On the Tuesday after Easter, Jamie and I were planning to wake up early and go island-hopping in Dakar (first Gorée Island and then Ngor Island). However, we were so comfortable in our bed that we slept in quite late. We opted to take our time and just visit one island: Gorée. Before heading to the ferry terminal, we stopped for breakfast at Grain d’Or. This bakery was just down the street from our hotel and had AMAZING looking treats. They tasted almost as good as they looked!
After breakfast, we took a taxi to the port. It was busy, so we weren’t able to catch the next ferry; instead we had to wait over an hour for the 1pm boat. It was a pleasant 20-minute ride over to the island. It’s nice to get away from the city so that you get a better perspective of the skyline and the rest of the surroundings. Once we docked at Gorée Island, we paid our “island tax” and started exploring. We decided not to pay a tour guide and just wander around on our own.
After breakfast, we took a taxi to the port. It was busy, so we weren’t able to catch the next ferry; instead we had to wait over an hour for the 1pm boat. It was a pleasant 20-minute ride over to the island. It’s nice to get away from the city so that you get a better perspective of the skyline and the rest of the surroundings. Once we docked at Gorée Island, we paid our “island tax” and started exploring. We decided not to pay a tour guide and just wander around on our own.
Gorée Island is famous for its “House of Slaves” and being “The Door of No Return”. While it is true that many Africans came to this island before they were sent to Brazil or America to be slaves, there is controversy over the actual numbers. A recent article claims that the Gorée Island slave trade was really quite minimal compared to over places. Nonetheless, many famous people (i.e. George Bush, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Barack Obama) and tourists come to visit the island every year.
Jamie and I were in awe of the gorgeous backdrops Gorée Island had to offer. I would also describe the island as “quirky” - there are countless art studios and random nooks and crannies that all add to its uniqueness. The remnants of what used to be in tandem with newer artistic additions make it worth visiting. Also, the contrast between African and European influences can be seen and felt.
We tried to circumnavigate the island, but were unable to do so due to some sheer rocky cliff sides. Nonetheless, we saw the entire island on foot in not much time at all. We stopped by one of the museums, but had difficulty understanding the displays since everything was written in French only (my skills were not as adequate as I had imagined). We wanted to visit the House of Slaves next, but it had been overtaken by a huge group of high school students on a class trip. We opted to have a late lunch/early dinner first. We chose a quaint little place overlooking the ocean. Jamie ordered jumbo shrimp and chips and I tried a famous Senegalese dish, poulet yassa (chicken with an onion gravy sauce served with rice)- both were excellent and not too spendy!
Jamie and I were in awe of the gorgeous backdrops Gorée Island had to offer. I would also describe the island as “quirky” - there are countless art studios and random nooks and crannies that all add to its uniqueness. The remnants of what used to be in tandem with newer artistic additions make it worth visiting. Also, the contrast between African and European influences can be seen and felt.
We tried to circumnavigate the island, but were unable to do so due to some sheer rocky cliff sides. Nonetheless, we saw the entire island on foot in not much time at all. We stopped by one of the museums, but had difficulty understanding the displays since everything was written in French only (my skills were not as adequate as I had imagined). We wanted to visit the House of Slaves next, but it had been overtaken by a huge group of high school students on a class trip. We opted to have a late lunch/early dinner first. We chose a quaint little place overlooking the ocean. Jamie ordered jumbo shrimp and chips and I tried a famous Senegalese dish, poulet yassa (chicken with an onion gravy sauce served with rice)- both were excellent and not too spendy!
We headed back to the House of Slaves and almost had the place to ourselves. It was definitely an emotional experience to imagine that horror that may (or may not) have gone on in those tiny holding rooms. The irony, to me, was how something so evil could happen in the midst of such breathtaking, beautiful scenery. There were a few informational posters upstairs, but once again they were only in French. While it may have been useful to have a guide, I enjoyed looking around on our own. After all, most information can be looked up later via Google!
Due to the large volume of passengers, the ferry schedule changed to accommodate everyone. We missed the 5:30 boat, but were able to take the 6:30. While we were waiting in line, a man introduced himself. He was originally from Mexico, but currently living in San Diego. Apparently, he was really happy to hear some American accents. We got to chatting and ended up spending the next couple of hours together. He offered to give us a ride from the ferry terminal to our hotel (he had his own driver since he was there on business). Being frugal, I gladly accepted the offer. Instead of taking us directly back, he first showed us the fancy Sea Plaza shopping complex that we had been talking about earlier. He even wanted to treat us to dinner, but Jamie and I were both so full from our late lunch. We each had a coffee instead.
As promised, he had the driver take us safely back to our hotel and we said our goodbyes. By the time we got back and showered, Jamie and I were both ready for bed...especially Jamie since she was still recovering and also got SUPER sunburnt on the island. The next day, we’d have to wake up very early to get a taxi to the city center where our conference was starting at 9am.
Due to the large volume of passengers, the ferry schedule changed to accommodate everyone. We missed the 5:30 boat, but were able to take the 6:30. While we were waiting in line, a man introduced himself. He was originally from Mexico, but currently living in San Diego. Apparently, he was really happy to hear some American accents. We got to chatting and ended up spending the next couple of hours together. He offered to give us a ride from the ferry terminal to our hotel (he had his own driver since he was there on business). Being frugal, I gladly accepted the offer. Instead of taking us directly back, he first showed us the fancy Sea Plaza shopping complex that we had been talking about earlier. He even wanted to treat us to dinner, but Jamie and I were both so full from our late lunch. We each had a coffee instead.
As promised, he had the driver take us safely back to our hotel and we said our goodbyes. By the time we got back and showered, Jamie and I were both ready for bed...especially Jamie since she was still recovering and also got SUPER sunburnt on the island. The next day, we’d have to wake up very early to get a taxi to the city center where our conference was starting at 9am.