Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Africa's Tallest Statue: The Monument To The African Renaissance]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/26/africas-tallest-statue-the-monument-to-the-african-renaissance/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/26/africas-tallest-statue-the-monument-to-the-african-renaissance/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/26/africas-tallest-statue-the-monument-to-the-african-renaissance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Monument To The African RenaissanceFlying or driving into Dakar, the capital of Senegal, it's impossible to miss this imposing statue.

That's deliberate. The Monument to the African Renaissance is supposed to make a statement. At 49 meters (161 feet), it's the tallest statue in Africa. In fact, it's one of the tallest statues anywhere, beating the Statue of Liberty by several feet.

When it was completed in 2010, this giant statue caused a giant controversy. Feminists complained about the secondary status given to the female figure. Imams complained about her scanty clothing. Some complained about its Soviet artistic style, seemingly out of place in Africa, and the fact that it was built by a North Korean company. Lots of people, especially in the West, complained about its $27 million price tag.

Yeah, like the West never wastes money.

Sure, it's brash, it's bold, and it's more than a little out of proportion, but it makes its point: Africa has a big future ahead of it. You see it in everything from Africa's towering skyscrapers to its lively cafe culture, from its newly paved roads to its growing middle class. As a recent editorial by Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina stated, Africa isn't like its international image, and big projects like this help the world see Africa differently.

Love it or hate it, this statue has become a major tourist site in Dakar. You can take an elevator up to the top of the guy's head and look out over the city. People are even photographing it as they fly into town, or by flying a camera on a kite like Jeff Attaway did to take the photo below.

Hopefully the next major statement by an African government will be built by an African company.

Top photo courtesy Laurence Thielemans.

The monument to the African Renaissance

Africa's Tallest Statue: The Monument To The African Renaissance originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure destinationadventure destinationsadventure traveladventure vacationAdventure Vacationsadventure-travelAdventureDestinationAdventureDestinationsadventuresAdventureTravelAdventureVacationAdventureVacationsAfricaDakarmonumentSenegalSenegal tourismSenegal travelSenegalTourismSenegalTravelstatue+statuesThe Monument To The African RenaissanceTheMonumentToTheAfricanRenaissancewest africaWestAfricaThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[African music in northern Spain? Gotta love the global village!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/16/african-music-in-northern-spain-gotta-love-the-global-village/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/16/african-music-in-northern-spain-gotta-love-the-global-village/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/16/african-music-in-northern-spain-gotta-love-the-global-village/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


I've recently moved to Santander, a port in northern Spain. While leaving a major European capital for a small provincial city was quite a leap, Santander has an international feel to it that I like. Being a port, it gets immigrants from all over the world, mostly China, South America, and West Africa.

The West Africans are especially numerous. They man most of the Cantabrian fishing fleet and work on the docks and in industry as well. Sadly I haven't found any suya restaurants, but I did get to hear some great African music. Last weekend there was an African jam session at a local bar. The band was made up of guys from Senegal and the Ivory Coast playing drums, a xylophone, and the kora, with a Chilean saxophonist thrown in because. . .why not?

If you've never heard a kora player, try to go to a concert. The kora is a stringed instrument from Western Africa. With 21 strings it's got quite a range and sounds like a cross between a harp and a guitar. Check out this video from kora master Toumani Diabate explaining how it works.

As I downed a generously poured rum and coke while speaking Spanish with a bunch of South Americans and listening to West African music, I got to thinking just how mixed together we're getting. This mid-sized bar in a mid-sized city after the tourist season had people from at least half a dozen countries and four continents. Everyone drinking, dancing, talking, and listening to music. Nice. Later I stepped out for a smoke (Spain started a smoking ban this year) with a guy from the Ivory Coast and another from Cantabria. We all shivered in the cold rain of autumn and complained about the weather. Well, two of us did. The Cantabrian didn't grow up in Arizona or West Africa, so he didn't see what was wrong about the weather.

It was the only disagreement I heard the entire night. I can live with that.

