I am now back in the United States. I can revel in my sweet tea, sleep alone in my room, drive down a paved road and watch it rain, but I find I miss the heat, the dust and the crazy traffic. My closet is full to brimming with clothes; I have much less than many Americans, but so much more than my Malian friends. As I look at people passing on campus, I do not see smiling faces or hear laughter, everyone is concentrated on themselves and their lives. Yes, we have so much in America, but we lack so much also.
There are some experiences which stay with you forever. Mali will be one of those experiences for me. Mali filled my senses. The pleasant smells of flowers filled my nose, acrid smells of meat and fish attacked my senses and the dust was so thick you could smell it. Vibrant colors constantly filled my line of sight, backdropped by smoggy skies, red soil and the rolling waters of the Niger. Sounds of people, cars, sirens, horns and animals continued throughout the day and night. The cuisine of Mali introduced me to capitaine, a fish variety from the Niger, and met my craving for lamb. But, most of all, Mali touched me. The country, the people, touched my heart, and this is what I will never forget.
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