West Africa- If You're Not On The Edge, You're Taking Up Too Much Space

Why West Africa?? I've been asked that question many times over the past few months, particularly by She Who Must Be Obeyed... and she's coming with me. I don't really know why- DH has been telling everyone (at least those who will tolerate our travel stories) that I'm chasing a childhood dream of discovery and myth in Timbuktu. But since my childhood is a vague blur at best, that dog don't hunt. I think that Beijing was the real genesis of our West African adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed our travel through China and Tibet a couple of years ago but, particularly in Beijing, the economic miracle was in full swing, and domestic tourism was booming. DH and I talked a number of times of what it must have been like just a short decade ago when bicycles dominated the roadways and hutongs weren't being bulldozed in the name of progress. Since then, I had been looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure through a land and culture that hasn't yet completely gone through the inevitable morphing from what-was to what-might-be. West Africa promises both challenge and reward so we're going to dive right in. She Who Must Be Obeyed is just hoping to survive especially now that Tibra is coming (more on that later).

Planned Dates

Oct 31, 2009 to Nov 28, 2009

Countries

7