November 24 - December 2, 2010
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Bamako, the capital of the Republic of Mali, is estimated to be the fastest growing city in Africa! Of Mali’s 14 million population, approximately 2 million reside in or near the sprawling city. With the majority of its land area being desert or semidesert, Mali ranks among the poorest countries in the world. However, despite that poverty, one doesn’t have to look far to find beauty --- either in its people, who are so quick to smile, or in its scenery.
The Niger River flows through Bamako, effectively splitting it in half. On a clear day, the river adds a refreshing touch:
At present, there are two bridges across the Niger in Bamako. The photo above was taken from one while the other is partially visible on the right. Prior to the 1950’s, there were no bridges in Bamako.
By far, the tallest building is a bank, and it should come as no surprise that its nickname is the “batman building”:
Although plans are underway for more luxury accommodations, this “Libya Hotel” is currently one of the largest:
Overlooking the hotel, the Presidential Palace is hard to miss.
This photo shows heavy bridge congestion, a common occurrence:
The building on the left is an even larger hotel owned by the same Libyan group.
There are a number of eye-catching monuments in this city, commonly placed at traffic circles. Here are several (in addition to the “Hippo Monument” on the previous page):
Although the day was hazy --- as it usually is --- we took a drive into the hills above Bamako for the view. Sadly, the city itself was nearly invisible. From a hilltop park, a shot in the opposite direction was all the view we could find:
Nearby, we discovered a large map of Mali, just perfect for posing:
You can tell Jennifer’s kids were thrilled with this discovery. (For anyone interested in the location of Timbuktu, it is above my head but just off the map.)
Here are two other “everyday” scenes, taken as we returned to the city:
How’s that for poise? It certainly frees up the arms! Below, this lad is delivering masonry blocks not far from Jennifer’s home:
Perhaps we live a sheltered existence because I have never seen one of these “Solar Road Markers” on a roadway in the USA:
These are solar-powered, LED-illuminated lane markers. On the main roads in Bamako, there are miles of these at regular intervals. I cannot imagine they are inexpensive --- even purchased in bulk --- but they work wonderfully. Each marker gives off a flashing light. Since the markers are not synchronized, the effect at night is almost magical with strings of twinkling lights guiding your way on both sides.