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June 10, 2008

Who's afraid of roughing it a little?

Here is a link to the Sunday Times FESHIBA horse festival article.

The finished article was hardly edited at all until it came to the 'How To Do It' paragraph right at the end. Looks like the editor did not feel that the phrases 'bush taxi', 'rough it' or 'Do not expect anyone to understand English' were appropriate for the genteel readership of the Sunday Times. They're probably right, but just look the solution they're suggesting: a tour company offering 14 days in West Africa, starting at £2,900 per person. Gulp.

For what it's worth, here's the real How To Do Feshiba, as originally offered to the Times. Much more fun this way, I promise you!

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Dates:
The 2008 festival took place on 29 February and 1 March. Dates for the 2009 festival have yet to be confirmed. Ring Mamadou Sidibe (+226 70285191) to find out more or to book a place.

Travel:
The Liza Transport bus (+226 50387410) travels daily from Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso) to Nouna, a journey of 6 hours. A bush taxi will take you the remaining 56 kilometres to Barani.

Accommodation:
There are no hotels or auberges in Barani, so you will be the guest of a family. Come prepared to rough it a little. Bring your own sleeping mat, sheet, pillow, towel and soap.

Food:
Expect to eat with your host family - bread and coffee for breakfast, then rice or spaghetti for lunch and dinner. Bottled water and Coke can be bought in the market.

Dress:
Barani is a rural Muslim community, and visitors should dress accordingly. Bare skin should be minimized.

Language:
Do not expect anyone in Barani to understand English. Most people speak at least some French.

Riding at Barani:
Phone Modibo Traoré (+226 50393371 or +226 78206367) if you would like to ride at Barani. Modibo runs an excellent riding centre in Ouagadougou (www.oasisducheval.com) and always takes horses to FESHIBA.

Posted by sahelsteve at June 10, 2008 08:31 PM