May 9, 2011: 5 hours to DAKAH! (Dakar)~ Ocean ATLANTIQUE
These people are gorgeous! First observation at the terminal was that less than 4% of the populations entering the plane were African Senegalese. Several folks looked great, on straight business types. Images of luscious sun skinned people surrounding the market place and every aspect of business and life in this country cloud my mind even though I know this is not the deal. A former French colony ad to an extent still is, will surly house plenty of ethnicities and perspectives.
Friday, May 13th, 2011:
Tour De Dakar
Today wasn’t completely so crazy. I woke up unpoco perazosa and happy to be present again…. The Little sisters prepared breakfast which was quite ready might I add. We were pumped and ready to go at 9:00 am! The first stop came at the sight of the American embassy, still in construction and progressing. Its funny how people toile with your emotions with beautiful things. Imagine that you are going down three steps… The arts complex was in the northern beach of Senegal, the first step. Beneath the arts factory is a restaurant, the second step, which serves as a pathway between the arts factory and the beach. The beach was hidden behind the restaurant where I picked up several shells for décor.
The living conditions were among the best in Senegal in this area. An average home purchased is $450,000 USD and the price increases from there. We drove by President Quadafi’s Senegalese estate. It was vibrant in white but can see that he only visits when is elegance is at its best. I can see respect in the people and they respect their urning for the unnecessary. Imagine a society where you can live once or twice a day. By this I mean people practice their religion and are wholly devoted to their families. That is a beautiful commitment.
Other sites of visit include: University of Dakar, Senegal, the mountains, and the oceanfront.
Saturday May 14th, 2011
Tour of Touba
6:00 AM: why am I getting up at 5 am!!! IM IN SENEGAL DUH!
We have to remind ourselves every now and then of what is going on. The bus arrive d and we are on our way out of Dakar. Even this early, the streets are moving with people getting to their respective places of employment. Within 30 minutes or so, we stop to have breakfast (cresaunts and juice) and continued on our way to Touba. The straw huts bright back vivid memories of North Sudan and the years my family spent in the village. The huts reminded me of little brother, Abdul Raheem’s birth in Al Zareeba.
We reached the mosque and met with the Khalifa. The Khalifa is a direct descendent of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, and is the keeper of the entire town. We had a great conversation through the interpreter.
History of Touba.
Touba in Arabic means "Felicity" or “bliss” and is a city in central Senegal. It is the holy city of Mouridism and the burial place of its founder,Shaikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke. Next to his tomb lies the largest mosque in West Africa and the largest to Muslim Africa which was completed in 1963.
Shaikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke, commonly known as "Cheikh Amadou Bamba" (1853-1927), is said to have founded Touba under a large tree when, in a moment of transcendence, he experienced a cosmic vision of light.
Every Thursday some 200 + women volunteers come to clean the mosque and 300+ men come to spread the mats for fajir prayer (5:15 am). The Mosque sees over 15 thousand visitors every Friday.
A M A Z I N G. MA’ SHALLAH
On the way back…
Our van pulls over to the right side of the street. The police/guard is on the left side, a little bit behind the van.
So the “city boarder control” officer stopped us! Shouldn’t be a big deal, they checked our driver’s paperwork as we came into the city, so this should be speedy.
BOY WERE WE WRONG!
Alla (driver’s name) is furiously arguing with the guard, index fingers leading the discussion and a cacophonous mix of French and Wolof in the air! This can’t be good. They are arguing in front of the van. Dear God, please let this man get out of the situation! We are too young to die in the desert!
I hope they don’t check the van because I definitely don’t have my passport on me. OMG!!!! None of us want to find out what Senegalese jail looks like!
So the guard is playing tough, walking back to his car and took his cuffs out! Oh S***, MY HEART IS OFFICIALLY IN MY PANTS… Dr. E and Dr. N are asked to step out and speak to the officer…..
Apparently, public transportation cannot be rented to chuffer Americans around. Gee, why didn’t you stop us the first time we went through the checkpoint? Smart…
Oh the stipulation of foreign travel! Makes the whole trip so much more valuable.
So the officer said there is a “PRESIDENTIAL DECREE” that tourists can only use tourist transportation and cannot hire privately.
My reflection:
There was of course a lot of posturing and gesticulating on both parts. As a group, we really felt that we were somewhere else and it was the best time to use our wits. Dr. Sy (Senegalese counterpart) kept things together even though you could tell he was a but discombobulated. The true signs of trouble were if the patrol officer had asked us to turn off the van, asked us to exit the car or asked us to empty our pockets.
What Worked:
Americans showed more respect to the officer than his Senegalese people, i.e. the driver. Most foreign police feel that they don’t have much clout to do anything to westerners so often they want money or respect. Thankfully respect helped us out in this situation…
Until next time!
Zubida Bakheit
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