Location: 12º20’55.2″N, 1º35’03.8″W
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Africa
Weather Conditions: Sunny, 84F (28C)
Aaron being interviewed by Jeff Olson of Kare-11. (Minneapolis)
The morning of our departure (Friday, January 7 – we had 4:00pm flights), Jeff Olsen and his crew from KARE-11, a local news station, stopped by the University of Minnesota to interview the team for an upcoming Extra story [airing this Thursday, January 14th] and to bid us a hearty farewell. During the morning, the Earthducation team was able to share with Jeff the goal of our seven-continent project and why there is a need for a global narrative describing the intersections between education and sustainability. Not one to shy away from the camera (he’s a news reporter!), Jeff recorded his own perspectives on education and sustainability within the EnviroNetwork during his visit. Check out, too, why Jeff believes sustainability is important and how his children have influenced his thinking. While you are in the network, record your thoughts. Don’t be shy!
Charlie and Romaric heading to the gate at MSP airport. (Minneapolis)
After checking in 14 bags of gear at the Minneapolis International Airport, we were off on the first of the three-leg journey to Africa. First, we flew from Minneapolis, MN to Toronto, Canada and then quickly boarded the plane from Toronto to Paris, France. Although we boarded the plane on time, issues with the plane had us sitting on the tarmac in Toronto for over two hours prior to our departure. This delay gave Charlie enough time to watch the movie, MegaMind, while the rest of the team caught up on some much needed sleep. After a safe arrival in Paris we were then off to our destination, Burkina Faso, the country that a United Nations’ report (2010) ranked 161 out of 169 countries for the poorest quality of life indicators (income, infant mortality, literacy, life expectancy, etc.)
We did have a little excitement landing in Burkina Faso. As our plane was just about to land, the engines were thrusted and the plane lunged up back into the air – we had missed the landing strip! Aaron, Charlie, and Justin laughed as Romaric held his stomach – Romaric hates landings ☺. After a quick turnaround, the captain tried landing the plane again and we were soon on the ground safely in Burkina.
Aaron and Charlie waiting in the customs line at Ouagadougou airport.
The welcome we received at the airport was simply unbelievable. When we mentioned in the first field update that Romaric was well-connected, we were not exaggerating. Fifteen-plus people welcomed Team Earthducation to Burkina, and, of course, all enthusiastically greeted Romaric back home.
After the conversation and well wishes, our first challenge was to locate all of our bags. The airport is undergoing renovation so it was a bit more difficult than we had anticipated – fortunately, all of our bags arrived. Whew. It was now time to experience Burkina. With Romaric as our guide, we were ready to go.
Bicycles and mopeds fill the streets day and night. (Ouagadougou)
Once we left the airport, Romaric’s friend, Mady, drove us to Romaric’s Uncle Tambi’s beautiful home. The drive provided us with our first night impressions of Ouagadougou that we would have to sum up in one word – MOPEDS! At any given time during the drive, at least a dozen mopeds and 5-6 people riding bicycles surrounded the car, a common sight night or day in the bustle of Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.
A warm welcome at Romaric's Uncle Tambi's house. (Ouagadougou)
At Tambi’s home, his family welcomed us with a feast consisting of roasted guinea hen, pasta, and Brakina, one of Burkina Faso’s three main native lagers (beer). While we were eating, Tambi and Romaric shared with us a preview of our meeting agenda during the next few days. For months prior to our arrival, Tambi played a vital role in arranging these upcoming meetings, which include the King, the Minister of Basic Education and Literacy, and the Secretary General of Secondary Higher Education and Scientific Research (wow!).
Group photo after the team itinerary meeting. (Ouagadougou)
Aaron and Charlie checking out a 600cc off-road motorcycle for our expedition.
Video: Interview with Jean
Charlie talking with Brad in Minneapolis. (Ouagadougou)
Aaron working on the trail report narrative. (Ouagadougou)
wow…great pics, and cool adventure….I’m following from here! fun to watch…
We are with you all the way…….we feel like we are along in the back seat. Terrific website! Thank you for excellent reporting and coverage! R&S
This is so incredible to be able to follow your journey. I can’t wait for the next post…what a great learning experience for me….and you!!!! Love you all!!! Mom
Great website !!! Keep up the good work.
We are all following you guys
Be safe,
George
My first experience ever following you on your journey.
I hope I can get good coverage. Why not plan on Morocco too?
Khadija via Cassie!!!!
Tetouan,Morocco
Glad you made it there safely! What an impressive agenda you have. I’ll keep checking in.
WOW! Aaron et. al., you keep pushing the boundaries to bring us great opportunities in the classroom! Thanks!
Wonderful start fellas! The website looks great, excited to explore with you!
Hello from Suzhou, China. Adventuring is so rewarding! Good luck with the journey. I can’t say enough on how you have influenced me in my trek around the globe and I can only hope your global initiatives can bring the people of the world a little closer to each other. It’s just incredible how similar we all are. I’ll be watching from Asia and trying to recruit some viewers from this corner of the world as well. Happy travels!
Hi Charlie and Aaron,
Your updates and pictures are awesome! We are enjoying your adventure from home. Looking forward to the next post
I can’t wait to enjoy and learn with you! This website is awesome.
Guys this is amazing. Romaric you are so awesome and I am glad Charlie and Aaron have you on this adventure.
Keep posting. It is such an great project.
Justin, so glad you are out there doing what you love! Im so happy for you. I’ll be following. Be sure you let me know when you come to India.