African music in northern Spain? Gotta love the global village! originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>African cultureAfrican musicAfricanCultureAfricanMusiccantabriacultureGreen SpainGreenSpainkoramusicnorthern SpainNorthernSpainSantanderSpainSpain tourismSpain travelSpainTourismSpainTraveltraditional musicTraditionalMusicSun, 16 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Man sets out on 5,000 mile hike throughout Asia to raise money for charity]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/man-sets-out-on-5-000-mile-hike-throughout-asia-to-raise-money-f/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/man-sets-out-on-5-000-mile-hike-throughout-asia-to-raise-money-f/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/13/man-sets-out-on-5-000-mile-hike-throughout-asia-to-raise-money-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

man walks 5,000 miles across asia to help children Winston Fiore, a 26 year old Marine from Bloomington, Indiana, has set out on a 5,000 mile journey, by foot, throughout Southeast Asia and China. Fiore arrived in Southeast Asia on September 25, 2011, for what is called "Smile Trek", and is projecting it will take him a year to walk the entire route, which begins and ends in Singapore.

The goal of the journey is to raise $50,000 or more for the International Children's Surgery Foundation, a not-for-profit that provides children in developing countries with free corrective surgery. Through fundraising efforts, such as giving presentations at rotary clubs across the United States as well as having help from the CouchSurfing community who have helped organize benefit dinners, charity walks, and media interviews, Fiore has been able to raise over $28,000 for the cause.

Fiore's inspiration for Smile Trek stems from an experience he had when training for the Marines in a very poor region of Lingure, Senegal. When he returned home, he read a newspaper article about a successful plastic surgeon in the United States who gave up his career to perform free surgeries in developing nations for children with cleft palates and lips. From there, the idea began to grow.

To follow Fiore's Smile Trek or donate to his cause, visit his blog here.

Man sets out on 5,000 mile hike throughout Asia to raise money for charity originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activismadventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravelcharity travelCharityTravelchinacouchsurfingdeveloping nationsDevelopingNationshikinglaosmarinesreconstructive surgeryReconstructiveSurgerysingaporesmile trekSmileTreksoutheast asiaSoutheastAsiathailandtravel for charityTravelForCharityvietnamvolunteer abroadVolunteerAbroadThu, 13 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Five stunning stone circles (besides Stonehenge)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/30/five-stunning-stone-circles-besides-stonehenge/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/30/five-stunning-stone-circles-besides-stonehenge/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/30/five-stunning-stone-circles-besides-stonehenge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Every year thousands of tourists flock to Stonehenge, the iconic stone circle on Salisbury Plain, England. While so much attention is focused on this site, especially with the recent discovery of another monument near Stonehenge, people often forget there's more than a thousand stone circles in the British Isles and Continental Europe. Built during the Neolithic starting about 5,000 years ago, these sites are beautiful and have gathered a lot of strange folklore over the centuries, like the mistaken belief that they were built by Druids or giants. Here are five of the best.

The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Isles, Scotland
The windswept Orkney Isles north of Scotland are covered in prehistoric remains. The Ring of Brodgar, seen above in this photo courtesy of Beth Loft, is built of thin, tall stones on a narrow isthmus between two lochs. Its architects obviously had an eye for dramatic setting. It dates to between 2500 and 2000 BC, a boom time for monumental building in the Orkneys. It's the northernmost stone circle in the British Isles and also the third largest at 104 meters (341 ft) in diameter. Like many major circles it's part of a network of sites, with tombs and single standing stones scattered in the area around it. Legend has it that the Vikings were so impressed with the Ring of Brodgar when they arrived in the ninth century AD that they worshiped their gods here. Some Viking Runes carved into the stones may support this theory.

Avebury, England
Bigger than Stonehenge, the site of Avebury just 17 miles north of Stonehenge consists of a massive stone circle 331.6 meters (1,088 ft) in diameter with two avenues of stones leading to a pair of smaller stone circles. Construction began around 2900 BC, roughly the same time as its neighbor. Other monuments, such as the mysterious artificial mound of Silbury Hill and the West Kennet Long barrow, an ancient tomb, are an easy walk away. During the Middle Ages the locals got religion and decided this pagan monument needed to go. They knocked over several stones until one fell over and crushed one of the vandals. Everyone thought this was just a legend until modern archaeologists dug up a fallen stone and found the skeleton of a man underneath with some 14th century coins in his pocket!

