MOROCCO MALI
Moroccan Gate
My first step onto the African continent took place in the northern city of Tangiers, Morocco. I was amazed at the city’s architecture and the beauty of it’s gates and doorways. Colorful tiles with detailed designs decorate the buildings. The architecture, landscapes and people make Morocco a great place to visit.
Baobab Tree
Baobab trees dot the Malian landscape. Their large, twisted, leafless branches tower over the desert sands and shrubs. Malian women in their brightly colored clothes stand out against this background of brown.
The Road to Koro
Koro is a town in Mali where I spent two years with the Peace Corps. At that time, the only way to Koro was on a very bad road - and for 18 kilometers, there was no road. Bush taxis tried their best to make it through the sand dunes until they could go no more. Passengers descended and pushed the taxis through the sand. Running behind, they jumped back on until the next patch of sand. 
Going to the Market
One of my favorite memories of Mali is my morning spent watching groups of women climb the Dogon cliffs on market day, carrying their goods on their heads to sell. Grey-haired ladies carried heavy sacks up the many stone steps to the village atop the cliffs, stopping only briefly to rest. Groups of Peule women carried bowls of milk without spilling a drop. We sat at the base of the stairs greeting the women as they began their trek up the cliff. That image of the stream of women, young and old, carrying heavy loads on their heads is etched in my mind and this painting is a tribute to their strength.
Djenne Mosque
Djenne, Mali. Djenne is a mystical town along the Niger River. Its winding streets and unique architecture take you back to another time, another world. Its mosque, made of mud and earth, is famous for its design. On market days, its plaza fills with people looking to buy, sell and socialize.
African Women
African women have the amazing ability to carry almost anything on their heads. From full buckets of water to heavy rice sacks, they have incredible strength and balance.
