This land is poor and we, the visitors from beyond, are viewed as the source of all things wanted. Like the Cargo Cult of New Guinea, good things come from heaven, from that rich land called America. Go to the bank and money appears, if only they can get the stranger to send. The images of this interesting country are dutifully recorded on film, the people, the way they live and the beautiful vast open spaces. With travel documents taken and held far away, the long ordeal begins.
Every request is met with an implied extortion.
Yes, this might be possible, or that might be possible, but lets see the CFA up front. So the waiting extends thru more long days and nights. Even the chant of the Tauregs around the night fire is of little consolation. Finally the travel documents are returned and one can slowly make ones way to the city with the airport that can return one to Paris. The sorry thing is that the hostage holders were our tour operators.