If you are wondering about the size of Africa–– we learned this from one of our Enrichment Lecturers who talked about map making–– The Mercator Projections we have been using all these years have distorted our understanding of the true size of continents. They are egotistically wrong! In reality, the USA, India, Eastern Europe, UK, Japan, Russia & China can fit into the continent of Africa. Our friends have been wondering why we have been in Africa for a month? Because Africa is really large and to think we have only visited the southern and western coastlines.

Another morning arriving in port, another morning watching the local fishing boats head out for their daily catch. The winds were offshore and beyond the breakwater the swells rolled in. For all my surfing buddies out there–Africa has consistent, unbelievable surf and I have only seen a handful of surfers–– in fact the only surfers I have seen to date were in Dakar. And to be able to surf in downtown is awesome.

There seems to be a consistent theme in how countries, cities, towns, etc., get their names and most seem to be from a mistaken identity. Dakar is another example. When settlers arrived in this region (Senegal) they were curious about the Tamarind Tree, known by the Wolof People (locals) as, Dakhar. When they asked the Wolof about the name of the location they were in, the locals thought they were again asking about this particular tree and replied, Dakhar. We have heard this all through Africa, as recently as Accra, Ghana, meaning, ants.

Very similar to how the town we live in got its name, Hobe Sound, FL. The indigenous were the Jobe (hoe-bay) Indians, but since the Spanish pronounced their “J’s” as “H”… well.. there you have it. It does make you wonder about the accuracy of documented History? Could Jesus have gotten his name from someone signaling him to come closer so they could ask his name and in doing so he stubbed his toe and yelled out, Jesus, Christ!

This excursion was shorter than previous ones (4 hrs)––  which was fine with us––  opting for a city tour. We saw the major sites, markets, got back to the ship by 1:00 PM in time for a late lunch at the Bistro, then back out along the pier to hit the stands and contribute to the local economy.

The tour itself was a bit comical, our guide instructing the driver that when we entered a rotary he was to drive around it a few times so he could point out landmarks. This was making some passengers dizzy, reminding me of grammar school days on the spinning playground equipment, the weaker kids getting flung off.

Our first stop was at the Presidential Palace. Our guide instructed us to get off and for the driver to circle the block (we know what that means).

As we were walking towards the Palace we found ourselves surrounded by military personnel, their hands a little too tight on their automatic weapons. Agitated, they were instructing us to move on and like border collies, nipping at our heals, herded us to where the bus was nowhere in sight. At least it gave us time to notice the architecture, the installation art, and the nearby businesses, which are of French influence. I must say, the architecture of the buildings, the angled streets and the restaurants are similar to what you would find in the suburbs of Paris.

Next on the tour list was the largest Catholic Cathedral, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, in Dakar, where the majority religion here is muslim (90%).

After spending a bit of quiet time in the cathedral, we were off to the waterfront where a gorgeous, planted promenade hugs the coastline offering beautiful vistas and everything from swing sets along the water to workout stations to shaded pergolas to just sit and gaze out at the boats bobbing in the coves.

There were sections along the waterfront where fishing boats were stacked along the beach, waiting to go out or already back from the morning catch.

We stopped to see the most famous mosque called the Grand Mosque of Dakar, nestled down in a cove with an incredible surf break.

After a photo stop, we reboarded the bus and headed to the The African Renaissance Monument set upon a 100 meter high hill and 200 steps to get up to the top. After the previous 600′ climb of the excursion before, and limited time here, Meredith opted to watch from below.

I started up the steps, placing my heels down first to avoid burning out my calf muscles, but about half way up I questioned myself as to why I was doing this, then trudged onwards to the top. The view at the base of this monument was impressive. I did not have time to walk up the eight internal stories to the crown, but I bet the views from within would be pretty spectacular.

Then we headed off to a sand painting exhibit, heading through traffic and admiring the local transport buses which are highly decorated.

The energy level of these cultural dances are way beyond anything we have seen in the states.

There is a reason everyone here seems so fit. Doing this for a minute, let alone for twenty minutes, is mind-bending. Nancy gave it a go and fared pretty well. The sand painting process was amazing, the artist first painting on a board with glue made from the sap of a plant, then pouring different color sands from different parts of Africa onto the painting where the process looks like a crazy mess. When the last sand is dripped onto the board, the artist picks it up and taps it on the table freeing all the loose sand and leaving the image behind.

The front of this location was actually a bar and there were locals sitting around at the tables inside and outside by the courtyard where the cultural dances and sand paintings were going on. You got the feeling this was the Scooters of Dakar.

And what would an excursion be without a shopping spree. This was a great market located along the water next to the fish market, which in itself would have been fascinating to walk through but with limited time, weighing fish vs. goods… well… A basket later… a large hamper sized basket later we were out of there. I’m still trying to figure out how to get a couple of those folding wooden chairs home.

With the shopping behind us it was time to head back to the ship. Along the way our guide and driver took us through one of the most popular street markets where everything (essential) is being sold. There were merchants sewing in containers, hawkers on the streets and so many goats around. When we asked why, our guide told us that the Muslim Holiday of Eid al-Adha was coming up (June 16th). On this holiday, every family will buy a goat, then kill it. Yikes. Click on the link above to read more on this holiday and why the goat is sacrificed. The street was a mile long and the activity fanatical. A person could spend an entire day walking this street, but you need eyes in the back of your head because of the motor-bikes, cars, trucks, buses and goats.

Finally back at the ship, there was only one more task to complete and that was cruising through the crafts set outside along the pier.

These venders were setting up at sunrise when the ship pulled in so we were anxious to get back here. These venders are also the best of the best of negotiators and the game was on. We greatly contributed to the economy in the half hour we were there. Any one of these vendors could come to the states and every one of them would make salesman of the year. They could sell a car above the list price and you would thank them for it. It is a lot of fun to negotiate, but the bottom line is, our dollars mean a lot more to them than to us. But you better negotiate or they will loose respect for you. It is part of the culture.

This was to be our last port on the continent of Africa and it is to Dakar that we must bid farewell.

Africa, you are a mysterious and glorious continent filled with colors and I am convinced that through your colors we only see a single race. You have been both inspiring and a wonderful host, but most importantly, a sensational teacher whose lessons we will never forget.

One more African country to go, Cabo Verde, which is an archipelago, officially known as The Republic of Cabo, consisting of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa.

The dress. One foot in front of the other.