In the afternoon, we headed out to the race track where there would be a big show with lots of horses and camels. Camel and donkey races were also on the schedule, although in the end, there was no time left to organize them. A pity, because I have yet to see my first camel [...]

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We went out at about nine o’clock this morning, not knowing exactly what to expect. Seeing the soldiers on our street, we figured the president and perhaps even the parade would be coming our way, but the soldiers told us the parade would probably not reach our street and that it was best to move [...]

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After the president had left, we followed Aïssa to the part of the camel camp where her family was staying, where we met a lot of riders with their beloved creatures! Did you know that camels are very affectionate animals? They truly bond with their owners, and even though Arwen appreciates me very much, I [...]

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Today, we went to the camel camp behind the race track with Aïssa. Her family had come from Tanout bringing their camels with them, and we were heading out for a ride… We were not the only ones to visit the camp, because on our way there, we were passed by some “very important vehicules”. [...]

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Yesterday, the horses practiced their parade and today, it was the camels’ turn. Mmmm, those animals have been created for parades! They absolutely love it!! And I can’t believe how peaceful they are; you put five camel bulls side by side and they walk with their heads together – no fighting… Now, if it were [...]

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The president is coming here on the 18th December, to celebrate Niger’s national day. Horses and camels from every vicinity of the country have arrived and are currently camping at the race track, where they will perform on the National Day. Yesterday, Sofia and I got ourselves a slight shock as we rode out there [...]

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Our Sunday morning habit: the market of Zinder! You’d be surprised at how much tissue you can find! Everytime there is something new; our mission is just to find it… Sofia and I – a dark picture that has been “rescued” with some Photoshop “shadow/highlight”. When taking pictures, you either need a good camera, or [...]

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Today was Anette’s last afternoon out and we were supposed to go to the racetrack. Unfortunately, Sahara put her foot wrong and started limping, so we turned back and left Sahara at home, while the rest of us (Sofia, Anette, I and Arwen) walked out to the fields so I could ride Arwen and they [...]

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Mirriah is not only known for its market place however; in fact, it is even more known for its huge Baobab forest. These trees were sowed a very long time ago and are of great value to the families that owns them. During the rainy season, they produce the much desired Baobab leaves (that are [...]

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This morning, we drove to Mirriah; a small community situated about 20 km from east of Zinder. The journey took more than half an hour however, because the roads were so deteriorated and the Suzuki (which is not mine…) did not want to end up in every other hole… Sunday is the market day of [...]

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