Day 8 - Tour of Mopti

Today was slightly slower paced and we stayed in Mopti as Day 7 really took its toll on the troops after bouncing around in a 4X4 all day. We started around 10:00 am with a walking tour of Mopti up the Niger river and into the market area of the city. Along the way we learned that Mali can ship and receive barge traffic up the Niger River from the ocean. We also learned that the salt for the city is shipped into the area by boat in slabs that were 1 inch thick and 1 foot wide by 30 inches long. It was really amazing to see.

We had an opportunity to have lunch along the river and watch the boats go by for an hour or so with little intrusion from the many people selling their goods and wares before the real fun began.

After lunch the class first walked through the fish market and witnessed first hand the variety of ways a developing nation can utilize fish. Then we ventured into the market area of the city and for a few hours haggled and negotiated over a variety of souvenirs that we now have to figure out how to lug around for the next 10 days before we come home. Several people in the class found great treasurers to remember the trip by for years to come. This was a great experience in negotiations for the class members as well. We met several people who claimed their name was "Mr. Good Price"

In the evening we took a boat tour on the Niger River Delta and visited the Bozo Fisherman Camp across the river from our hotel. These people live a very simple lifestyle based on what the river can provide for them.

After the boat tour we had a great dinner about 15 miles outside of Mopti and had the chance to experience a local music and dance group perform for almost an hour. This was yet another chance to experience more of the culture and traditions in Mali.

PF's for the Day - Benina, Aaron, Simon

Trip Writers - Nicholas, Robert Hodgen and Rob Harris