World of Wheels...

When I was younger, I had a set of questions that I would use to break the ice with people. I would often just say out of the blue: Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if the circle had never been invented?




















I never really gave it much thought, it was just a silly question that helped in those awkward -silence type situations. The last couple of days here in Ouagadougou, I have found a new appreciation for the circle.

The people here absolutely depend on the wheel. It makes sense. A flat dusty country with few resources, vast open spaces and a hot sun that saps the energy. Is it any wonder that the bicycle has flourished here like no other country in Africa.

In fact bikes are so prolific here that there are very few taxis because everyone goes by bike. And I do mean everyone. Old, and young alike. They certainly don't let dresses impede them from getting around. Those who can afford it upgrade to moped or
motorbike (though I have yet to see anything more than 125cc). If long distances are needed, they simply put the bikes on top of the buses or minivans which run up and down all the main roads of the country. Arriving close to their destination, they get out, bring the bike down and then ride off to where-ever it is they are going. Brilliant.

Not surprisingly, the "Tour de Faso" is considered Africa's premier cycling event and is put on by the same organisation that does the Tour de France!


Is it any wonder that I love this place?


This afternoon I met two guys that lost use of the legs as children (from Polio), but they had bikes too! We had lunch together, and although life is by no means easy for them, they are not left to beg as in many other cultures.

In addition to bicycles, the Burkinabé people use wheels for lots of other things... like shoe-stores, restaurants, and hard-ware shops! Donkeys pull the loads that are too heavy for humans. Today, while searching for something scrumptious for lunch, I came across a blacksmith shop that used a little wheel rigged up to his bellows. His little son turned the wheel and kept the fire hot while he worked!



Thank God for the circle.





























So, the challenge for today... Can you count how many wheels are in the photos attached to today's blog?


























ps - Tune in tomorrow for a riveting exposé of the isosolece triangle!