Île de Gorée

Today we went to Île de Gorée, off the coast of Dakar. It is a small island [300 by 900 meters] that housed slaves and slave masters before transport, during the slave trade. It was one of the first parts of Africa settled by the Europeans, used as a trading post. We took a ferry there from Dakar and wandered around for a bit before visiting La Maison des Esclaves [The house of slaves]. The island has been very well preserved due to the large amount of money flowing in from UNESCO because of its historical importance. It was the first place we visited during our trip that used trash cans.

Entering the slave house, everyone felt a mix of emotions. It was interesting to learn about the past and how it had affected its visitors. For example, when Nelson Mandela went to the slave house, he immediately started crying because it reminded him of his twenty seven years in jail.

There was also a small beach on the island. Tons of children filled the shores and water, which was crystal clear and peaceful, something we were not accustomed to in Mbour. It was interestsing to think that such a gorgeous island was the "point of no return" for so many.

We took cabs back to the hotel, which varied in efficiency. Some arrived within twenty minutes, while others' went to the airport thinking it was our hotel. One cab was even successful in hitting a pedestrian. When we returned to the hotel, we immediately put on the game. Basically everyone was rooting for Spain, therefore our night was relatively peaceful... After dinner and gelato, many of us decided to go to a Senegalese music show.

Tomorrow, we will do our last minute shopping in Dakar. Many will try to do their shopping in the overwhelming nature of a traditional Senegalese market, however others will try out a more peaceful approach to buying gifts. On Saturday we will end our journey with a Senegalese marriage and and one last meal with our familes in Keur Sadaro.

xoxo Jessica and Justine