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Published: November 7th 2011
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Hi everyone - well, this is the special blog I was talking about - our trip to Gore Island (Dakar).
For anyone who has read the book, "The Book of Negroes', this will have special meaning for you - and the photos just bring the whole thing to life. It was quite a 'moving' visit to the Island - and to the Slave House - let alone when we got to the 'door of no return'. (you can see that door in the first photo I uploaded - it is open and gives you the view of the water beyond) Wow. Words cannot describe the emotions we felt as we heard the lecture, moved through the Slave House, saw the women's cells, and then, of course, 'the door'. Very emotional - very moving - very depressing, actually. How people could actually treat other people that way is beyond me. The stories that we heard, while touring the Slave House, were so compelling- especially when told that some of the slaves were starved (food withheld) so that they would get thin enough to fit through some of the 'doors' and get 'loaded onto the ships' - they always loaded more
slaves onto the ships (over capacity) knowing that, along the way, many would get very sick and be thrown overboard anyway. Wow. What can you say?
After that tour, we wandered around the island - we visited an art gallery where the artists created sand paintings/art work. Awesome. Such talent. We saw many 'shops' where women entrepreneurs did their best to entice us into their different areas of specialty - God bless them for their passion, persistence and enthusiasm for their products. Children followed us around - goats were everywhere. It was a bit discouraging to many to see how the goats were treated by the children - sometimes it is difficult to remember the cultural differences and the fact that this is just how they live here.
It was interesting to watch the fishermen coming in from their boats, fresh fish in hand. We had a yummy lunch of grilled fresh monkfish, rice and a bit of a Creole sauce with it. Fresh fruit for dessert. The 'entrepreneurs' continued with their 'presentation' of products throughout the lunch, from the sidelines at the outside restaurant.
What I found really funny was that one young man spotted Ben's
shoes and the fact that they needed a bit of repair- so he pulled out his tools, right then and there, and started sewing the sole. Too funny! Then, another young fellow wanted to polish my sandals - ended up almost polishing my toes!
We continued our tour around the Island, went into a cathedral - breath-taking; passed a basketball court where a young fellow was hanging out, along with his goals, of course. The women were everywhere - in their bright, gorgeous outfits.
The architecture and colors of the buildings were also eye-catching. I couldn't resist taking photos of the balconies, windows, interesting doors and so much more.
Back at the beachfront, I saw a '7-11-type' store and went in out of curiosity. Didn't have much in there except a kitchen in the back, about 2 tables for serving some 'snacks' - but quite a shelf full of wine.
It was quite the 'tour' - emotional, interesting, compelling, (hot!), overwhelming (especially with all the 'vendors' in your face constantly), thought-provoking.
Time to get back on the ferry and head back into Dakar - and you saw the blog and photos of our return through
the city. Sheep were everywhere - and so were the people, as they scrambled to get home to their families (typically living in the country) for the holiest of all holidays.
This is now Monday morning here - we are in Marrakesh - flew in yesterday afternoon- and it is THE holiday. It will be a quiet day because all shops are closed, and rightfully so. Such a blessing to be here at this holiest of times.
Stay tuned for my blog tomorrow morning - we have a very long day today - and a late dinner/show - won't be back to the hotel till at least 11 p.m. and that's not my finest hour for writing anything, LOL.
We're on countdown now - only 4 more sleeps and the trip comes to an end. I have mixed feelings about that as it has been an adventure - but I am anxious to get back to be with my Mom. She is still in hospital -
(Hi Mom - big hugs to you and sending lots of love and prayers. I'll be there soon.........)
Happy Pat
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Meran Farmer
non-member comment
Gore Island
Thank you for publishing the great pictures of Gore Island. I loved "The Book of Negroes" and those pics just brought the story to life. Thanks, Pat for the wonderful blog. Love to Brenda.