Dakar was an interesting port. Situated on the Cap-Vert peninsula, it has been an important trading location—starting from Goree in the 1500s and later from the mainland when the railroad was built in 1906. Today, it is the capital of Senegal. Because we chose to visit Goree, we didn’t see much of the city itself. Our short excursion to the Pullman Hotel took us across pot-holed, dirty, sand-filled sidewalks where the locals elected to walk in the streets instead. We found the smiling local folks to be charming. If we ever return, we’ll try to spend more time exploring the city.
Meanwhile, here are photos of the lovely island of Goree:
On the dock in Dakar, Senegal.The Ferry Terminal (but you must exit the port at the cruise dock and re-enter at the Port Authority)Waiting to take the ferry over to Goree Island.Boarding the ferry to Goree Island along with lots of schoolchildren wearing their school colors.Boarding the ferry–but look at the boat behind us–Its name is “BEER”! Now those must be party peope!On our way to the island. Goree is infamous as a slave trading center and many of the old buildings are still there as is a museum. But the island, today, is more an artists’ colony with many artisans living and working there.Goree Island was settled by the Portuguese in 1556. This is the old fortress which now houses the museum.Entering the “House of Slaves” built in 1776. But by that time, the island was under French rule.The “House of Slaves” is where the “product” of people was stored. Ships approached from the sea and the slaves were transfered though the “Door to Nowhere” also known as “The Door of No Return”As many as 25 people would be cramped in a cell of this size. The slot at the back was for food delivery.Door of No ReturnThe view, from the sea, of “The House of Slaves” (the pink building with upper story columns) and the infamous “Door to Nowhere” visible just above the water line.This sculpture is from the Martinique people and celebrates the abolition of the slave trade on Goree Island in 1848.Today, the island is a colony for artists. Its streets and old buildings are charming.The ChurchMonumenat to the history of Goree Island presented to Senegal by the United States.Passing some Baobab Trees as we return to the harbor.Back at the harbor.Waiting for the ferry.Passing a fishing boat as we return to Dakar on the mainland.Back in Dakar, we took the shuttle to Independence Square.From Independence Square we walked to the Pullman Hotel.Pullman HotelThe end of day libation.And we return to the MS Amsterdam where the provisions for our upcoming Atlantic crossing are being loaded.
Next, we will visit Praia on the Island of Santiago in Cape Verde.
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