to travel with over there. I met him in Syria in the Autumn of 2005, and we hit it off real well. He's into history like me, about the same age as I am, and we'd been talking about taking a trip together for years. We finally got it organized this year. He works in Nigeria with the British foreign service and wanted to see some of Africa while he's there. His wife isn't thrilled about travel in Africa, so gave her blessing to us heading off to Mali.

Our plans are to hit up several main sights in the week we'll be there, including:
Djenne

Timbuktu

Dogon Country

So, any advice from folks who have been there would be most welcome...!

worldwidemike

**joe7f** · 01-19-2009, 06:23 PM

That's awesome Mike! Timbuktu is one of those places that seems to maintain the exotic appeal that it had from the 1950s.

Safe travels man,

--Joey

Rhine · 01-19-2009, 09:22 PM

I really think you will like Timbuktu!

Enjoy

**mbo108** · 01-20-2009, 04:48 AM

Trying to catch Mike in number of passport stamps is like trying to catch an older sibling in age...everytime you get one so does he!

Looks like we'll have the Dark Continent covered in February as I'll hold down the south, you'll handle Eastern and we got Rhine roaming the middle...

**simply_angelic** · 01-20-2009, 06:21 AM

Oooooh someone's going to visit the largest mud structure in the world! Awesome man! Jealous as always,

**worldwidemike** · 01-24-2009, 08:39 AM

Yeah, I mentioned that offhand when I was telling my sister in law about my Mali trip this Christmas. She was like, "Oh yeah, like seeing the largest ball of string"...

I was like NO it's not. It's a cultural icon, a gorgeous architectural triumph, in addition to having the distinction of being the largest mud brick building in the world...!

Largest ball of string, indeed...!

Anyway, Matt, that'll be cool. Tpunkers abroad in the Dark Continent...! Should be on the travel channel...

worldwidemike

**pinknic38** · 01-24-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worldwidemike

She was like, "Oh yeah, like seeing the largest ball of string"...

hahahaha I'm sorry Mike but that is pretty funny

**Diorama** · 01-24-2009, 09:04 AM

Whoa...Its funny how I tell you I love you in one sentence and then I get really jealous and I want to hate you! Mali! yay Im excited for this one! My coworkers dad just wrote this book. Might help you out or inspire you further. To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa: Amazon.ca: Rick Antonson: Books

**joe7f** · 01-24-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinknic38

hahahaha I'm sorry Mike but that is pretty funny

I wouldn't mind making the trip to Branson MO to see that actually. Mike you can keep your mud hut

--Joey

**pinknic38** · 01-24-2009, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe7f

I wouldn't mind making the trip to Branson MO to see that actually. Mike you can keep your mud hut

LOL!!!!! Next tpunk meetup: world's largest ball of string

**Esterina** · 01-24-2009, 06:24 PM

...what's a ball of strings?

I'm just like the others, envious and excited for you! Sound like one awesome and memorable trip to come.

**joe7f** · 01-24-2009, 08:23 PM

String (and twine) is usually sold in a ball. Since every small town feels the need to be known for something in the states, it is a running gag to talk about how some town has the world's largest "fill-in-the-blank"

Ball of string gets picked often because there is nothing so ridiculously useless as a 15 meter tall ball of string.

--Joey

**pinknic38** · 01-24-2009, 09:16 PM

Worlds Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction

worlds largest ball of string, Branson, MO:

**Brookers13** · 01-24-2009, 09:23 PM

I would just like to point out that the 5th grade social studies question on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Friday night was "In what African country can you find the city of Timbuktu?"

The guy lost and had to drop out of school cuz he didn't know it. I was pissed and screaming at the TV. I could so win that show.

**worldwidemike** · 01-25-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diorama

Whoa...Its funny how I tell you I love you in one sentence and then I get really jealous and I want to hate you! Mali! yay Im excited for this one! My coworkers dad just wrote this book. Might help you out or inspire you further. To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa: Amazon.ca: Rick Antonson: Books

Thanks for the book tip -- I'll check it out. I always like reading other's travelogs on places I'm heading. It prepares you mentally, I feel, for the "vibe" of the country.

And Jill: I'll take both your hate and your love...

worldwidemike

**offhegoes03** · 01-25-2009, 08:25 AM

Wow, I hope you have an amazing time. haha, what do people say when you meet them and you tell them about all these amazing places you've visited?

**worldwidemike** · 01-25-2009, 08:52 AM

Generally, it's either:
- "Uh...where?" or
- "You're crazy!" or
- "You've been everywhere!!!"

I point that, no, it's not true I've been everywhere. I can name them tons of places I want to go but haven't, yet!

worldwidemike

**offhegoes03** · 01-25-2009, 08:54 AM

Haha, but you've seriously seen so much that for the average person (hell, the average tpunk) it seems like you have been everywhere! I definitely enjoy reading your stories from the road.

**BedtimeontheMoon** · 01-25-2009, 08:55 AM

Mike,

I think my new goal in life is to be to as many countries as you have! lol You have quite a travel resume! Your trip to Africa sounds great. Good luck on the road. Hope you have a great time!

**jengt** · 01-25-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worldwidemike

Generally, it's either:
- "Uh...where?" or
- "You're crazy!" or
- "You've been everywhere!!!"

I point that, no, it's not true I've been everywhere. I can name them tons of places I want to go but haven't, yet!

worldwidemike

It's funny how, anytime I tell folks where Mike's going or just been, I get dumbfouded looks. Then, almost always, they say "Doesn't he ever stay home?" My pat answer is...Not if he can help it.

I can tell you, if I had the cheap airfare, I'd be out of here a LOT more often than I am now!