You're going where?

- I'm going to Mali!

- Oh nice, I love Maui.

- No, no... not Maui, Mali.

- I leave on Friday for Mali... can't wait.

- Wow, world traveler! How long are you staying?

- Just one week.

- You're going all the way to Bali just for one week?

- Oh, no, not Bali... Mali - West Africa.

- You're going to Mali? You're not scared?

- Not one bit!  I'm counting down the days.

- Claire!  Haven't you seen Sahara??

- No, why?  Should I? 

- Well, probably not now.  But I think you're crazy for going.  Just be careful...

- I really don't know how I feel about your going to Mali, Claire.

- Mom, I'm going to be fine.

- Well, what about all the advisories warning people not to go?  I tell you what, I'll reimburse you half the price of your flight if you promise not to go.

- Thanks but no thanks, I'm not passing this up.

- But what if you're abducted and turned into a sex slave??

- Haha... one could only hope.

Small Market in Timbuktu, Mali