WOW! What an amazing "first" day. After catching up on our sleep, a couple of us took a walk around the block (the first two photos).  We then took taxis to the open market where artisans make and sell their crafts- some using very primitive methods with free to inexpensive materials. Much like what you might see in the Fair Trade stores in the U.S. The photos show some of the artisans in their stall-like spaces. The big "S" is for all you Spartan fans out there- front row L to R: Terry Link and Julie Brockman; across the back L to R:  Amy Jamison, John Beck and Paulette Granberry Russell. The next photo is Terry with a hotel staff member- they have found some interesting commonalities so are now fast friends. Amy talks with Kareem Abdoul Saidou, Director of Operations for the Center for Governmental Democracy- we will be visiting with him and his staff tomorrow morning. Well, enough for now-thanks for your interest in reading the blog.