Gallery: Stunning Stone Circles

The Ring of BrodgarThree massive slabs stand at the center of Avebury's main circlePart of the main circle at AveburyThe Rollright StonesAnother view of the Rollright Stones

Continue reading Five stunning stone circles (besides Stonehenge)

Five stunning stone circles (besides Stonehenge) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologyarcheologyarchitectarchitectsarchitecturedruiddruidismdruidsenglandfolklorelegendlegendarylegendsmagicmegalithmegalithicMegalithic monumentsMegalithicMonumentsmegalithsneolithicOrkneyOrkney IslandsOrkneyIslandsprehistoricscotlandstone agestone circlestone circlesStoneAgeStoneCircleStoneCirclesUNESCOunesco world heritag...UNESCO World Heritage SiteUnescoWorldHeritag...UnescoWorldHeritageSiteUnescoWorldHeritageSiteswitchwitchcraftwitchesworld heritageworld heritage listWorld heritage siteworld heritage sitesWorldHeritageWorldHeritageListWorldHeritageSiteWorldHeritageSitesFri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Katie Spotz completes solo row of the Atlantic]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/katie-spotz-completes-solo-row-of-the-atlantic/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/katie-spotz-completes-solo-row-of-the-atlantic/http://www.gadling.com/2010/03/16/katie-spotz-completes-solo-row-of-the-atlantic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Way back in December we told you about Katie Spotz, the 22-year old American woman who was planning to row solo from Dakar, Senegal in western Africa to the east coast of South America. This past Sunday, Katie arrived in Georgetown, Guiana, completing her journey, while becoming the youngest person to ever row solo across an ocean in the process.

The expedition covered more than 2817 miles of open ocean, requiring 70 days, 5 hours, and 22 minutes to complete. Reportedly, Katie could have shaved an additional eight days off of her time had she allowed a boat to tow her into shore as she neared her destination. While on approach to Guiana, strong winds and ocean currents conspired against her to make the final leg of the journey that much more challenging, but rather than take the tow, she elected to row an additional 400 miles northwest to Georgetown, where milder conditions allowed her to finish the trip under her own power.

While Katie did hope to set the new record for the youngest to row an ocean, and become the first American to row solo from one continent to the next, she actually had even loftier goals in mind when she set out. The entire expedition was used to raise funds for the Blue Planet Run Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding clean drinking water projects around the globe. For her efforts, Spotz raised over $70,000 for the foundation, money that will now go to improving the lives of others around the globe.

The 19-foot long, specially designed, rowboat that was used in the Atlantic crossing weathered 20-foot waves and occasional storms, but for the most part performed admirably. Fitted with solar cells to charge her gear and a desalination system to provide clean drinking water, the boat was Katie's floating home for the past 2+ months. Aside from a breakdown in the original steering system, and a GPS device catching on fire, there were few technical setbacks to the journey.

Congratulations to Katie on a job well done. The rest of us would have, you know, taken a plane, but your way of crossing the Atlantic works too.

Katie Spotz completes solo row of the Atlantic originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelblue plant run foundationBluePlantRunFoundationdakargeorgetownkatie spotzKatieSpotzocean rowingOceanRowingrowingTue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[American woman prepares to row the Atlantic]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/26/american-woman-prepares-to-row-the-atlantic/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/26/american-woman-prepares-to-row-the-atlantic/http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/26/american-woman-prepares-to-row-the-atlantic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Katie Spotz has big plans for the new year. The 22-year old American is currently in Senegal where she is completing the final preparations for her attempt to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. If everything goes according to plan, she'll set out on her journey on the first day of 2010, and won't step back onto dry land for three months.

The young woman from Cleveland, Ohio will depart from Dakar, and cover approximately 2500 miles, with the hopes of arriving in South America, somewhere along the coast of Guiana, in approximately 70-100 days. While out on the ocean, she'll face huge waves, massive storms, and endless days alone on the water.

