Tag Archives: Burkina

picture of latrines

Last week, I wrote about school latrines in Burkina. Well, it occurred to me that you might like to see what the inside of one of these latrines looks like. Well, here you go: They’re surprisingly easy and efficient to … Continue reading

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who does the cooking?

So… one of the first things I learned about Burkinabe culture was that women do the cooking. Not always - in restaurants, it is often men’s job. But usually. Now, this might seem a little bit unimaginative, after all, in … Continue reading

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a glimpse into the world of Malian refugees in Burkina

I may have mentioned that during my time in Burkina Faso, I travelled up to the border with Mali and visited some amazing projects to support Malian refugees fleeing the ongoing unrest in their home country. It was a bit … Continue reading

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Signs for Pharmacies

When I got to Ouagadougou, as I often do when I arrive in a new place (assuming security restrictions allow me - which joyfully in Burkina they absolutely did!), I went for a walk. And on this walk, one of … Continue reading

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School Latrines

One of the cutest things I saw in Burkina Faso was the prevalance of latrines. In the countryside, there is no sewage system whatsoever, and it seems few if any people are particularly bothered by any desire for running water … Continue reading

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This is a job that calls for a little boy!

Driving through the Burkinabe countryside, little boys by the side of the road would run toward our racing white SUV and wave enthusiastically at us. It was very cute. But then I started to notice that there were, in fact, … Continue reading

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Rainy Season in Burkina

I came to Burkina Faso during rainy season. My first day here was sunny and warm, but that night the sky opened up and it sounded like a violent thunderstorm. Eventually I figured out that it was rain, just rain, … Continue reading

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Burkinabe 49-ers: Gold mining!

In a lot of ways, Burkina Faso is reminding me of the tales of the Great American “Frontier” expansion of the mid-19th century. When I read about planting season and crop failures, and the possibility of dying if a year’s … Continue reading

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Moto Moto Moto Moto

I have a big red splotch on the inside of my calf; it will likely become a permanent scar reminding me of this fair land. It was caused by the exhaust pipe on a motorcycle; I let my leg brush … Continue reading

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Tying your baby onto your back

I mentioned this a bit in my previous post, and want to explore it a bit more today: women with babies tied to their backs. It’s awesome! During my first few days in Burkina, I spent a fair bit of … Continue reading

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