5 posts from 2007

Well, its getting close to that time...our return to the US is fast approaching.  Just 5 more days!  We have definitely all enjoyed many ups and, yes, also experienced some downs, but I can say with certainty that we are all ready to come home.  Some of the things we are missing:  hot showers, no shortage of toilet paper, any food other than fish and rice, clean feet, the English language, and of course our families and friends.  I know I personally cannot wait to be sipping a beer with friends at Old City Hall next week!

But our last few days will no doubt fly by, as they are filled with our final rush of activities.  A visit to Dakar University, the African Art Museum, some shopping at the market, another trip to Isle de Goree, and a visit to a plantation to help plant fruit trees in the bush... 

I will be sad, most of all, to leave Tino and the kids.  They have been the most gracious and loving hosts, even in the worst of situations, and I have grown very attached to this family.  They are so open and kind and good to us. 

Tim, how is Harold?  I miss him.

Russell, enjoy your visit with Alan!  I wish I could be there too.

Beth

Hello everyone in the US!!!  We are glad to hear that the weather there is improving.  I cannot imagine coming home to snow! It is still in the 90s here and beautiful sunny blue skies as far as the eye can see.

We are leaving shortly for San Louis, several hours north of Dakar.  I will post photos upon our return Monday.

Again, my apologies for the short communications but the connection is very poor again today.

We returned from Cabo Verde late Sunday night.  Unfortunately, Tino was very ill on Monday, but Katie and I have spent the last two days as guests at the public hospital in Dakar.  We toured the entire complex, which is VERY large, and visited with physicians, patients, and administration.  I have added some photos from that adventure, as well as a few from Praia on Cabo Verde. Today, I also briefly visited an environmental conservation and diving club.  Although the environmental problems of Senegal are comparably more severe than in most of the US, the club, among other efforts, provides an educational program to students very similar to the program offered by the BaySail Appledore Schooners in Bay City.  Roger, I am bringing home lots of literature for you!

Greetings from Senegal!  I wanted to let you all know that we are leaving in a few hours for Praia on Cape Verde and will return Sunday night.  Unfortunately, I will have limited, if any, Internet access while we are there, so chances are good that you won't see any posts until we return. 

I sincerely apologize for the infrequency of posts to this point in our adventure, but Internet access even in Dakar is not reliable and often very, very slow.  AND our family computer happens to be in my 21 year old brother Bachir's room...between him and our 2 teenage sisters, it's difficult to get a turn online!

I have many more photos to share and spent several hours last night and today attempting to upload a few but to no avail.  The connection is not cooperating with me, although I did manage to get one new photo on the site...me with a beautiful little girl from a Peul village we visited yesterday, near Lac Rose or Pink Lake. 

FYI, there is a 4 hour difference in Senegal and a 3 hour difference on Cape Verde, for anyone who might be interested.

One last thing...  When you are leaving a post or comment, please follow the entry with your name.  Often, only an email address is indicated and I am unsure of who is writing to us.  Thanks!

We hope all is well in Michigan!  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on this next portion of our journey...  We're off to Cape Verde!

Beth

i think i just made a big mistake and accidentally deleted all of our posts to this point...  but check out the great photos!  will write more shortly...