Text and Photographs by Nelly Keita,
At creamhotel being a traveler is a lifestyle. Our team is always “on the road”, exploring new cities, discovering native customs, meeting local people… and so are our blog contributors. This is precisely what Nelly Keita did this summer: she traveled to Senegal. This country of West Africa lies between arid desert lands in the North and lush tropical forests in the South. From the capital, Dakar, to Saint Louis, Nelly crossed this amazing region witnessing stunning landscapes, pristine beaches but also more hidden and untold aspects. This is the final part of her story:
“Gorée island with its house of slaves is THE symbol of slave trade. This is through the Door of No Return that millions and millions of African slaves departed to be sold in America and never return. Intense!!!!!
The Pink Lake located 40 min outside of Dakar is worth stopping by. Its color is very impressive (depending on the weather it can turn fuchsia) and it’s high salt concentration makes it impossible to sink!!
Saint-Louis, the former colonial capital city (under French ruling), located in the North of the country, is absolutely charming with the architecture of its buildings and pleasant little streets, which one can visit in the back of a horse carriage. It is also possible to take a tour of the whole Langue de Barbarie peninsula by pirogue (small boat) and watch the taking-off the different species of hundreds of birds, pelicans included.
Our overnight in the Lompoul desert was a very strong experience. After joining the camp, we took a long walk in the desert until sunset and met the other ‘campers’ upon our return. Snacks, Apéritifs, later Punch and a "tent-made” couscous were served in the common tent/living room. The night ended with djembe session and dance around the fire. The next morning, some of us climbed on camel’s back for a last overview of the horizon. Ahhhh!!!!!!!!
As for the food, it was totally my cup of tea (I love fish) for the first 10 days, after which one might feel like a good idea to start watching one’s diet. It is mainly rice-based, with heavy sauces, sometimes to be added on white rice and sometimes all mixed, pretty heavy, and a lot of French fries too!“
Bridge linking the island to its joined Christian-Muslim cemetery
The Banjia Natural reserve
Kids training for wrestling (national sport)
Goree Island (in memory of the victims of slave trade)
L’ile aux coquillages (the whole island is covered with shells)
Tour of the Langue de Barbarie
Return of fisherman who spent the whole night out at sea (everyone present helps debarking the boat)
A night in the Lompoul desert
In Saint-Louis, celebration on the beach for the 15 August Christian holiday (Muslims and Christinas co-exist extremely)
Colonial architecture
