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TV. As soon as I walked in, everyone stood up and greeted me. When I sat down, low and
behold, rice, fish, ice-cold water and sweet tea came out. Even though I had just eaten, I
didn't want to offend my host so I ate again and stayed for a couple of hours relaxing. As
the time neared for the barge's departure, I stood up said my good-byes to the family. It
was quite heart-warming to be welcomed in such a selfless way. I never did buy a pyjama
but instead bought some flip-flops. My remaining money, only a few dollars worth, was
converted to CFAs in the black market.
I made my way to the river's edge to wait for the barge. Just before I boarded, the
police came and asked me to go to their office to have my money counted. I didn't argue
andquicklyfollowedthem.AsIstoodintheoffice,Inoticedthat3:00p.m.cameandwent.
I remained patient and quiet for I knew that in Africa, a snail-paced process will come to a
complete stop if I complained. When I was finally permitted to leave, I rushed down to the
launch and thankfully, the barge waited for me. After I boarded and the deck-hands raised
the ramp, wejust sat there. The bargedidn'tmove forits motor died. After several minutes
of trying, they brought in a larger barge.
The deck-hands transferred my bike to the larger barge and when I hopped over,
they told me that the fee for the larger barge was higher and I had to pay the difference.
Since Ihadnoougiyas left, Iwasabout toaskifthey wanted CFAswhenanAlgerian tour-
istpaidforme.Hewasanelectricalengineeronholidayinthearea.Afteraquick6-minute
crossing, I again thanked my Algerian friend for his kindness and we parted. Sadly, I never
did get his name.
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