Haggling guides

After a quick look at Mopti in the morning we decided it didn't merit a day - Only the huge pirogues in the port laden with lare blocks of salt moved the interestometer. Called David and found a Taxi to Bankas, which was almost full, a miracle (Bachees generally don't go until they are full, so you want to be the last on board to avoid waiting, but then get the worst seats.). % hurs to Bankas via a market, a dodgy kebab and a small family of monkeys.

On arrival in Bankas immediately set upon by some aggressive offers of guides. Followed them to Bens Bar which seemd OK, so agreed to stay the night. Started haggling over the rice of a guide - startyed with 50,000 for 1 night and 2 days, down to 40,000 for 2 + 3 but didn't like the guide and he couldn't speak English. In the meantime a very nice matey who spoke excellent English hung around, and we struck a deal with him for 20,000 for 2 + 3. This caused a big argument as apparently the 1st to spot the tourists has the right to be their guisen but we said we would take Mamadou or no one, and after more arguments it was agreed.Read more