Katie will be making her journey on a specially designed 19-foot long rowboat. The boat has a small cabin that can offer some shelter from inclement weather, and specially designed hatches will help keep her gear and equipment dry. Two freshwater tanks are used as ballasts, while offering an emergency water supply, and the solar panels mounted along the deck will help keep Katie's communications equipment charged, so that she can stay in touch while at sea. She'll be making updates on her website, and sending back dispatches on her progress once she gets underway.

While the ocean row will be a challenge unlike anything that Katie has done before, she isn't doing it just for herself. She is using the opportunity to raise funds and awareness of the Blue Planet Run, an organization dedicated to financing projects designed to deliver clean drinking water in remote places across the planet.

To follow along with Katie's adventure stop by her website where you will find more information on her ocean row and read updates as she prepares to hit the water. Then return in the New Year to track her progress and watch her make an attempt on history. If she is successful, she'll be the youngest person to ever row solo across an ocean, and the first American to row from Africa to South America.

Good luck Katie!

American woman prepares to row the Atlantic originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelatlantic oceanAtlanticOceandakarocean rowingOceanRowingrowingSat, 26 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Tuesday 8.11.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/11/gadlinks-for-tuesday-8-11-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/11/gadlinks-for-tuesday-8-11-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/08/11/gadlinks-for-tuesday-8-11-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Welcome back to another Tuesday of Gadlinks. How does it work? We scour the best of the travel web and pick our favorite links of the day, summarizing them all in one convenient post. It's like a big "travel smoothie" of goodness, except we don't add any antioxidants. OK, ready to see this Tuesday's picks? Keep reading below:
  • Snorkeling takes you to another world. Simply strap on a mask and some fins and you're instantly transported to a world of brightly colored fish and other strange denizens of the deep. Here's a list of the Top 10 spots to snorkel to make sure you get your money's worth. [Via CNN]
  • Grant recently brought us an in-depth look at the Western African capital of Dakar, Senegal. He's not the only one checking out West Africa lately - check out this writeup on African tourist hotspot Ghana. [Via The New York Times]
  • Jonesing for the great outdoors? You might consider upstate New York, where Adirondack Park offers visitors plentiful hiking and some icy cold mountain lakes where you can cool off afterwards. [Via MSNBC]
  • This past week we learned of the passing of legendary filmmaker John Hughes, a man who captured the essence of 80's surburban youth and Chicago like no other. Here's a nice tribute to the much-loved director. What's your favorite John Hughes movie moment? [Via Intelligent Travel]
More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Tuesday 8.11.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adirondackschicagodakargadlinksjohn hughesJohnHughessnorkelsnorkelingTue, 11 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taking the "Mad Way" South]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/taking-the-mad-way-south/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/taking-the-mad-way-south/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/31/taking-the-mad-way-south/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There are many interesting and different ways to travel and see the world. For instance, some love to take a cruise through the Caribbean or a slow train through the Alps. Others prefer to zip through the streets of Bangkok in a tuk tuk, and some enjoy rafting the Grand Canyon. But what is the best way to see the Sahara? Some would argue that it would be from the back of a camel, but they haven't met the Mad Way South team, four guys who are gearing up to cross the world's largest desert in buggies pulled by kites.

Beginning next Monday, August 3rd, two Aussies, Geoff Wilson and Garth Freeman, will join forces with two Kiwis, Steve Gurney and Craig Hansen, to begin a journey that will take them over more than 1500 miles of desert as they travel from Northern Morocco, across the Western Sahara, Mauritania, before finally ending in Dakar, Senegal, in what is being called the first trans-Saharan crossing by wind power alone.

Yep, that's right their little dune buggies will be pulled along by massive kites, which will catch the wind and propel them over the sand. This method of travel is known as "kiting" and it is often used in Polar regions, with explorers being pulled along on their skis. It has been used in deserts before however, and this crew intends to make the technique work all the way across the Sahara.

The team is in the final stages of their preparation now, and are on track to get underway next week. Check back on their blog regularly for updates on their progress and to follow along on the adventure.

