| The traditional lifestyle of the Touareg and
Fulani is nomadic. This way of life is being threatened
by expansion of the desert and political pressures.
The end of French colonial rule in the 1960's
brought less, rather than more, independence for
the Touaregs. The desert was partitioned. Nomadic
peoples became boxed-in by borders that kept them
from moving freely and accessing crucial water
holes. 
The Mediterranean features of the Touaregs,
such as light brown skin and straight hair,
set them apart from other people in the region.
The language of the Touaregs is called Tomacheck;
its written form is Tifnar. In contrast to other
Islamic cultures in which the women are veiled,
in Touareg tradition it is the men who are veiled.
Touareg veils are often dyed with indigo that
rubs off onto their cheeks. This is the source
of their longstanding nickname, the blue men.
The men are rarely seen without a long-sheathed
sword. Many Touaregs are skilled silversmiths
and leather workers.
 The team members have the chance
to get to know many of the people of Niger during
their stay in Agadez. When the team relocates,
new friendships will be formed. Last time they
were in In Gall, the team met up with Belli
Ayo, a Fulani man who watched over the compound
where the team had set up camp. He welcomed
them home every evening with small steaming
glasses of tea.
On this expedition the team has the chance
to see old friends and get to know new ones.
Team member, Gabrielle Lyon, thinks that "reconnecting
with the people we met in 1993 and 1997" is
one of the best parts of the trip. She hopes
she can remember some Hausa and Tomacheck!
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