Tidjikja

31 October 2022

I spent today, getting to know this interesting town. Along the main street, I met shop owners and stepped into the local school to meet Jumila, the Director. I spent most of the day in the market area of the town.

There is a camel and goat market area where selling and exchanges take place throughout the day. Here I met an old guy who was intent on having a mock flight with me! seemed to be something to do with the fact that I look strong and fit compared to most Mauritanian women - though I doubt this is true.

I'm fascinated by the dress of the people; the flowing blue and white robes worn by the men and the wonderfully coloured tie dyed cotton wraps worn by the women. It's a truly colourful sceptical of daily life.

The market is bustling - an age old location for trading, bringing people together from across the region. Everything is on offer; vegetables, fruit, clothes, plastics, metals, all brought to this trading place from the coast or made/grown locally.
As is usual in these temperatures, I joined the French couple in the shade for the afternoon. Our conversation punctuated with several cups of sweet tea made by the Auberge caretaker and served by his little son.

Our dinner this evening was the very popular local dish - French baguette filled with omelette, onions and mayonnaise.