Taking the "Mad Way" South originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelkitingmauritaniasaharasahara desertSaharaDesertFri, 31 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Into Dakar: The logistics of a journey into Senegal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/17/into-dakar-the-logistics-of-a-journey-into-senegal/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/17/into-dakar-the-logistics-of-a-journey-into-senegal/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/17/into-dakar-the-logistics-of-a-journey-into-senegal/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's surprising to many that Dakar is actually closer to the United States than many points in Europe. As the crow flies, it's under 4000 miles from New York City to the westernmost point on the continent, a 7.5 hour flight from the bustling streets of Queens.

Given the proximity, it's not too difficult to manage a trip as short as a weekend or use DKR as a waypoint for further travel into Africa. Delta Airlines flies direct from New York's JFK and Atlanta, while South African also connects from Washington Dulles and JFK on its way south. Tickets start at around $1000.

Unfortunately, Dakar airport charges airlines an outrageous tax for flights departing and arriving during daytime hours, so many flights transit between the miserable hours of 2AM and 5AM. Knowing this, the airport stores and restaurants also stay open during these times, providing solace from the often unbearably unconditioned terminal.

Once you reach the border, you'll need to fill out a common immigration form and present it upon entry. There is no advance visa or fee to worry about, but you'll need to put an address on your form, so make sure you either know where you're going or have a fake address ready.

Continue reading Into Dakar: The logistics of a journey into Senegal

Into Dakar: The logistics of a journey into Senegal originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africadakarindakarsenegaltouristFri, 17 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Into Dakar: The Typical Tourist Trifecta]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/16/into-dakar-the-typical-tourist-trifecta/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/16/into-dakar-the-typical-tourist-trifecta/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/16/into-dakar-the-typical-tourist-trifecta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's already been said that one doesn't go to Dakar for the proper tourist attractions. Pick up a Lonely Planet guide to the entire country of Senegal and you'll find a book about the size of the Kalamazoos. The draw to Senegal is not in its proper monuments or attractions, but rather in its people, history and culture.

That said, there are a few interesting sites to see if you're looking for a day of relaxation, photo opportunities and maybe a little hassling from local trinket vendors. Break them up into a few days if you would like, but all three of these can be done in a good solid day.

Ile de Gorée (top photo)

Historically known as a slave trading hub (although the volume of slaves exported from here is questionable,) the island of Gorée 2km off the coast has been restored over the last few decades to pay respect to the ancient industry. Numerous buildings have been rebuilt to historical accuracy, with yellow and red painted walls brightly bordering the perimeter of the island. It's a stark contrast to the buildings on the mainland, and a fairly obvious pull to tourists.

On the 45 acre island, one can visit the slave museum, history museum and any number of small shops and historical alcoves to piece together bits of Gorée's past. Walking up to the crest of the island affords a beautiful view of Dakar as well the company of a towering concrete monument of mysterious origin.

Gallery: Ile de Goree

Continue reading Into Dakar: The Typical Tourist Trifecta

Into Dakar: The Typical Tourist Trifecta originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarile de goreeIleDeGoreeindakarsenegalThu, 16 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Into Dakar: An introduction to cultural interaction]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/into-dakar-an-introduction-to-cultural-interaction/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/into-dakar-an-introduction-to-cultural-interaction/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/15/into-dakar-an-introduction-to-cultural-interaction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As a travel writer, it's almost cliché to say that a particular culture has the "most friendly, welcoming people in the world." In truth, it's easy to be see altruism and warmth when in that culture-hungry state of mind - even if it's not at the surface, the brain interprets what it wants to find.

Alternatively, consider the Senegalese in this way: they take greetings and pleasentries to a whole new level outside of the empty cordialities of another country. It's all illustrated in their greetings. Where many in other countries kiss cheeks four times, or mutter a "good day," the locals here shake hands. Emphatically. Not among friends or colleagues, mind you, but preceding any physical presence.

One enters into a conversation or setting, for example, by shaking hands with everyone and opening with a "Ça va?" or "How are things?" Depending on the familarity between each pair, handshakes get more complicated and include fist bumps, hand slaps and all sorts of exagerrated motions. Put two large groups together and introductions can take a while.

