Facts and Fun in Senegal

Today it is time to set a new pin on my own @worldmappin map at http://worldmappin.com/@detlev as I travel the first time in my life to Senagal.

As you might read at my post „Vorfeeude and Hindernisse“ I had some trouble with the passport but it worked out fine

Hey Hive Family
let us travel the world again
today some facts about Senegal

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Senegal

What a delightful country! Let me take you on a little journey, starting from the moment you land at Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is, might I add, a far cry from chaotic travel hubs you might encounter elsewhere. It’s calm, modern, and everyone’s smiling like they’re genuinely happy to see you—not the “I’ve been forced to work customer service” smile, but an actual welcome. That’s your first taste of the Senegalese spirit. The people here? Genuinely lovely.

Fun fact: As most of the tourists booked by agencies, we got „collected“ by a very nice and funny guide even before entering the customs.

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Welcome to Dakar: The Heart of Senegal

From the airport, it’s a scenic ride to Dakar, the capital city. You’ll notice how the urban sprawl hugs the coastline, giving the city a lively, sun-kissed vibe. Dakar is chaotic but in the most charming way possible. The roads seem like an artistic interpretation of order—cars, people, and street vendors coexisting in what appears to be random motion but somehow works. The smell of grilled fish from roadside stands mingles with the salty ocean breeze, and as you pass by markets, you’ll hear everything from traditional drumming to pop music blasting from shops.

In the heart of Dakar, you’ll find a fascinating mix of French colonial buildings alongside modern architecture, a juxtaposition that reflects the country’s history and forward-thinking outlook. You’ve got to visit the vibrant markets—Sandaga, for example—where the noise, colors, and smells create a sensory overload. Locals haggle playfully with you, calling you their "brother" or "sister" before offering you a price that’s at least twice what they expect you to pay. It’s all part of the fun.

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The Baobab: More Than Just a Tree

Now, if you’re lucky, your road trip from Dakar will take you past Senegal’s most iconic symbol: the baobab tree. We saw a lot of them and these aren’t just trees; they’re like something straight out of a myth. Their thick trunks look like they’ve absorbed centuries of wisdom, and some of them are so wide you could hollow one out and live in it—actually, some people have. The locals call the baobab the "Tree of Life," and for good reason. The tree provides everything from shelter to fruit, and you’ll often see cows lazily grazing in its shade, indifferent to the world around them.

^{picture by thehealthy.com}

The baobab also holds spiritual significance. Some are even used as burial sites for griots, the traditional storytellers. As you stand in the shadow of one of these ancient giants, you can’t help but feel a connection to something much older than you, something deeply rooted in the soil of this land.

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The People: Masters of Laughter

Speaking of griots and stories, Senegalese people are masters of humor and wit. You won’t spend more than five minutes in any social gathering without hearing a joke. And the laughter? It’s infectious. Senegalese laughter is a full-body experience; they don’t hold back. They joke about everything—politics, weather, football, and even themselves. It’s lighthearted but sharp, with a playful edge that keeps you on your toes.

One thing I noticed is that Senegalese humor often revolves around making fun of authority, but in a way that’s clever and never cruel. It's a type of humor that disarms you. If you spend enough time with locals, you’ll quickly learn to keep up, because they love it when you dish it back at them. It’s all part of the social glue that keeps communities close-knit, even in a bustling city like Dakar.

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Flag Beer: A Taste of Local Spirit

Now, after all that laughter and exploring, you’re bound to get thirsty. And you know what will happen - so, what’s a better way to quench that thirst than with a cold Flag beer? It’s the local brew, light and refreshing, perfect for a hot afternoon. Sitting in a beachfront bar, Flag in hand, you watch the waves roll in while the sun begins its lazy descent into the Atlantic. The beer isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, an invitation to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The label might tell you it’s just a regular lager, but somehow, sitting under the Dakar sun, it tastes like the best beer you’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the setting, or maybe it’s the fact that you’ve spent the day immersed in a culture that’s all about taking life in stride, never sweating the small stuff. Either way, the Flag is your companion, and as you take that last sip, you’re already planning your next adventure in this incredible land.

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Facts about Senegal

Senegal 🇸🇳 is overall a nice place with great and friendly people.

It is a West African country with a population of approximately 17.7 million people as of 2023. Covering a land area of around 196,722 square kilometers, it is known for its rich culture, history, and diverse landscapes ranging from arid desert in the north to tropical forests in the south. Senegal's capital and largest city, Dakar, is located on the Cape Verde Peninsula, serving as a key economic, political, and cultural hub. The second-largest city is Touba, a religious center for the Mouride brotherhood, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. Thiès, the third-largest city, is an important industrial and rail center, playing a significant role in Senegal's transportation network. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, giving it a strategic location for trade, and by The Gambia, which is nearly surrounded by Senegal.

^{picture by worldatlas.com}

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My feedback to you

So that’s Senegal—a place where time slows down, trees tell stories, people laugh with their entire being, and even the beer seems to whisper,

"Relax, you’re in good hands."

Stay tuned for some more posts from Senegal

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Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again

^{pic by @detlev}

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around beer - and go! Enjoy the #BeerSaturday

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^{@Detlev loves HIVE}

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