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Delve into this “beautifully written narrative,” a fascinating travel guide, and an insightful work on a culture shrouded in mystery (Booklist). Timbuktu: the African city known to legend as a land of scholars, splendor, and mystery—a golden oasis in the Sahara Desert. But to most it is merely a flippant tag for “the most remote place on earth.” With this fabled city as his destination, author Rick Antonson embarked on a month-long trek that began with a simple objective—to get a haircut. Aided by an adventurous spirit, Rick faces a forty-five-hour train ride, a swindling travel agent, “Third World, three-lane” roads, rivers, and a flat deck ferry boat before finally reaching Timbuktu. Rick learns the history of this elusive destination from his Malian guide Zak, and encounters stranded tourists, a camel owner, a riverboat captain, and the people who call Timbuktu home. Updated to include the volatile political situation in Timbuktu following the 2012 military coup in Mali and jihadist activity in the region, To Timbuktu for a Haircut is “not just for the armchair traveler,” but a history of a place long forgotten, and a plea to understand why Timbuktu’s past is essential to the future of Africa (Kirkus Reviews).
Finished this today and for the most post I enjoyed it. There were a few slow parts but I enjoyed reading about his travels to the most remote places on Earth.
so-so
To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa | 
