Ashley and I along with six of our friends recently embarked on a "life goal list check off" adventure to the fabled city of Timbuktu.
"The rich king of Tombuto hath many plates and sceptres of gold, some whereof weigh 1300 pounds. ... He hath always 3000 horsemen ... (and) a great store of doctors, judges, priests, and other learned men, that are bountifully maintained at the king's expense."
- Leo Africanus (1512)
We rented an SUV and headed off for seven hour drive north right to the edge of the Sahara - this is our SUV on the ferry crossing the Niger River
Sankore Madrasah - built in 1581 AD 
Sankore Mosque
We stopped by to take a look at the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu - some of them date from pre-Islamic times 
We took camels out of the city to go sleep in the dunes
The group of us on our camels...the weather was nice and it was beautiful riding our camels into the desert as the sun was setting
The five girls looking pretty cool and keeping the sand and sun out of their faces
Ashley is a natural on a camel
We arrived for the night at our Tuareg encampment where we were served a traditional meal and drank tea
The light of a new morning
Looks like a great trip! You guys are so adventurous! Where do you get the camels? Can you like rent them? Keep the post coming it's so great to see what you guys are doing. We miss you!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures! National Geographic could not do it better-plus we recognize the people in the pictures! Spring is coming in Iowa. Jon is here helping Mark roof our house. We miss you guys! Love, Sue
ReplyDeleteliving the dream! great pictures!
ReplyDeleteHi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like the pictures very cool!!!!!
The trip looks very adventurous when seeing you on camels. What's next on the list of yours?
We bought Anna an Easter dress and I can't wait to see how cute she will look. We are going to Caroline's house for lunch and then going to mom and dads for dinner.
Have a good Easter and talk to you later.
Love, Jody,Ben and Anna
So fashionable and colorful even all covered up, Ash! I love the pics with the camels--how cute!
ReplyDeleteJoe--you've got to add Witness by Whittaker Chambers to your list of books. I keep meaning to tell you that.
Cherry Blossoms in DC are just over. I am riding my bike a ton and wish you guys were here so we could take a trek together, then get cheap eats somewhere. Love and miss!