Peace Corps Address

Joe's cell #
602-663-4353

Ashley's cell #
602-717-7071

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The President Comes to Town

General (ret.) Amadou Toumani Toure or ATT (born November 4. 1948 in Mopti, Mali) is the president of Mali. He over threw a military ruler in 1991, then handed power to civilian authorities the next year. He won the presidential elections in 2002, with a broad coalition of support and was easily re-elected in 2007.

ATT came to Bandiagara, a city of about 10,000 people, and about 5K from our village to speak to the people. Locals came from all of the surrounding villages in their best Dogon fabric, to sport their pride in their culture, came to see ATT speak. Joe and I were among them. Although, we didn't actually see ATT or hear him speak because the stadium where the event was held, was...let's say a bit chaotic, it was 105 outside, and the sun was slowly descending and we needed to get back to village before night fall. But it was still awesome to see a country come together with pride to support their president.

Killing two birds with one stone-girls walking from our village to see ATT, but also making the most of their walk into town, with wood in tow to sell.


I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!!!!! No matter what your thoughts are on our current president, he is a hero over here. These girls from our village had on their Obama shirts and Dogon cloth skirts, all geared up and ready for ATT.


The Dogons are the ethnic group in Mali, known for their culture. Here is a Dogon Mask Dancer. They preformed for the president and also helped to keep the crowd under control. (see the whip in his hand, yeah that's right, he would go after people with the whip) Third-world secret service ROCKS!

A shift in topics:

As most of you know, we got a new camera for Christmas. So Joe has been trying to learn how to use it and it's different features. Here are a few of his latest shots.

1st picture-Reading by headlamp, 2nd picture-making dinner by headlamp

This is part of our nightly routine, making dinner, reading, going over to visit the chief and then showering all by headlamp. I can't wait to toss that thing out when I get home. I want electricity back!

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2010 at 9:20 AM

    You guys make me laugh and cry when I see and read about you all.
    I love you, am soooo proud of you and misssssssss you.
    What looks poetic to us (nights by headlamp) to you the enduring ("can't wait to throw out the headlamp")
    Will you, after a year in the States, wish you were back engaged in the African lifestyle?
    Just remember YOU ARE LIVING THE DREAM!! You might not think so now but you are, an experience you will profit from for a lifetime.
    Enjoying you from afar.

    love
    mombo

    ReplyDelete
  2. JodyFebruary 24, 2010 at 12:05 PM

    Hi Joe and Ashley,

    It's good to see more pictures, of what "West Africa lifestyle" is all about. One aspect of that is coming together to support their culture. Part of that culture is their president. For many to come and hear him speak tells a lot. ATT appears to be well liked. I like the picture too. Not to forget Obama!!!! To know that Obama is a "hero" in another country is neat. Especially after seeing smiles like you do on the girls faces.

    "WOW" to spend nights using headlamps what a pain. Of course I don't know how it feels night after night, but I can imagine it to be a struggle. I have to say I like the pictures, they just have this glow to them. Oh, and one more thing, one of my favorite sister-in-laws is in the picture. Hang in there and enjoy the time you have left. We miss you!!!

    Love
    Jody, Ben and Anna

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 24, 2010 at 5:45 PM

    ATT, obama tees, headlamps, pink tomatoes, masks and whips. What's not to LOVE ? i wish i were there to enjoy it with you..LYLYLYLY doobers

    ReplyDelete

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