The other day I met a Canadian woman (originally from Vancouver) who was traveling around to different African countries and filming artisans for a Canadian group that helps artisans get their products up to a "world-market" quality level. One of her stops was the bogolan (mud-dying) place in Ségou. Very exciting! So I went over there with her while she interviewed the organizers of the place.
The place is one of the biggest tourist draws in Ségou. It would be neat to see them progress to where they could export thier goods someday.
(some of the men doing the bogolan)
Then, Thursday the 8th was international women's day, which Malians take extremely seriously. Everyone bought special pagnes (aka cloth) for the day and got outfits made.
(me and Madame Koumaré amongst the others)
We had a big convention in Ségou with the Mayor and Governor and such. They had dancers and singers, all to honor women.
(the guests of honor)
(the convention)
Well, that's all I got for now. I'm out of time at the cyber café. Check back soon!
2 comments:
Great blog and photos. Is this similar to Mother's Day in the US?
Just sent you another letter with photos last week. Take care!
Love, Cindy
hi there.
sorry to be abusing your blog like this, but google is a wonderful thing. i just got back from peace corps mongolia and i'll be in mali this summer with a medical team. i'm itching to get my hands on some PC language materials (bambara? i'll be in koutiala, sikasso. or do i really just need french?). for mongolia they sent out a cd with the basics before we got there, so i was hoping to find something similar. anyhow, if you're busy, please just pass this on. i'd be happy to send a care package to anyone who can help me out (precooked, preserved bacon, anyone?) also, if there are any pcvs posted nearby, i'd be happy to take requests from the states or bring stuff that is too fragile for parents to ship (cameras and whatnot).
thanks!
tessa
tmc8b@virginia.edu
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