News
Adventure Traveler and Photographer David Roberts to make a presentation on Mali
By Press Release
May 21, 2008 - 12:51:42 AM

"Mali - Along the Niger River to Timbuktu"

Stamford based adventure traveler and photographer David Roberts will share photographs and experiences of his recent trip to the fascinating country of Mali in West Africa in an audio visual presentation entitled “Mali – Along the Niger River to Timbuktu” at an Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) meeting at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Avenue in Bethel on Tuesday June 10.

David started in Mali’s bustling capital city of Bamako, then headed north west by bus to the old French colonial town of Segou, the medieval town of Djenne, with its huge mud-built mosque and colorful local market, and to the town of Mopti on the Niger River. He then traveled by small river boat along the Niger, camping on its banks, to the legendary city of Timbuktu, once one of the richest cities along the old trade routes across the Sahara desert and still a fascinating place to visit. From Timbuktu he rode out into the Sahara by camel to visit an encampment of Tuareg nomads.

David then headed south along dusty tracks to the edge of the Bandiagara Escarpment where he hiked beside ancient cliff dwellings and camped among the villages of the Dogon people. There he saw one of their spectacular mask dances, with elaborate masks designed to placate ancestral spirits.

AMC members and non-members are welcome to attend. The meeting begins with wine, cheese, appetizers, coffee and dessert at 6.30 pm followed by the presentation at 7:30 pm, lasting about one hour with time available for questions or discussions. The cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. No reservations – pay at the door.

More details and directions at www.ct-amc.org/ Fairfield or contact Tom Carruthers at thomascarruthers@yahoo.com

St Thomas Church is downtown in Bethel on Route 302, one block east of PT Barnum Square.

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