11.3.13

Senegal (1) - Dakar



So, I’m back from my trip to Senegal. Of course I can’t resist … I have to make a new exception to what normally here should concentrate on Paris.

First some general comments about the country: Some 13 million inhabitants. Independent since 1960. Beautiful country, fantastic climate during the dry winter months, smiling and friendly people... Islam is the dominating religion, but in a “soft” version and Muslims and Christians live peacefully together. French is the official language, but several other languages are present, the dominating one being Wolof.

A first post will be about Dakar, capital of French West Africa since 1902 and of the independent Senegal since 1960, with some 2.5 million inhabitants.

Of course, the city has also some modern areas with calmer streets, but as a tourist you are of course attracted by the tumultuous street life in the older parts of the city, e.g. in the “Plateau”, where I stayed in a nice little hotel. You have a feeling to be on a market place wherever you go. We shall not forget that the city faces the Atlantic Ocean; you are never far from a beach.








23 comments:

Catherine said...

always fab to sample new places - this looks quite inspirational photographically...did you sample the music too - I am a big fan of African music...

Virginia said...

Peter,
A wonderful entrée into life in Senegal today, It seems that in this large city one can find such diversity in living conditions etc. as I suspected. Nice to know that the Christians and Muslims have found a way to exist with each other here as well.

Am anxious for more photos and posts!
V

Amanda said...

Such a colorful place! All Senegalese I have met have always been very friendly. It must be a chock to come back to Paris.

SusuPetal said...

Welcome back, Peter! Wonderful photos with so much color and life!

Cezar and Léia said...

Bonjour Peter, welcome back!
What a fabulous adventure!I like the colorful city, but I'm really impressed by the nature and landscape images.The pictures of the coast with boats and kids are wonderful!
Glad that you enjoy the trip and thanks for sharing this article!
Léia

M said...

Welcome home, Peter! Love the Senegal photos. Would you please elaborate on the one with all the shoes?

PeterParis said...

M: The shoes were for sale... Behind the decorated wall you will find "Institut Français", a nice and calm place, with bar, restaurant, cinema...

hpy said...

Alors, as-tu attrapé le virus d'Afrique?

Lorraine S. said...

Welcome back. You were missed.

Starman said...

Bonjour Peter, welcome back!
How do they balance things on top of their head like that?

Jeanie said...

Oh, do make an exception for a new spot -- with photos as fascinating as these, how could you not? Love all the colors. As always, you really make places come alive!

And you were missed!

Jay Taber said...

I am reading Airman's Odyssey by Antoine de Saint-Exupery about his Aeropostale flights from Toulouse to Dakar in the 1930s. Now I can see it for real. Merci!

Christine said...

Welcome back
thank you for sharing your trip. Reminds me of Nigeria where I spent many happy years. Most Senegalese I have met have always been so friendly and kind.
Thanks again

Christine said...

Welcome back
thank you for sharing your trip. Reminds me of Nigeria where I spent many happy years. Most Senegalese I have met have always been so friendly and kind.
Thanks again

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, Peter.
I like that first photo so much!
All those colorful Mumu Africaine hanging and on the ladies are irresistible!
Maria O. Russell

Shionge said...

Thank you for sharing Peter and such a rich culture, I enjoyed the market scene :D

claude said...

Salut Peter, t'es de retour !
Merci pour ce partage africain.
Le rayson de chaussures est impressionnant. Pendant que nous étions encore dans la grisaille de l'hiver, toi au moins tu voyais de la couleur.

Studio at the Farm said...

Hi Peter. From your photos, it looks like you had a great time in Senegal. It appears to be a fascinating and beautiful country. And it is good to read that the Christians and Moslems live together peaceably.
I look forward to more posts of your trip.

Studio at the Farm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Synne said...

Wow! Thanks for the little trip to a completely different and fascinating place.
Welcome back!

Alain said...

J'attends les photos de Gorée avec impatience !

Cergie said...

Un endroit où j'irais volontiers plus longtemps que je ne l'ai fait lorsque nous faisions escale en faisant route en bateau vers la Côte d’Ivoire... J’achèterais du tissu, je mangerais des fruits délicieux et du poisson, je me gaverais les yeux des véhicules, des personnes, des barques, des immeubles, de couleurs et je me remplirais les narines d'odeurs ! Car si tu nous montres tout cela, les odeurs et les bruits, on ne peut que les imaginer.

lyliane six said...

J'aurai été heureuse moi aussi là bas avec tout ce poisson!