Today we were heading for a new city in a new country. With more good sealed roads we arrived easily at the Burkina Faso border and after painlessly completing our exit paperwork from Mali we were soon checking into Burkina. Of all the borders we’ve crossed so far this was one of the most relaxed and straightforward. After a brief conversation with the guy in charge of customs we left with the phone number and contact details for the chief of customs in Bobo-Dioulasso and an offer of help and even a tour of the city as his guest. This was almost too much. Talked about ‘chilled’ - and very friendly. B.F is already proving to be a land of contrast as broad rugged African savannah view were quickly swapped for lush emerald green rice fields. Breathtaking. Stopping at one of the main junctions in Bobo-Dioulasso to re-read our ‘Lonely Plants’, we were again surrounded by about 40 people. Some even running the gauntlet of dual carriageways to get to us. What we had forgotten was that Bobo-Dioulasso was one of the rest day places for the Paris- Dakar rally – so everyone thought we were associated with that.

Taking off towards the large and very new looking stadium, in order to get away from the crowds, Lisa’s keen eye had spotted the sign for Auberge Des Amis (at GPS N11 11.373 W4 19.359). It Looked pretty good from the outside and was just as good inside. With all rooms equipped with air-con, fans and mozzie nets and having their own bathrooms with shower, it was a done deal, especially at only 7,000 CFA, which is about £6.80. Lisa dam near wet herself with delight. She was in heaven and had been dreaming of lying in a bed in an air-conditioned (and clean) room for some time.

We instantly liked Mamou the female owner. With very short-cropped hair and a genuine smile she couldn’t have been more helpful and by 7:30 pm we were enjoying her hospitality. She had offered to take us to a local restaurant in the city centre and rather than get on the bikes, (she knew we were very tired) she was driving us in. Her small tour of Bobo-Dioulasso giving us a chance to get our bearings prior to dinner.

Lisa writes: Bobo-Dioulasso. Sunday and decided to stay and work and use the air-con room all day! I was feeling much better. We had meals at the Auberge (at only £1.50 for a full meal, why not) and didn’t leave all day. I kept falling asleep and Simon was happy on the laptop listening to his music!

.Bobo-Dioulasso. More work- more rest in air-con room! And internet. We decided that Burkina Faso is a chilled and cool place – and would recommend people visit.