Senegal

Just ask me

I’ve been to Senegal,Dakar many times. My grandmother ownes a house on the Island of Goré. The island is simply gorgeous! and the beach is breath taking. I love everything about the place. It’s paradise. If you get the chance to go, go to the Island of Goré, you won’t regret it!

Drove though in a day in a Peugeot 205 so just saw some crazy driving and some roadside camels..

I studied abroad in Dakar from January to May in 2006. I would never describe it as a wonderful experience, unless four of the most difficult months of my life could be described as wonderful.

Dakar is rough, loud, and dirty. It jars the senses in every way possible. From being physically grabbed in the street by talibe trying scrounge up a living, to smelling sewage waste in the street and yassa cooking on the coals, to hearing the chants of prayer from the mosques before sunrise, to seeing the variety of vibrant different prints on wax fabric, a non-native to Senegal can always discover something new in the city.

Senegal however is not for the naive or the young simply wanting to live in the developing world unless one is truly and fully prepared mentally and physically for the challenges of such an experience.

Though trivial, I wish someone would’ve told me to bring my own toilet paper or warned me about the constant power outages. I wish I would’ve had a homestay family who was supportive and helped me adjust to the difference in lifestyle rather than taking advantage of me and my roommate. I wish the ending wasn’t so scarring that it overshadows all positive memories of my time there.

I will never forget Senegal. I do not blame my naive self for going there, but I would be hard pressed to return having gone through what I did while there.

I am really attracted to Senegelese men. I also like the way their drummers play. The two might be related.

alex haley’s book ROOTS had just been published…but people in Dakar couldn’t understand why anyone in Africa would want to come to America. Once they read it, they had a very low opinion of Americans.

it’s nothing like the western world, except a simulation in the capital, but i think they’re better off living on their own terms. the people may be living in poverty by our standards, but they are content, and they are satisfied, and i couldn’t ask for anything more in life. i think the problems arise when others see what we have, think it will make them happier, and try to go after it in the wrong way. i was almost mugged there, which happens often, but a friend protected me & they left me alone. what can i say but i was around eighteen & ignorant and had money poking out of my front pocket—don’t do that silly. oh & people will bombard you & try to sell things to you and are very persuasive and will even tug on you, but don’t be afraid. they just want a sell so just be firm and be on your way if you don’t want something & remember everything’s negotiable. aside from that, the people are wonderful & kind & very enjoyable, and i loved it. if you go, make sure you visit goree island.

I will go in February or May of 2008. Either for carnival in Ziguinchor or the jazz festival in Saint-Louis.

it was my first time in africa and it truly changed my life, i saw how lucky i am to live in a conrete house with electricity and tap water. my ultimate goal is to go back and help build houses, schools, hospitals, basically do anything that’s in my power to help.

We went to this wresting match and the champion of Senegal was wrestling this contender. There was quite the bit of black magic involved in the match. Their champion lost the match and the crowd went wild. We needed armed guards to get us out of the stadium and to the bus. I was terrified at the time but what an experience.