After a 71-odd hour boat ride (in comfortable conditions, mind you), we are out of Tombouctou and in Sévaré, a large town 12km from Mopti in Mali.  We're staying at Mac's Refuge, a great hotel owned by an "American" who's lived in Mali his entire life (save high school and college, which he frequented in the States).  It's nice to be on land again, although the boat from Tombouctou really was a great experience.  We got a room with four beds all to ourselves because the boat was so empty.  Oh, and a passenger decided to be resourceful and fry up some of her plantains to sell.  I am not quite sure how to describe how incredible her aloco (french for fried plaintains) was, but if you've ever eaten Euphoria chocolate truffles with me, these plantains induced a very similar reaction.  Chewy and caramelized on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside.  Whew.

Tomorrow we will head to Djenné, an ancient town which houses the largest mud-brick building (a mosque) in the world.  The photos are amazing, so it should be even more breathtaking in person.

We're on the last leg of our trip, and really I am glad for my travels to be almost over.  It's been a long few weeks, and I'm ready to just sit in one place for a while.  And to see my friends and family!  Speaking of which, I fly into PDX at 11:06pm on 15 October!  I miss you all, and will see you soon  :)

Hadjia-Balandi