It’s a real place. And I tried to make it. It’s known for being hard to get to and trying to get there is half the reason of going.
At least I can say I tried.
Emily and I started our vacation by flying to Bamako, Mali. She came down with Malaria while we were on the plane. Me too. At least that’s what I thought I had.
We both took a treatment and Emily got better. Some of my symptoms went away. So, after two days of rest we rented a 4x4 and started our two day drive to Timbuktu.
Timbuktu is known for its trade routes, old mosques, Tuareg raiders, libraries and universities that used to rival Alexandria.
It is reported that before the late 1800’s no white man had ever made it out of Timbuktu alive! Present day is not that bad.
About an hour out of Severe (our half way stop), the chills, extremely high fever, extreme lower back pain, sore muscles and stiff joints overwhelmed me.
I knew right then I didn’t have Malaria. It…was…TYPHIOD! Again. Oh, why me!
We stayed the night at a great little guest house run by a Malian/American. Great guy. The night was long, hot and dry. I tossed and turned, when I got then energy to move at all. The next morning we went to the local doctor. Horrible little place, but great service.
I had some blood work done and they told me what I already knew and gave me some meds.
I slept the rest of the day as best as I could in the Sahara Desert.
The next day we started back to the capital city so I could recover.
Though we didn’t make it, we still have a great story. Maybe one day it’ll happen.
At least I can say I tried.
Emily and I started our vacation by flying to Bamako, Mali. She came down with Malaria while we were on the plane. Me too. At least that’s what I thought I had.
We both took a treatment and Emily got better. Some of my symptoms went away. So, after two days of rest we rented a 4x4 and started our two day drive to Timbuktu.
Timbuktu is known for its trade routes, old mosques, Tuareg raiders, libraries and universities that used to rival Alexandria.
It is reported that before the late 1800’s no white man had ever made it out of Timbuktu alive! Present day is not that bad.
About an hour out of Severe (our half way stop), the chills, extremely high fever, extreme lower back pain, sore muscles and stiff joints overwhelmed me.
I knew right then I didn’t have Malaria. It…was…TYPHIOD! Again. Oh, why me!
We stayed the night at a great little guest house run by a Malian/American. Great guy. The night was long, hot and dry. I tossed and turned, when I got then energy to move at all. The next morning we went to the local doctor. Horrible little place, but great service.
I had some blood work done and they told me what I already knew and gave me some meds.
I slept the rest of the day as best as I could in the Sahara Desert.
The next day we started back to the capital city so I could recover.
Though we didn’t make it, we still have a great story. Maybe one day it’ll happen.
The brave travelers: (Erwin, Me, Olya, and Emily)
How do they make it?
Something I didn't get to see:
Posts
2 comments:
Typhoid Jesse! I hope you're feeling better! I've tried to tell several students that Timbuktu is a real place...they don't believe me very often...
Jess,
Sorry you didn't make it to Timbuktu! Sorry also that you have typhoid AGAIN!!! Goodness! I really do hope that you are starting to feel better. We miss you and love reading anything you post or write.
Love,
The Blacks
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