Luca and I have been planning a trip to Senegal ever since we met. Luca loves the music of this country and reminds me of Guinea. Today we dream a bit thanks to the story of Selina, this Wednesday's special guest.
p.s. I met Selina live a few days ago, during the presentation evening with WordPress Italia, and it's pure joy. It was beautiful because talking with her I felt like I had known her for a lifetime, elective affinities.
Trip to Senegal
You love Africa or you hate it!
So everyone says, there are those who can not do without it and suffer in full its charm, there are those who do not want to go there even once.
And I, being used to mediating in many situations and to always see the other side of the coin, today I want to dispel this saying, trying to convey both the positive and negative aspects of my last trip to Senegal at Christmas.
I left (strangely) without having prepared myself, that is without having studied at least the places I would have visited, and this only for lack of time. I knew that the trip was already organized by the trusted agency, and I decided that I would experience in the field all that there was to learn and know.
We decided to go to Senegal because the climate in winter is great, there is no wind and then the temperatures are real, plus you can reach in 6 hours flight or direct from Milan or with a stopover in Casablanca from Bologna.
The family this year was not full, in fact, there were 3 elements missing out of 10 and unfortunately, it was a bit like leaving a piece of the heart at home. But as all travel lovers know, when you have to leave, you leave on your own!
Senegal: travel diary
Our arrival in Dakar is perfect, without any problems, so we immediately start the guided tour of the city with our guide Maxche who, thanks to his competence, tells us about the customs and traditions of his country.
Stop in front of the Presidential Palace, Christian Cathedral, Mosque of the Divinity, the market of Soumbedioune and the beautiful monument of the African Renaissance, one of the tallest statues in the world inaugurated only in 2010.
The next day, we move by ferry to the island of Goree, a world heritage site, a place of reflection on the meaning of justice and freedom. The history and stories of the slaves forced to leave for the New World reach us directly to the heart and soul.
Interesting is the walk on the small hill in the middle of the houses of the few inhabitants of the island at the end of which you can see a fair view.
In the afternoon we head to the famous Pink Lake whose name is due to the color of algae that in contact with salt produces microorganisms that give the effect "pink".
We enjoy an adventurous quad ride on the sand dunes along one side of the lake and we find ourselves on a largely deserted beach at the end of which we spend the day in a nice African lodge.
The last stop of our mini-tour will be the reserve of Bandia, which is about 65 km from Dakar, where many native species live freely and other reintroduced, such as monkeys, antelopes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, etc..
It cannot be considered a real safari because the size of the park is not comparable to the reserves of Kenya but is still a wonder of nature. In fact, a trip to Senegal is also worthwhile just to see the fabulous baobabs, there are everywhere.
The tour comes to an end and we head to our village for a few days of relaxation, new to us Italians, but full of French tourists who feel at home.
Senegal: travel tips
Senegal has a lot to offer both to the tourist who simply wants to rest and to the traveler who wants to know and understand the African culture. The population is divided into many ethnic groups (unfortunately I no longer remember the names), but each of them has completely different customs, beliefs, and styles that deserve to be known.
The Senegalese are helpful, friendly, not nagging and above all very dignified. Of course, they are very poor, but to our eyes, they seem serene.
And then there are no apparent dangers, you can turn yourself in full autonomy.
But Africa remains Africa: giant flying insects even in 4-star structures, garbage on the streets, services a bit 'in slow motion. These are things we find hard to get used to, but if only we really relax, and we could enjoy their beauty, then we would discover all the positive aspects and on our return home we would treasure what we admired.