| W e s t A f r i c a ~ |
| S e n e g a l |
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| During my stay in The Gambia, I had the opportunity to travel into Senegal on a few occasions. Heading up the Atlantic coast, towards the capital city of Dakar, is a bit trying, to say the least. The seasonal, semi-lush vegetation that grows around The Gambian River, begins to disappear as you head north, into southern Senegal. Senegal lies on the southern tip of the Sahara Desert, and without appropriate measures, will become the desert, void of any vegetation. |
| Dakar is one of the largest cities of West Africa. It lies on the Atlantic Coastline, and was under the thumb of the French until 1960. The city definitely has a "French" feel to it, as French is still dominantly spoken in the city, and around much of Senegal. I also made it up to St. Louis, Senegal. A small town at the northern tip of Senegal, where an international jazz concert is held each year. |
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| My first trip to Dakar was in '98 with Peace Corps The Gambia. A group of us attended the 25th W.A.I.S.T. (West African Intramural Softball Tournament), wich was held in the city. Touring the city, trying out the new beers, and basically being infatuated with modern electricity and indoor plumbing again, our rag-tag team, I'm proud to say finished 0-6. |
| Just off the coast of Dakar, lies an island with an infamous history. Goree' Island was used both as a military stronghold, and last port for the transport of African slaves, in the 14th and 15th centuries. The island currently hosts an ecclectic group of artists and squatters, who have turned the island into an historical museum of sorts, and a place to make and sell West African goods. |
| St. Louis, Senegal |