[rachelnguyen]

Hey all, just wanted to give you a heads up that Sidy Maiga and I are planning another drum and dance trip to Bamako in January of 2011.

Last year we had a very full daily agenda, with two drum classes and 1 dance class every day. Sidy can arrange classes in any instrument. (I am hoping to study tama.)

We had a great time hanging out at street parties, checking out nightclubs, watching rehearsals for the District of Bamako dance troupe, etc.

Accommodations are comfortable-two people to a room with indoor plumbing.

The food is incredible. We will have 2 delicious homemade hot meals every day and coffee, fresh french bread and fruit for breakfast each morning.

Last year's trip was an amazing experience. I am already getting excited about going again and would love some of my fellow djembefolas to join us!

I will post details as we get them.

In the mean time, if you have questions, post them here or email me offline:

rachelnguyen(at)cox.net

[rachelnguyen]

Ok, here are the dates and more details:

Arriving in Bamako on January 7th and leaving on January 23rd, 2011. (16 nights)

2 drumming classes and 1 dance class per weekday. There is a lot of flexibility on this. As I said in the previous post, I will be studying Tama and djembe. If you have another instrument you want to work with, it can be arranged.

The cost is $1400 and includes accommodations, 2 hot meals a day, 3 classes per weekday, most ground transportation. Nightclubs and weekend travel to local villages will be extra. This does not include airfare to Mali.

We had a great time last year! Come join us!

[bops]

Sounds great, Rachel! My family and I are going to be there at that time too, N'CHALLA, but we'll probably be staying with Abdoul. We'll definitely have to meet up.

[rachelnguyen]

Oh, Bops, no kidding. On or around January 11th (my birthday) we are going to throw a big party involving some crazy drumming and a dead sheep. (Roasted, LOL) Lets stay in touch so you can bring the gang. That would be so much fun!

Love,
Rachel

[e2c]

this *could* turn into a full-fledged djembefola.com meetup...!

[rachelnguyen]

I think Bamako would be the BEST place to meet with the djembefola crowd, e2c!

Just can't wait.

R