A New Perspective

This morning, Julie and I set out for an adventure. We have been talking about walking across the bridge. Maybe that seems strange?  We just wanted to see what it would be like, I guess. There are 2 bridges here in Niamey. When we arrived here 2 years ago, there was only one. A Chinese company built a new bridge down river and supplied an alternate route across the river. Still the Kennedy Bridge is the choice of most and always hustling and bustling. It is full of life and provides  interesting things to see. The  view was VERY different on foot. It was not that we saw many different things, we just had more time to observe and interact with the other people using the bridge.  The overcast skies and breeze enhanced the experience as we greeted or were greeted by  almost everyone we passed. Our plan was just to walk across the Kennedy Bridge (the older of the 2) and then turn around and walk back. We were really enjoying the morning breeze and the laid back Sunday feel that we decided to continue or walk. We took a left and followed the dirt road that leads to Sahel Academy . Using a dirt road that led us past the school and to the countryside along the Niger River was a pleasant surprise. Gardens were everywhere and we felt like we had been transported to another part of the country. With no agenda or time restraints we just enjoyed our stroll. Men passed on donkey carts, motos and on foot. Possibly returning from morning work in  the field and other going into “town or to church? A country dirt road……. The right decision….we made our way to the Chinese Bridge and immediately wondered how we might get on it . We asked and the men working on top of enormous piles of dirt and gravel kindly pointed us to a steep set of stairs.

At the top of the stairs we were transported once again to a clean 4 lane bridge. It was deserted. We could see the Kennedy Bridge in the distance through the haze. We felt the same breeze  but it was TOTALLY different. We enjoyed looking down at the river and crossed the bridge in no time. We decided to descend using an identical set of steep steps. Once we were on the path we enjoyed the “little village” feel. People jus going about living life…… laundry, fishing, working in more beautiful gardens, eating and hanging out. Greetings were plentiful and we kept saying to each other how much we were enjoying our walk.  I did not take many pictures because I really felt like it would be an invasion of privacy. So often when the cameras come out, things change. People want cados (a gift) and we were really enjoying just taking everything in.  Many shades of green graced the gardens and beautiful colors hung in the trees as laundry dried. One of the biggest surprises of the morning was one little girl who approached us and said “Do you speak English?” When we said “yes”, she proceeded to say “Hello, How are you?” stunned, we said “great” and asked her how she was “I am fine, Thank you.” was her reply. She did not want a gift, nor did anyone on our walk (well, just one request…but that is RARE) she just wanted to connect.  We continued smiling and waving and found ourselves back at the Kennedy Bridge.  

We headed up the “main drag” and continued to “see” things that we miss on a daily basis. The Minisrty of Justice building burnt down.....a bit suspicious. I even felt lost at one point. Things look different when you are traveling on foot. We stopped and greeted vendors that seemed to understand that we were on a walk and not shopping. Enjoyed seeing a pick up futball game....not a rare sight! The pathway home was cluttered with trash and goats. Our street looked rather clean and home awaited me. After our 2 hour excursion, I returned home and was cheerfully greeted by Soulay, our guard as well as the other guards on our street. They all wanted their pictures taken. I was very surprised that I suggested to Leron that we walk to the Bakery and get a baguette. Apparently, I was quite taken by the love of walking somewhere…….having friends that live close enough to “stop by” on foot.  We stopped by the Negrini’s place and  then t he Korn’s. Just dropping by…… we took a back street to the bakery and then we came upon a man who was stuck in the sand. We stopped to help get him unstuck. I was taken by how here in Niger, the weather is quite pleasant but we have “road problems” due to sandy conditions. It is amazing how bad some of the roads are and will probably only get worse. I even avoided certain “sand pits” as I have observed many stranded cars. Driving in deep loose sand feels very much like driving in snow….fish tailing, hanging on to the steering wheel & praying you do not have to stop until you are on better road! My friends and family in Pennsylvania are experiencing snow and the problems that creates…….I am missing them and the beautiful January snow, but today, Niger was quite wonderful and fresh, new to me……and for that, I am very happy and thankful!

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