Timbuktu

Several weeks ago I heard you tell a person that it was difficult to get to Timbuktu. I'm sure that is true. But the story about Timbuktu that I have always heard is much more interesting.

The French were in control of this part of Africa during the Colonial period. Being that this was the last of the desert outposts for the French Foreign Legion, your superiors could warn you that if you caused more trouble you would be posted to Timbuktu.

Thus the name Timbuktu got to be a "short hand " way of saying if you cause trouble here in our organization you will be headed for a very unpleasant next assignment in Timbuktu.

It would be similar to the Russians in Moscow telling you that your next assignment will be in Siberia or to the gulags!

Roger

 

 

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