Beach time in Dakar

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After being extorted by scoundrels at Bamako airport, who lied and cheated us as we left the country - they were official immigration officers, but their uniforms belied the fact of their corrupt behaviour, we arrived in sunny Senegal. (There were six different cheats, each with a more ludicrous lie than the previous. By time we got on the plane we were saying a less than fond farewell to Mali.)
I really enjoyed the excitement and unpredictability of travel in Mali, and I certainly met many nice people through the haze of my french, but there were also too many petty cheats for either of our liking, and that certainly effected our overal sense of the place, with Eric finding the place to be disappointing because of this.
At the same time, we certainly had an adventurous time there, and adventures tend to have the rough as well as the smooth. Anyway, even I found the extorting cops to be unforgivable, and it certainly left a bad taste. Pity.
We're well over it now, however, here in Senegal. Remarkably, we are simultaneouly in three places: a cool and tranquil beach situation with ac, hot water, and a swimming pool, just about 6km from Dakar center, the capital city, and finally, also 4km from the airport from which we depart in a few days. Too good to be true, and yet it is.
We're both hanging by the pool, swimming, reading, reflecting on the trip, even thinking about our impending new school year (if any one out there has information about the make up of either of our upcoming classes we would love to see it - any other news from school wouldn't hurt either.)
So that's about it from me until I talk to you all in person. I'm swimming 100 laps a day in the pool and will wrap up my excellent Africa book in time for the plane. As for you all who have been with us on our trip, I'd like to say thank you for each and every message. Each one was a little piece of home as fresh as a warm cookie. Cheers.
The whole thing has been a blast.
Now onto the next equally exciting adventure - the new school year.
Here we go.....
love mike and eric

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Photos

Not a bad view
We probably could have found a worse place to end our vacation, just seemed like too much hard work. We had to settle on this view.

Our home away from home
Beach side bungalow anyone?

Man overboard!
I thought he could swim! Well, when you are the only people at a resort you can do as you please.

Comments

[Lucille]

Relaxation
Well glad to hear that you are now able to relax and reflect about the whole trip before you leave Africa and head home. Enjoy all the amenities you have there these next few days that you have been without on your recent venture. You both sure have earned it and it is a great way to end your entire adventure. Keep safe and looking forward to seeing you both and another school year. I have your coffee for day 1 or so, but you must come with me to get it. love your friend, Lucille See you both soon. Enjoy

[TaskMaster#1]

your journey
Hello boys, Well, I have been following along your expedition for a few weeks now and it has been extremely interesting and inspiring. I have waited to comment because reading your stories have been so intriging that I have found the idea of my own words extremely boring. Anyway, I am glad to hear that your journey is wrapping up in a safe and satisfying way it seems. When you get back I expect to see this entire journal translated into an oversized illustrated children's book. Welcoming you home soon. TM

[deleted_20337]

Ahh, the homestretch....
Wonderful to hear that you are in a good place for some rest and relaxation, such a shame about your previous encounter. Then again, as you pointed out - an adventure may come with both bad and good...I'd say that you both have had an abundance of good on this journey, making it quite fulfilling and successful! Michael....I was at your house yesterday and brought in mail...a letter was there from the school. If you think that might contain your class assignment, let me know and I'll go get it and let you know what it says. On a side note....a (hopefully) pleasant surprise awaits your return :) As it's a surprise, I won't reveal much, other than to say I am spending today quite exhausted! I can't believe the time is getting so close and you both will be coming home soon! Much to catch up on - for us all - and we look forward to seeing you on Friday! Continue to be safe and well - much love, Suzie and Gia

[anonymous]

If the first one did'nt get to you don't bother to read this-- Julie (leonard)
Hey Mr. Paci, remember burp boy, my brother? He's in your class this year!! Yay! John promises not to burp at you and/or do anything disgusting! Good luck-- Julie

[Deveney]

Wow! sounds like you guys are living the life by the beach. i can't believe all the stuff from the immigration boarder. sounds like mali wasn't as great as Ghana was. anyways , mike your book should be very intresting with all of your latest adventures. getting late. have a safe trip home! love, deveney, richie, cheryl, Big richie