... post match party!

Of course you can't play a world class game without celebrating afterwards, no matter who was victorious. So it was off the La Balafon in Fourou with all the families in tow too.

Marcus tried his hand at bar tending, with his own original style ...


Fancy a coke?

(I stood well back!) But there were tons of customers ...


I want one too

As a special treat for the ladies, may I introduce our new and extra stylish géophysicien ...


Guirou

No party really gets started without a bit of booty-shaking.


Let the dancing begin

Trevor takes his first Malian lessons from Bintou and Mamadou. I, however, have been practicing for a couple of months, and so I decided to *wow* N'Diaye with my balani moves.


Ali and N'Diaye

But of course, you don't know that you've really learnt anything until you get the nod from Salikou - so?


Salikou and N'Diaye regardent moi

(I think he is smiling, approvingly ...?!)

When I head out on my next break I am going to have to do some serious shopping, because I just can't face another night out in my field wear and safety boots when surrounded by such ...


Impressive guests

Inza and Dao and their families were wearing the most beautiful clothes, I did feel distinctly beige in my beige.

This time Simmo was no match for Moussa who was very clearly ...


King of the Kids - Mark II

Simmo spent his time relationship building with the WADS boys.


Simmo and Karim the T-man

And the Joyces enjoyed their first big gathering in Fourou. Varks (from WADS) was standing by to provide commentary and lively stories.


Varks entertains the Joyces

But the soirée lasted a bit too long for some of the younger crowd members.


Inza and his son

And a bit of relaxation time helped the dance students as well.


Trevor and friends

How are you feeling Arch? Having fun?


Archie

Want to have a dance?


Let's go!

Guirou shows the rest of us how it is done!

*I need to acknowlegde the awesome contribution of my friend and colleague Simeon at this point - he has been a dedicated and exemplary photographer on these occasions, especially when I need to dance!