In the Shadow of Fabled Timbuktu lies the medievel tow of Djenne, and every child's fantasy: heres the most colossal mud pie in the world rises from the desert. The Djenne Mosque is 12,000 square feet and built entirely of sand and sticks. Its tan minarets reach for the clouds like arems oustretched in prayer. Six steps, symbolizing the transition from profane to sacred, lead into the mosque. Centuries of monsoons have somehow spared this house of Allah. As I am admiring the holy sandcastle a teenager with a crutch approaches. In flawless English he announces, "My name is Toka. I would like to show you around, May I?" I haven't heard a word of English in two weeks. "Follow Me," he offers, his bright smile illuminating his dark face like a crescent moon. (Chapter 1)
via The Best Travel Writing 2005: True Stories from Around the World
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