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Enjoy the pictures we took from Timbuktu and beyond.

Trip to Timbuktu: Days 4-6

It has been an exciting couple of days for Sali and the OLPC Mali team. They introduced 4 XO laptops to a class of children in Timbuktu, who were amazed but not quite sure what to make of it at first. They had a hard time figuring out how to open it (it took 5 minutes). Once they did, though, they caught on quickly and were very excited about the prospect of using them in school. The teachers and everyone on up to the Governor of the region, a gracious man who set aside time to welcome and meet with the team, have been very enthusiastic and supportive.

Timbuktu has long been a rich source of knowledge. Before leaving, the team had the privilege of seeing some of the many preserved manuscripts written in the 16th and 17th centuries by theologians, philosophers, and political scientists. This history of learning and stress on the importance of education run deep in Timbuktu. Hopefully the XOs will help the next generation in their pursuit of knowledge.

The town of Goundam, the third largest town in the Tombouctou region, is the next stop on the route.

Trip to Timbuktu: Days 2-3

The team arrived in Timbuktu after hours of driving and met with some school officials from the region. Braving temperatures up to 105 degrees F and 2 flat tires, Salimata, Dramane, Fatoumata, and Solomon pushed on through and arrived at their destination with energy to spare. They were welcomed by and met briefly with the Director of the School Board for the region of Timbuktu and the Director of Education for the City of Timbuktu and arranged for further meetings.

Sand and desert are to be seen in all directions. The architecture of the region is very unique. Many of the buildings are constructed with a special kind of mud brick, which withstands the sun and intense temperatures better than concrete, then covered with pieces of a stone found only in this area. Everyone is up early and going about their business before mid-day, when the sun gets so hot that most take shelter inside.

After a night of well deserved sleep the team had a day full of meetings with school officials. They are gathering some great information already and getting an initial overall sense of the schools in the area.

Trip to Timbuktu: Day 1

The team left Segou in the morning, passed through Mopti and made it to Douentza, where they will spend the night.

(http://www.travelpost.com/AF/Mali/Mopti/Douentza/map/7485442 - if you zoom out you can see their progression).

They saw lots of villages throughout the day, and dealt with unfamiliar places and automobile-induced hindrances. A flat tire necessitated a break, but with the help of the newly acquired team member, nicknamed, “Le Driver,” the team persevered and found their way safely. The rise of the full moon called the first day of the trip to a close as the team headed to bed. A lot of ground was covered, and a lot more lays ahead, and only the next rising sun will uncover what the next day holds. Good luck team.

We are finally on the road to Timbuktu. Day 1 of the trip up north.