So what is it about Burkina Faso that made us want to return for a third time this trip? If you were to look up its 'vital statistics' you'd soon learn it is the third poorest country in the world with a life expectancy just above that of present day Zimbabwe. Yet both the country and its people have hidden depths.
Around the Banfora region in the south-west of the country (where we've spent the last 9 days) are some incredible rock formations and waterfalls [see pics 1&2]. Meanwhile the sense of pride held by the people for both their past and present is striking. This can be seen throughout the country in the order and cleanliness of the towns and villages and by the importance they continue to attach to the upholding of tradition in the face of change and modernity. Many of the villages conform to a matriarchal structure and the women like nothing better than sharing their stories and the latest gossip over a calabash of millet beer [pic. 3].
3 comments:
Hope you're enjoying the festival - looking forward to seeing the pics! Any camel races?? I see you're in for a treat on Sat with Oumou Sangare headlining I'm so jealous! Staying at Mum and Dads for a bit with a 3 week dose of flu on top of the morning sickness, still waiting to bloom!!
Anyway love to you both from Me, Lana and Big-Bump here in Maidstone xxxxxx
The pictures of the rock formations look amazing! Luca is addicted to Ben Fogle's Extreme Dreams on the telly and is very excited that he will be in the desert next week, "like Jon & Sanna". He is also preparing to turn five in a few weeks and is highly excited. We're getting ready for another lot of arctic weather due on Monday. Deep joy. Much love from us all. Jane, G & Luca xxx
Hey lovelies - took lots of pics of the Yard in 3 inches of snow this morning! There was a full on snowball war in progress by the time i left for work - hilarious...So jealous of you guys in the desert - haven't been able to feel my toes for days! Not sure if you got the email but we've found a place so will be out of there by 6th. Can't wait to see you. Cal xx
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