I'm So Ashamed... (by Thom)

It's with great sorrow that I write this. As a person of proud Mid-Western roots, I feel like it's my duty to bear through cold weather as a badge of honor. However, I'm ashamed to admit that after a recent cold-snap here in Bamako, I found myself with numb toes when it got down to 'only' the 70s for a daytime high. Sadly, I think we're adjusting to the weather a bit.
Ok, seriously, it is worth noting that it was pretty cold by Mali standards. I haven't been able to find official records yet, but everyone I've talked to said Thursday (Jan 19, 06) was the coldest day they can remember in Mali. Our high was 73 degrees, which is about 20 degrees below the average. I have to admit, it's pretty funny to see people bundled up in winter ski jackets when the temperatures fall into the 80s. And I must say, in no way do I miss Mid-West winters!