Bamako often gets a bad rap due to the chaotic layout, the dust, the pollution, and the whirlwind of people, kids, animals, motos, and cars flying about. This makes me sad because I love Bamako; I definitely have what you would call "South Side" pride (we live on the newer southside of the river). I read a travel blog the other day that was hating extensively on Bamako. In retaliation, I decided to write a top 10 list of things I love about Bamako. Sure, Bamako isn't (and probably won't ever be) a tourist haven, but its the little things that make me want to keep coming back here.
Bamako top 10 (in no particular order)
1. Cold, bottled cokes for $.40 a piece
2. Driving across the bridge at night watching the lights line both sides of the Niger
3. Sassy, confident women
4. Music (in clubs, live concerts, in cars, in shops - music music everywhere)
5. Malians' sense of humor - you have to know how to laugh at yourself/defend yourself with witty comebacks
6. Family and friends that embrace you like you were born here
7. Fresh food: fresh fish, sho (beans and onions cooked in oil), cheap fresh vegetables from the market
8. Bamako fashion - super loud colors, stylish accessories often with a retro, Middle Eastern, or American flair
9. athletic, creative, fearless children
10. Sitting on rooftops staring at the stars - knowing there are millions around you doing the same thing.
Sounds good to me.
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