Africa Trekker

Can you believe the size of this mango from one of the trees in the yard?

Dakar has its share of great restaurants. This one we went to last week for my birthday. Good Vietnamese food and superb service.

Fish (thiof) served still steaming.

Friends and family gathered at my dear friend May,s home. Ambiance, good food, good music, and well wishes.

• We attended 2 weddings, 3 days of events for each. These are photos from the weddings and receptions of :
• Justin and Leonie and
• Columbiano and Nanu

Linda and Khadim at the entrance to the Center for Albinos in Sampathe, Thies. The center is always in need of donations of sunscreen, sunglasses, caps and preschool supplies for community children with albinism.

Arrived in Dakar November 22st, after our fllght was delayed 4 hours. However, I quickly forgot the inconvenience when I was surprisingly seated in BUSINESS CLASS. What fantastic service.

The year ends in Senegal with a bang. Six days of weddings, Tabaski, and Christmas holidays. It has been absolutely wonderful. December and January seem to be the wedding months here, like May and June in the states. 

First Christmas holiday in Dakar. There’s singing, ambiance and good food.

Sunset and ebbtide in Bargny on the Atlantic ocean.

These are photos from various locations.

Two muttons (goats) being roasted for a Tam-Tam (traditional dance celebration) later that evening at a restaurant on le Petit Cote. (CLICK ON THUMBNAILS TO VIEW LARGER PICTURES)

This is the hotel restaurant that hosted the Tam Tam Wednesday evening, attended by 75-100 locals and tourists, around the swimming pool.

A breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Corniche in Dakar

Because my stay was short, I was unable to travel to visit everyone. However, I was so pleased when some of my friends travelled to Dakar to visit me on Friday. From left to right is Mame Diarra from Bargny, friend of Khadim’s, Khadim from Thies, and Yvette from Thies. It was great getting together again for updates.

Attended a baptism ceremony on Saturday. Delia, the baby of Antonin and wife, was baptised along with about 7 babies at Catholic church in Dakar. (click on thumnails for larger images) 

     Baptism dinner celebration later that evening chez Jacques. Yvette and the girls definitely have a flair for ‘presentation’ wouldn’t you agree? Everything was displayed so beautifully.  

   Display of fruit juices.

   About 100 guests, family and friends lining up for the buffet dinner.    

I enjoy looking at Senegalese women’s fashions at these fetes (haute couture!)

  Baby Delia’s Mom, to the right

 Monique, Linda and Titine

Bonjour,
I arrived safely in Dakar after a layover in Paris on Thursday. It is Monday morning and I have gotten into the slower pace of the Senegalese. I am completely “de-stressed” after removing my watch and taking long naps!
We’re travelling to Le Petit Cote tomorrow and back to Dakar on Thursday for a baptism.
Saturday night’s concert at the Daniel Soreno Theatre was awesome. It is called the “Oscars” for all genres of choral groups: Christian, Muslim, traditional, military, etc.
The FOIRE is here. It is a weeklong commercial exposition of items (art, fabric, fashions, furniture, appliances, etc.) from many countries. Hopefully, I can get there one day this week.
(will post pictures later)

Bonne journee!
Linda

This was my second visit to this wonderful film festival. Bobbie is the gracious host and is a committee member of the festival. Cascade brings award-winning African filmakers from around the world to showcase their work.

  Film Festival reception. Me with Bobbie (far right) and friends.

  With Sara Rashad, Egyptian film director of “Tahara”.

 Yes, I love mountains…these were taken in the air over Idaho and Oregon. (Mt. Baker)

 Sun Valley