We slept on the roof of the hotel overnight, where we pitched our tent. It was a bit crowded and got a bit noisy in the morning, so we were up early. Today is the weekly market in Djenne, as a result we wanted anyway to go and see what was happening with the market. We packed up our stuff and tent and walked over to the square in front of the grand mosque. This was at about 7 AM, and we were surprised to see that they were still setting stuff up. We therefore decided to return to the campsite to have breakfast, and we would then head out again when things picked up.
After breakfast, Lars took advantage of the electricity supply to work on the journal on the computer. Jacqui first looked at some silver objects that were brought to her to look at. She bought a couple of pieces and then went off to go look at some mud cloths with some of the other people. She did not get any of the cloth.
Just before 10 AM we walked into town to check out the market. First we went on to one of the roofs of the buildings next to the market and mosque so that we could get a clear view over the square and all the action (they charge you for this - they are private homes). It is quite a good way to get a bird's eye view, but we wanted to get into the action, so we headed back down and wandered into the market.
We first went to buy some cola nuts - we need to take them to Dogon country where we will give them as gifts to the locals (rather then other things they cannot use). We then wander around the market. It is quite busy and there are many people from different tribes. But there is not too much to buy that we are interested in. But it is great to take in all the action, colors, smells and sounds. On the way back to the hotel, we stop off at the post office to mail our postcards and to buy some stamps for our collection. Back at the campsite, we take it easy for a while and have a snack.
At 12:30 PM we head off on our way up to Dogon country. After a short drive, we arrive at the river, where we will need to take a ferry across. As the ferry has just departed, we have a quick lunch. After lunch, we drive onto the ferry and head to the other side. From there we drive to Bandiagara, where we will start our trip into Dogon country. We stay at a campsite overnight.