some signs

I took pictures of some interesting signs during our trip last week to Bamako when we went to get JP's mom when she flew to Mali from Chad to visit us. 

The first one is something I've seen several of on the nice newly redone paved road between Segou and Bamako.  I was so curious as to what these skull and crossbones signs are trying to warn of that we stopped the car so I could get a closer look (we also switched drivers at that point.)  It is a creepy sign, and my imagination suggested pirates or poison.  There is nothing scary to be seen on the bit of road where the signs are found.  While some of the signs only have the big triangle on top, I found this one with the smaller rectangle below.  It says that 4 people were killed and 1 wounded here on February 6, 2011.  So I guess it is a warning.  I heard from a friend that word is that these places used to have no cell phone coverage and some buses were stopped and people killed by bandits in roadside robberies.  So now I feel even more creeped out by these signs, but at least I know what they're there for.

There is a new fast-food joint in the neighborhood we used to live in in Bamako, Badalabougou.  The menu looks amazingly American, and I had heard from someone that the fries were really good.  So I thought we could give this restaurant a try.  After a long morning of walking around the national zoo and park, we came to "Bobsi" with Jean-Patrick's mom. It is pretty small inside, there are a few tables to sit at, and there is a tv that has changing images of menu items.  Two young fellas were sitting behind the order counter.  It was a Friday at lunchtime, which is when Muslims all go to mosque for their big weekly service. We were the only customers there.  We looked at the menu and each chose what we'd like.  I went to order, and of course they didn't have some of what we wanted, so we chose alternatives and put in our order.  The guy said it might take a few extra minutes because the cook had gone to mosque but he would be back right away.  "Right away" could have different interpretations, but we were tired and I hoped that it wouldn't take too long, so I sat again to wait.  I was looking forward to good fries!
As soon as I sat, one of the guys behind the counter (which was really only probably about 12 feet away) lit up a hookah.  A few minutes later some smoke started wafting over our way.  Then even more smoke, and it was decided that we would leave.  We went to another restaurant down the road. 
I guess we had been warned; as we left I noticed the menu posted on an outside wall of the building.  Have you ever been to a fast-food restaurant with hookah smoking on the menu?

It seems that you can also call in your order!

Finally, the last interesting sign I took a photo of was on the back of a big fuel tanker truck.  We were stopped at a gas station and I noticed this and found it odd.  What am supposed to understand and do or not do in reaction to this sign?  Don't put gas in the water because it will kill fish and trees, is that it?