the bad news, which i've actually known since almost the first day, is we won't be allowed to go to Timbuktu (Tomboctou) or Gao because of a US travel warning placed on various regions in the north. apparently there is a terrorist group hiding in the desert that wants to take over algeria, which is really stupid, because it basically means there is a terrorist group dead-set against me riding a camel. it is unlikely that camel-riding will take place anywhere else on the trip, so i'm considering staying a few days longer and going up there of my own accord (with a guide of course), but i'm not positive, and i wouldn't go if i thought i'd be putting myself in serious danger.
but that's a bummer, anyhow. Timbuktu is home to a very prestigious university of the European Renaissance-era, the praise of which is relatively unsung in history books becase it was a contemporary of...well, the Renaissance, which, as we all know, is the most important thing that ever happened.
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Hey Isaac for all time, I say be prudent, but go to Timbuktu if at all possible. There are many wonderful things to see and do there, but it will be something of a loss if you won't be able to visit such an amazing and historic place, even if it's not as important as the European (or the Andalusian) Renaissance ;)
Oh, Isaac, also: I've been looking at Mali and Sikasso on Google Earth. Will you have a chance to visit Lac de Selingue or Lake Manantali or the river cultures?
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