Michelle, Angelina, Heidi, Sarah, Claire, and I are slated to leave the day after Christmas for Ougadougou in Burkina Faso for a night, before heading onward to Mali. We're planning on going to Djenne to see the mud mosque there before heading to Mopti to begin a trek of Dogon Country through new years. Due to recent kidnappings and growing threat to tourists in Northern Mali, especially the timbuktu area, Peace Corps is urging caution for travel there. Timbuktu is now off limits and Mopti was discouraged as well, though now that has been changed. So far we are still planning on going on our trip as are 2 other groups of Benin PCVs--the guide we have has worked with Benin PCVs in the past--took Kate and a group of TEFL volunteers through Dogon Country last year and got really good reviews. There is Peace COrps in Mali and they are not on standfast or consolidated or anything like that, so I'm hoping it remains okay. I'm attaching articles regarding the issues for anyone who is interested and will keep you updated.
French Kidnapping of November 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8381200.stm
Large Group Kidnapping Jan 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7846134.stm
Update re: January Kidnapping--Murder of British National
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8080447.stm
US Arming Mali to Fight North Africa Al-Qaeda Branch
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8316269.stm
12 years ago
1 comment:
Hello darling ~
It sounds amazing and I know you've been looking forward to this but I must confess that I am so terrible fightened of you going. It's probably the last thing you want to hear, but is it really wise to be taking such chances with your life??? I know I'm such a worry-wart, but that's because I love you so much! Stay on top of the situation and let me know what's going on okay? Love you to the moon and back ......
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