Senegal

I started my trip in Senegal from Dakar. This is the capital of Senegal. Most of the people here speaks Wolof or French, but there are many other spoken languages, like Serer or Diola. Once I arrived in my hostal, at “Auberge Keur Diame”, left my backpack in my room, I went for a walk towards the beach “plage de yoff”. You could right away admire how the people were so colourful dressed and looking very sportive. Then I understood why. At 5 in the afternoon, literally, everyone started to practice some kinds of sport. From running near the beach, to group activities. It was impressive to look at and it motivated me so much, so I just joined. I really had fun! This city can offer a lot, maybe at the beginning, it could seem chaotic, but its just a matter of time. I had the chance to visit « Le monument de la Renaissance Africaine ». It`s a very high statue commemorating the country’s independence from France. A very powerful statue, I was impressed.Other re commendation that I can give: visit “La maison des esclaves”, Island of Goree to learn more about the difficult time of slavery and Island N`Gor to relax and escape from the big city.

Dakar

Taking a public local bus named “Rapid car”, I reached a near city to Dakar, named Thies. During my day trip I could enjoy those big, impressive trees that you see very often traveling through Senegal. They are called the “Baobab”. Their fruits are also very interesting to look at. Majestic trees not just in nature but also painted in many walls or other crafts. But baobabs are unfortunately threatened by climate change, urbanization, and population growth.Here there are also many nice typical handcraft markets, from baskets to colourful necklets. You can also find those beautiful textiles that you can cut how much you desire, and then make some nice clothes out of it. People in markets are just a bit insistent, and you could be very tired at the end of a market tour. Its important to keep calm and just to say “Non merci” if you just don’t want to buy anything.

Thies

Another place I visited in Senegal is St. Louis. I took a colectivo (it’s a type of taxi, just shared with other people. Super ecological, and an alternative to a bus) from Dakar and about 5-6 hours I arrived in St. Louis. My little room in the hostel was in the old Town of this city. 5 minutes’ walk from there, there was a local restaurant offering a typical dish “Thieboudienne”, a dish of fish, tomato, rice, and vegetables. I was super hungry after that long drive, and I really enjoyed that dish. In the next days I visited: the Governor’s Palace, the Cathedral, the grand mosque, and Faidherbe Bridge (a road bridge over the Senegal River which links the island of the city of Saint-Louis in Senegal to the African mainland). On my last day here, I had the chance to listen to a really good Jazz concert. It was one of the best music I ever heard at. The atmosphere, the people, and the music, just a nice way how to end my vacation in Senegal.

Nangadef Senegal

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