Dakar,Senegal

Happy Easter! After 6 days at sea we are reaching Dakar in Senegal on the West coast of Africa. The staff have created some lovely eggs for you to admire but not eat…no sad faces, I am sure the Easter Bunny will leave you something.

All ready to explore. I have written a list of all the main sights of Dakar other than Gorée Island( site of slave trade in the 1700- 1800’s) in French so we won’t miss anything because our school French is rusty or non existent.🤔 Let’s go find a taxi.They look a battered but I am sure it will be okay ( fingers crossed).

Driving through the city, there is little traffic but lots of young men sitting around. Everything is covered with thick dust because wind has been blowing dust from the Sahara.

Senegal is mainly a Muslim country and the work week goes Monday to Friday. Today being Sunday, most of the city is closed. Buildings are predominantly old or under construction. People in the city do live in apartments ,of various standards ,while others live out in the suburbs.

 

 

 

 

In the centre of the city is called the Place de Independence. There are a few colonial buildings surrounding it.  

There are two main Mosques in Dakar. The first is the Grand Mosque of Dakar and the second is Mosque of the Divinity.Architecturally they are very different so let’s check them out.

 

Beautiful isn’t. They roll the carpets up and take them outside to clean them. Dust is flying and listen to the sound of them hitting them with sticks. Can you imagine having to beat the dust out of them?

 

In a much more spectacular setting is the Mosque of the Divinity. It’s design is simple but against the sea backdrop, magnificent.

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Just behind the Mosque is a fishing village. We should see at least a snapshot of life for the locals, don’t you think. Look they are repairing their nets and washing their goats! Goats seem to be an important food source as we have seen herds of them along the road and at the markets. They certainly do not want to be washed. Listen to that bleating. Everyone, apart from the goats,were happy and enjoying their weekend.

 

 

Just up the road are two more places on our list. The lighthouse and a huge monument to mark Senegal becoming an independent country. It is called the Deux Mamelles or African Renaissance Monument. I believe the statue is 52 metres tall . Impressive! Yes I know I am a squib ,but I don’t want to walk up the stairs. You go and take a photo of the view from the top.

Now I know the taxis are rather battered and perhaps the lighthouse is up a steep hill , so we can only take a photo from a distance. It could also be a government area so a no go area. The police are always polite, but they let you know that you can’t go there, don’t they.

This certainly the case at the Presidential Palace.

 

 

Retail therapy time!

Hooray….the markets ……sure.Maybe not the local market but the craft markets.         

 

        

I am sure you will find something for everyone.Remember to haggle….they like it here.

Past the Catholic cathedral and a few other notable buildings and then back to the ship I think. That okay with you, I am sure we will see some interesting sights on route.

 

 

Shame we can’t go into the church because there is a service but everyone is certainly in their best

Now I found these interesting…..what about some of the things you noticed.. 

   

There is much construction happening in the city. Some of the concrete and other waster has been piled up along the coast. Many children were playing soccer and other games between the heaps.

Here we are back at the ship. You still have time to buy that special gift……look at all the traders on the wharf.

I couldn’t resist…it’s Toot the tug boat. Two sea days now and then we are in the Canary Islands. Start planning,your turn to find some exciting places to explore.