Good Neighbours

Don't believe everything you read or hear about how long things take in Africa. Today, just as I was setting out to go into town, I went to lock my front door and the lock fell to bits. I couldn't lock the door, so I couldn't leave - and it's Sunday. So I was slightly perturbed...

I went downstairs to ask advice from my wonderfully supportive neighbour Koro, who runs the cafe/kiosk outside the building - and she spoke to the man who was fixing the cd stand next door the other side, and who lives round the corner. He came and had a look, confirmed my view that the lock was beyond repair, dashed off and came back with a new lock, and fitted it - and all within half an hour! Much easier and quicker than in England or France. Both so ready to drop whatever they were doing to help me. I am lucky with my neighbours, but it's also true that the vast majority of Burkinabes are friendly and helpful.