Continue reading Into Dakar: An introduction to cultural interaction

Into Dakar: An introduction to cultural interaction originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedakarindakarsenegalWed, 15 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Into Dakar: Inside the tourist's frame mind]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/14/into-dakar-inside-the-tourists-frame-mind/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/14/into-dakar-inside-the-tourists-frame-mind/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/14/into-dakar-inside-the-tourists-frame-mind/#commentsFiled under: ,

No, there are no ancient pyramids, sprawling vineyards or safari tours in Dakar. Five star resorts neither encircle the peninsula nor do tourists flock into the city to take part in the haute gastronomic culture. So why does a tourist head to Dakar?

It's true that the capital of Senegal isn't the cosmopolitan darling of Africa. The busy metropolis of over one million people is a growing creature, a financial powerhouse in Western Africa and a stable epicenter of trade and industry throughout the entire region. Business happens at the blink of an eye on every corner -- fruit stands sell plump yellow, green and red mangoes and internet cafes turn over hundreds of clients as decrepit taxis and mini buses fly past in a blur.

Yet throughout the hubbub of daily modern activity, a deep current of culture and history flows. It's a culture apparent in every interaction, with Wolof and French languages mixed together as friends, neighbors and strangers shake hands and communicate throughout the day. Here, French is the official language, but a mixture of regional tongues bleeds into the population, with many youth speaking three if not four or five different languages.

This culture is what the tourist of Dakar comes to find, a current of diversity, energy and fabric so strong that it teems from the flowing populous. A long-boat ride between the northern coast and Ile de Ngor full of raucous, happy children. Snapshots of a restaurant where a half dozen locals sit on the ground gathered around a deep, heavy dish of searing lamb. The eerie quiet of West Foire at night, as residents sit on cinder blocks on the street and wait for the power to return to their homes.

Tourism isn't in a monument or a restaurant or a night club in Dakar. It's inhaled through the air, soaked through the skin and consumed in every visceral way as you pass through the breathing streets, a powerful force just beyond physical contact. It's an experience like no other.

Check back here for more dispatches from Dakar later in the week.

Into Dakar: Inside the tourist's frame mind originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakarindakarsenegalTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Into Dakar: Flirting with the dark continent]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/into-dakar-flirting-with-the-dark-continent/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/into-dakar-flirting-with-the-dark-continent/http://www.gadling.com/2009/07/13/into-dakar-flirting-with-the-dark-continent/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Your first taste of Dakar begins long before you cross the Atlantic Ocean, or even get onto the 757 bound for West Africa. It all starts at JFK, where the direct flight on Delta takes you from the bustling neighborhoods of Queens onto the western most tip of Africa.

Without much of a tourist industry in Senegal, most people on these flights are here for other reasons -- visiting family back at home, working on the developing infrastructure or connecting onward to Abuja, Nigeria. Men in traditional Islam garb dot the gate, families with crying children patiently wait for boarding and there is an air of anxiety in the atmosphere -- all around the corner from the Relay selling US Weekly.

I happen to be here on my way to visit a friend in Dakar, an archaeologist who just returned from the field in Eastern Senegal to finish his analysis at Université Cheikh Anta Diop. Long ago over beers at home we agreed that I would try to make it out at some point this summer, and running a travel blog and all, I couldn't break this promise.

Continue reading Into Dakar: Flirting with the dark continent

Into Dakar: Flirting with the dark continent originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardeltaindakarsenegalwest africaWestAfricaMon, 13 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (6.30.09)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/30/photo-of-the-day-6-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/30/photo-of-the-day-6-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/30/photo-of-the-day-6-30-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I find myself slightly unsettled about my upcoming travel to Dakar, Senegal this Tuesday, partially because the tourism office in New York wont pick up the phone and partially because Dakar is rock bottom on the Economist's recent liveability survey.

Yet as our tweeters and my archaeologist friend Cameron assure me, Dakar is a magnificent place. This photo, shot by cfarivar on the island of Goree just off the coast of Dakar tends to reassure me. Despite having the knowledge that Goree was a former slave trading hub, the colors, architecture and history of the region seem most endearing, a trait that any traveler can grow warm to. I'll let you know how the trip goes...

Think you've got what it takes to submit to the Photo of the Day series? Add your photo to the Gadling Pool on Flickr and we might use it down the road. Make sure you save them under Creative Commons though, otherwise we can't use them!

