Timbuktu: Houses of the Bella Tribe
Mali: Timbuktu or Tombouctou 2005
We returned to Timbuktu mid-morning. Our 5000KM trek through the Sahara was over. The first signs of Timbuktu were the houses of the Bella, vassals to the Touareg. The houses are made of reeds most likely gathered from the Niger which is now a few miles distant although once the Niger flowed along the edge of Timbuktu. The houses are roomy and cool despite the punishing Sahara sun. The floors are sand covered with mats. The mats signify “formal” areas of the home…read where the men stay…and no one walks on the mats wearing their shoes. Although normally, everyone removes their shoes upon entering the house, women who are cooking might come in wearing their sandals. If they want to set food in front of the men, they would kick their shoes off before stepping on the mat.
Timbuktu: Commercial District
The streets of Timbuktu are dirt or sand with wastewater ditches along the side. You can see boulders piled in the road and something, that looks like a table to display merchandise, leaning against the wall of the shop. In other countries, including Russia, Turkey, China and India, people know to watch where they step. In my opinion, we have forgotten. I know I assume the way will be clear no matter where I am walking. I’ve tried to get over that as I’ve had my comeuppance a few times. I remember riding with a friend one afternoon and we took a rather rough track behind the lemon groves. She was reluctant because she thought her horse might not manage the rough ground. That’s when you know you’ve gotten soft!