Nostalgia, the landing on Dakar awakens memories of youth
The heart of Claire Montésinos, the daughter of "Mamilou in shorts", palpitates at dawn, as she approaches the island of Gorée... She was two and a half years old when she crossed the finish line of the "La Baule-Dakar" race in 1980, and here she is again. A few decades have passed since...
Now, she approaches Han Bay with her 18-month-old son Enzo...
The bay of Hann, a jewel of nature become dumping ground
It was one of the most beautiful sandy bays in the world. Stretching over 13 kilometers, from the autonomous port of Dakar, its population is estimated at 500,000 inhabitants. It is the first manufacturing area in West Africa, comprising 70 to 80% of Senegal's industrial fabric. It could be a corner of paradise, but it ended up becoming a horribly polluted area. A vast decontamination project is underway, which is progressing as it can... However, all hope is not lost. Numerous citizen initiatives are working to raise awareness and train young people and local residents. A source of optimism that should be supported and encouraged
An anchorage managed by the Dakar Sailing Club (CVD)
The reception is rather friendly in this meeting place for sailors. It has, among other things, a bar, restaurants nearby, and various workshops that can be useful. A shuttle service makes it possible to keep the dinghy on board, although a large pontoon can accommodate dinghies. The completion of the numerous formalities is marathon-like. The displacements between the various offices are carried out in antique and dilapidated cabs. However, the kindness and the good mood of the natives help to support the inconveniences met in this not very pretty city. At the market, as in the small shops, haggling is part of the culture and refusing to do so is an offense.
The neighboring islands of Gorée and N'Gor
It is pleasant to go there from Dakar by the Chaloupe of Gorée . She goes back and forth several times a day and the trip takes only 20 minutes. The island is beautiful with its small houses with colored facades and its cascades of bougainvilleas...
But the slave house reminds us that this island has been the scene of much less beautiful stories.
His visit is very poignant. The evocation of the conditions of capture, embarkation and transfer of more than 14 million unfortunate people makes one shudder.
These horrors, in their raw state, speak volumes about the human capacity to create torment and suffering.
The charming N'Gor, an oasis of calm
After a few minutes transfer by pirogue, N'Gor is a haven of peace and tranquility that contrasts pleasantly with the frenzy of Dakar. Its alleys invite to poetic wandering and its flowery paths are the theater of delicious strolls. Many artists express themselves there and many works were conceived in this place favourable to all kinds of craft creations. N'Gor is also appreciated by surfers who find two famous spots where they can, in turn, enchant the view of walkers with their graceful arabesques ... and plouff, if affinitésâeuros!
