Dakar

19 november 2022

Today's visit to the History Museum in Dakar added more background to the history of the peoples of Africa, their cultures, crafts and migrations. I'm gradually starting to piece together the importance of the trading routes, the migration of peoples and the rich wealth of cultures.

Today I was also able to get a view of a map showing the full range of mineral wealth of the continent - most of which is exported, predominately to China.

The old African Art museum - now undergoing renovation and temporarily closed. A beautiful 1930"s building.
Seen at the art exhibition in the museum - all made from metal pieces

The last stop for the day was at the Great Mosque. A huge construction with art work from Morocco and chandeliers from Italy. The mosque can hold 27,000 people for its big events. I was asked to cover myself with the smurf outfit before being allowed in with a guide. Well worth the opportunity.

Ended the day having dinner at the beach with a group of Lebanese citizens living here in Dakar. They are part of a large community of Lebanese people who left their country to seek a better life here in Senegal, many having lived here for two generations. There community is mainly centred around a particular area of the city and they are proud of the many restaurants that they own. We were having dinner in one at the beach front - a magnificent combination of Senegal sea food, served Lebanese style.