TWO DAYS ON the ROAD: Agadez to GOBERO (and a Note about Security)
We left November 24th from Niamey, but didn’t reach Agadez till the 27th. Between slow trucks, mechanical problems, and logistics associated with organizing a guard for our convoy from Tahoua to Agadez, we didn’t reach Agadez until November 26th. [*See below for a note about security.] Two days on the road between Niamey and Agadez is not unheard of, but a single vehicle can make the trip in 12 hours. Continue reading
TweetTahoua to Agadez
This time-lapse video was created by Nels Peterson. Nels strapped a camera to the top of my Land Rover that took a photo every 10 seconds during our trip from Tahoua to Agadez. He then stitched the photos together and… Continue reading
Adventures in Niamey
A VISIT TO THE AMBASSADOR
[/caption]Today was definitely a full day, filled with tons of information and new things to see. The first thing we did was visit the Ambassador of Niamey, which was super cool!! I must say before visiting her, I already had a preconceived perception of what she would look like. My depiction of the Ambassador at first was of a tall Nigerien man who exuded lots of power, because in my mind he was a warrior chief back in his day…. I prepared my eyes to see this image, and to my surprise, after arriving to the door step of a beautiful residence house where the Ambassador stayed, a door opened and a petite African American woman stepped out and welcomed everyone with a huge smile. It was at that point that I knew I had a lot to learn about Niger— lol. The Ambassador was very nice, and had a full table of sweets, breads, juice, water, tea and all sorts of goodies for us to eat during our visit. While surveying the dining area, I noticed that in the middle of her table was a President Barack Obama campaign poster, and to the right of the poster was a photo of herself and Hilary Clinton shaking hands. Continue reading
TweetHappy Thanksgiving!
Made it to Tahoua after 13 hours driving since 5am from Niamey.
One truck needed a new batttery en route; another got an air bubble in the gas line and needed some attention. Our old Land Rovers, already loaded, are… Continue reading
Finally in Niger
The team and I are in Niamey, which is the capital of Niger. The plan was to stay there for two days until Paul could receive permission from the Minister for us to travel to Agadez. Let’s keep our fingers crossed! Upon arriving in Niamey, the airport was nothing like the one inMorocco, it was much smaller and was situated in the middle of an open field surrounded by red and brownish sand. For some reason the red sand reminded me of certain parts of Mississippi and Michigan during the summer when visiting family, but I was a long way from these places, let alone Chicago! Continue reading
TweetArrival Update
last night at 8pm the team assembled, complete, at the hotel terminus in Niamey. all our bags have arrived and all the team is in good spirits.
Paul and Didier head out this morning for some (hopefuly final) meetings and… Continue reading
A Survivor’s Tale
11-22-11
This trip is taking the phrase, “Cowgirl it up!” to the next level! No one informed me that there would be a mini expedition before the real one to Niger!
As Gabe mentioned in her previous post, me and… Continue reading
Expeditions (still not) Away…
November 21
12:36am
12:36am means it is 36 minutes after midnight, not noon, in case you were not sure. The travel drama has continued to unfold throughout the day and will not end, really, until everyone is actually together in… Continue reading
Expeditions Away – Almost…
November 19, 2011
5:02pm
I am exhausted. I put dinner on the table for my two kids and a friend who’s over for dinner. Our day started at 4am with final packing and baggage… Continue reading
Duct Tape. Sharpies. Power. I Love an Expedition
Duct tape. Sharpies. Power. Supply lists. I love an expedition.
This expedition to Niger has come up fast. Paul’s preliminary trip to Niger this past August was intended to lay the groundwork for a trip in March 2012. By the time he returned, he’d met with top government officials, including the Prime Minister, who encouraged him to move the timeline up and help stimulate tourism and positive press for the country. He’d have their full backing. Continue reading
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