Goree Island, Dakar, and Thies
Bonjour,
Sunday, we spent the day on Goree Island for a special event. Commemoration of the slave trade with traditional dancing. Met an interesting young couple on vacation from Paris. It was very nice and the weather has been excellent!!!!!!
Back to Dakar…This is a new monument on the Corniche (a boulevard running along the Atlantic coast in Dakar). It is called ‘The Door to the Millenium’. Quite attractive don’t you think?
Monday, I went to the Sandaga marchè to buy fabric. Bargaining wore me out, but i think i got good prices. Off to find a good tailor to make me a jacket and a suit.
Today, Tuesday, we are visiting families in Thies, where I lived for 2 yrs. Visited the Dieng’s, the Diagnes, the Diops, the Salls, and District Hospital.
We just left dinner at Yvette’s. The kids are no longer kids. Adja is 24 and Bolo is 18 and entering college!
If you notice strange typos it’s because the keyboards are French and the letters are in different places.
Tomorrow I,m going to visit Robinson House in Sampathe. Don,t know what I’ll find.
SAMPATHE:
Visited Robinson House, Center for Albinos at Sampathe this morning. The center has expanded somewhat. Moussa was on duty today.
When we built the center seven years ago, it was out in no man’s land. There was nothing else out there. Today, it was difficult locating the center. There’s a community built around it. Houses everywhere; there’s even a new college within view of the center! Thies is movin’ on up!
A tout a l’heure…
…sorry, this computer doesn’t have a USB port for photos. And it is 100 degrees inside the cybercafe!!!!!!!!
Tags: Travel
Lala
I know that it had to be a very moving ceremony. I can feel it in my heart, and I am all the way over here. As I said before, I know you know how to find a good bargin, don’t beat them down too much. I am sure you got a fair price. I know the families were very happy to see you. Do you think you might want to return and stay there for another 2-4 years. Take care of yourself in the sun. Make sure when you get back you send me some of the pictures. I am just very excited to dialog with you as you journey throughout Africa. I love it.
Martha, Jacques was telling his folks about a friend of Linda’s named Martha and what a nice person she is. He asked me if I remember the shirt you gave him. I guess I had forgotten. When he went and got it and showed it to me, I remembered it. In answer to your question, I would consider living in Senegal again. The main drawbacks would be the heat 10 months of the year, and of course those mosquitos!
I like the “bargaining” part. Growing up in Africa, I know that everything being sold in a local market is open for bargain…As a young boy, I often accompanied my mother and sisters to the local market and had to wait aside for and hour or two for the bargaining to end 🙂 Luckily, they rewarded my patience with a candy or “beignets”.
Ohhhhhhh, beignets…what a pleasant thought. Yes, it can take a long time to bargain for one item. Sometimes you walk away and the vendor comes after you to lower the price. I think I must be getting too old for it. It can wear me out. All in all, it is fun especially when you are able to finalize on a price which is one third of the initial quote!
Peace and blessings!
Linda:
This is fabulous. I feel I was there with you. For us none travelers….I would love to hear more about the food – the names and ingredients in the dishes. More about Robinson house – and what you did in the area from your Peace Corp days.
It sounds as if the trip was really special… and more about Jacques! Please remember to bring your photo to our next gathering.
Best,
Sharon
Sharon,
The natonal dish is a combination plate called ‘thieboudienne’, fish and rice with vegetables. ‘Ummmm deelish’! In addition to the taste, its interesting to watch its multi-step preparation.
See you at Timbuktu. I’ll bring the photos.
Linda
I am particularly interested in Senegal. Please tell me more about the country. I am interested in buy a home in africa, but where is always the question. I like Senegal, Ghana and Liberia. nkwakutoure@hotmail.com
I will send my website address and other sites with information about Senegal. Thanks for visiting my blog.