BELGIUM, SPAIN, MALI, BURKINA FASO, NIGER, FRANCE
It’s amazing the reputation these places get, our government only just lowered the travel threat recently but even then people were consistently texting me asking me why. Which to be honest is a fair question but as I plan to visit every country I’m going to have to visit places like these too. Looking ahead there will be bigger tests to come.
A TRIP OF CONTRASTS
I’ll be honest with you, I wanted these countries done with. No one else visiting every country in the world would say that, too much diplomacy but the last thing I wanted to do was visit all the best countries and leave myself with the hard ones at the end.
FLIGHT MAP
SECURITY
I was a little apprehensive coming to this part of the world but knew it would more than likely change my perspective on this area. It was my first real experience of Africa. Yes it can be dodgy at times and yes its probably not the safest place in the world but its by no means as bad as it’s portrayed.
My argument might come under scrutiny when during my time there, 2 French tourists were kidnapped and a French special forces officer lost his life. The next day an armed group of 30 stormed a church with machine guns killing 6. When I think of this and not to mention the costs of flying, accommodation and food then I’m glad and I suppose relieved to have ticked them off. I can happily look forward to my next adventure
THE TRIP
After a few days in Brussels checking the city out and getting my Burkina Faso visa I was off to Madrid in Spain for 2 nights which I highly recommend. Madrid has everything but a beach but don’t let that put you off it is one of my favourite cities in Europe.
My first stop in Africa was Mali and it was a short one due to my flights being rearranged. This gave me a few days in Burkina Faso where I applied for my Niger visa and also got a tour of the city
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From here I went to Niamey where I didn’t have the best of luck and my Chad visa application was unsuccessful which meant losing out on some expensive flights and missing out on seeing the endangered west African Giraffes.
From Mali I flew into Lyon where I would visit other towns such as Toulouse and then Bordeaux some amazing food and to meet up with the parents.
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The small seaside town of Biarritz was next on the agenda and then San Sebastian to sample to famous Pintxos and my first 3* Michelin Restaurant, Akelarre. We were also able to fit in a few hours checking out Bilbao before flying home
FINAL THOUGHTS
An interesting trip and a good introduction into Western Africa, A place I am going to have to get used to travelling and their ways.
NEXT UP
Off to Algeria in June. Click to read.!!!!!
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
133/229
This reflection post is part of the West Africa Series, pt1, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my highlights on my Instagram.
