First Day

I just finished my first day in Africa. I have a lot to talk about but I'm going to try to keep it short. After some crazy flight mix-up caused me to come in a day later than expected, I finally arrived. My flight to Dakar was a stopover on a flight to South Africa. I would say that there are three types of people who were on my flight. A few Africans, lots of snooty looking older white people (who I assume are on their way to South Africa) and tons of missionary/ Aid workers. On my flight I was sitting next to a young photo evangelist on her way to South Africa who tried to convert me to loving Jesus.

I arrived at 5 in the morning to a slew of taxi drivers vying for my business. I quickly realized that I need a crash course in my high school French. It really puts you at a disadvantage not knowing the language and I was quickly ripped off.

I then went to a hotel which my friend I'm traveling with, Max, recommended. I tried to sleep for a few hours. When I woke up, I went to the bank to exchange some money and then hung out at the hotel. Dakar would be beautiful if not for the trash and the dilapidated or unfinished buildings.

On my 10 minute walk to the bank I also faced about a dozen begging children. I forget the name for these children but supposedly they all work for an Arab brotherhood that oversees that they get money for the rich overlords who treat these children like slaves.

The other major thing that I noticed was that there was trash EVERYWHERE. According to Max, litter is worse in Dakar than most other African countries and is mostly excepted culturally.

After getting back to my hotel, I met up with Max. He took me to a friend of the family that he's been staying with while in Dakar and that I'm staying with now. The family works for the World Bank and are extremely friendly and hospitable. They live in a big beautiful house that would be considered nice in Florida.

After dinner, me and max went to this bar/casino. It was extremely posh and actually won 10 dollars. We had a couple drinks and we've just now returned home.

Sufficient to say, so far, I haven't really experienced the "real" Senegal. Tomorrow, we will be going to the market and Goree Island. I expect that to be a better representation of Senegal. Anyways, for the next couple of days I will be able to receive your e-mails so feel to shoot me one.

-Ben