Yes, the music and other events of the festival were fine, but Segou city life is what attracts me.
Since my guest house (the white building) is on the Niger, it was obvious that walk along it was first up.
The painted bows of the pirogues became an instant attraction.
It is the dry season, the river is low, allowing space and time for a fast crop of edible greens.
Pirogues are often called "dug-out canoes", but this shows they are planks of wood scarfed together. Over time rot sets in and sections must be cut out and patches stitched in.
I came to a place were boats laden with firewood unloaded. And piles of wood provided places for laundry to dry.
Well, fire wood and the occasional motor-bike.
Nice bow decoration.
No containers, and cranes at this port...
... nor well defined ferry landings.
Where a ferry drops its landing ramps, sellers set up their wares and chairs hoping people pushing their bikes, or walking aboard will purchase something for the ride.
The loud entreaties of the bike rider in red and black did not reverse the ferry's departure.
He waitst for the next run; but the sellers picked up their trays, and black bucket stands, and set out...
...looking for other prospects.
I kept walking up river to the Pottery Market. Pirogues packed with pots unload on the river bank, and ...
...various means for getting them up to the market are used: the "bucket brigade" style;
... the "toss and pray" style,
... the old fashion, "on the head" style,
and of course the "hand and under the arm" style. Note which gender does which.
Once up to the market place, the sorting and the bargaining begins.
Buyers check, with a wrap with a knuckle, if a pot is cracked, and, if not, places their mark with chalk on it.
Using pencil and note books, or cell phones, deals are made, and pots are taken from the market...
... to retail markets near and far.
