Sights of Dakar

 We're finally in Dakar!! I liked Cape Verde, really I did but I am all about Senegal. And gosh darn it we're finally here. Take a look at the sights from my point of view.

The National Palace

Foot Meet Mouth

We didn't sleep because we had to leave the hostel at 4am. Our flight was super late and I was so tired. While at the Nelson Mandela Airport, speaking of which, my idea of Cape Verde has improved because of this homage to Mandela. I'm used to Cape Verdeans not acknowledging/embracing their Africanness. It was so awesome seeing the Senegalese men in the TCAV airport. I am in love with their traditional garb called boubou, especially the grand boubou. I just think it looks so regal and refined. 

So I made a major faux pas while waiting for our flight. I saw a young lady in the bathroom and I congratulated her. She said "Oh for what?' I said 'Your pregnancy". Wonder what her response was? Say it with me class. "Um I'm not pregnant". Cue to me stuttering and making a hasty exit out of the bathroom. Keep in mind this conversation is in French so it was even harsher. Leave it to me to put my sassy size seven and a half foot in my mouth.

Authenticity

We went to a hole in the wall restaurant to eat authentic Cape Verdean food. It took us over 20 minutes to find the restaurant. We walked by it several times, but when we finally made it we were psyched. The food took so long to come out, which my I'mHaitianandthereforeusedtospendinganexorbitantamounoftimewaitingforfoodsothat'snormal. 

Fresh from the sea

Seeing Santiago

We drove around the town of Santiago and also stopped to visit Sidadi Velha, a former slave market.

I am always oddly fascinated by cacti, I'm not sure why

Forgive Me Father For I Am In Awe

I am simply awestruck by Praia. I can't say that I had any real preconceived notions of how Cape Verde would look, but I did have some coworkers/friends who told me that it was dirty. I always try not to let the experience/ideas/opinions of others color my views but I'm sure they crept in like a thief in the night anyway. Take a looksey at the wonderful sights.

Man Can Not Live on Bread Alone

We went to a bakery down the block from our hostel. Local cuisine is always a plus for me. Cape Verdean bread reminds me of Dominican bread. I had a flaky pastry that had chicken and cheese with fresh squeezed orange juice. Tropican-who? 

I am a huge flour fan. Bagels, baguette, croissants, muffins and rolls. The more gluten the better. 

This looks like a Haitian chicken patty. Different flavor but tasty nonetheless.

I told y'all about my love for flour products. I had to get some more bread to satiate my appetite.