Photo of the Day (6.30.09) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturebeachdakargoreeislandphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaysandsenegalTue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadling Take FIVE: Week of April 18-- April 24]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/25/gadling-take-five-week-of-april-18-april-24/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/25/gadling-take-five-week-of-april-18-april-24/http://www.gadling.com/2009/04/25/gadling-take-five-week-of-april-18-april-24/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When I read through Gadling posts each week, there's this potpourri of options. Jon Bowermaster has traded Antarctica for the Maldives, Tynan has been roughing it on a cruise ship and Mike has the scoop on the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand. This week let's hone in on places one might not think of to head to for a good time.

This week ,Brenda finished up her series Cuba Libre series that highlighted what a traveler might experience in Cuba. Her take on traveling as a female is that be prepared for whistling and catcalls, but otherwise, she felt safe.

  • This post from Grant certainly caught my eye. He wants to know whether he should stop over in Algiers or Tripoli on his way from Paris to Dakar. Please let him know.When I did this flight, I went through Madrid and Cape Verde. I'm jealous Grant''s going to Dakar regardless of how he gets there.
  • Alison dropped a surprising bit of news. Turns out Four Corners where four U.S. states meet is a sham. Not on purpose, but the boundaries are off so the tourist attraction is not accurate.
  • There's yet another way to tour New York City. Annie has details about Gossip Girls tours where those who partake see where the TV series is set.
  • Tom''s post on art hotels in Orlando shows an aesthetic side of this city that is more commonly linked to Disney World.
  • In Egypt, there's another pyramid that will be open for visitors' soon. Kraig has the details about the Bent Pyramid that has been around for 4500 years but hasn't been a tourist option up until now.

Gadling Take FIVE: Week of April 18-- April 24 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DakarflightsFour CornersFourCornersGossip GirlsGossipGirlsOrlandopyramidstoursSat, 25 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Destinations for Independent Travelers in 2009]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/01/09/top-destinations-for-independent-travelers-in-2009/http://www.gadling.com/2009/01/09/top-destinations-for-independent-travelers-in-2009/http://www.gadling.com/2009/01/09/top-destinations-for-independent-travelers-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

BootsnAll, a great online resource for independent travelers, has put together their list of top 10 destinations for 2009. The locations on the list are lauded for the options they offer the experienced traveler who is looking to explore on his or her own.

Last year's list was compiled by the writers and staff from BootsnAll, but for the 2009 edition they opened it up for suggestions from their very well traveled community as well. The results are ten great suggesions for experinced, adventurous travelers hoping to go abroad this year.

Some of the places on the list are a bit more obvious than others. For instances, Tasmania comes in at number ten, as Australia has long been considered a great destination for independent travelers, and the remote island maintains helps to maintain that reputation. On the other hand, the number one spot is held down by Columbia, which has not always been a great destination for visitors, independent or otherwise. But in recent years, the country has undergone a bit of a resurgence, and has now become a favorite destination for savvy travelers everywhere.

The other eight locations on the list are quite ecclectic as well, and span the globe, offering a wide variety of experiences and settings. There is something for everyone, from the outdoor adventurer to the more relaxed traveler looking for a more quiet escape. If you're an independent traveler looking for a destination this year, you could do worse than starting with this list.

Top Destinations for Independent Travelers in 2009 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelFri, 09 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ranking the world's best and worst flags]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/14/ranking-the-worlds-best-and-worst-flags/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BhutanGambia's great, Senegal plagiarized, and Libya didn't even try. So says a fun new evaluation of the flags of every nation in the world. In an admittedly unscientific ranking of the world's flags, high marks are given for good color schemes and originality, while grades are lowered for the presence of weapons, writing, and "too many stars."

Here's the unflattering commentary on Saint Lucia's flag: "Best corporate logo. Makes me want to invest money there."

The flag of Turkmenistan is described as vomit inducing, while the lowest-ranking flag, that of the Northern Marianas Islands, "appears to have been constructed from clip art."

I've always been partial to the flag of South Africa, while I find the flag of Guam to be hideous beyond comprehension. In my book, Bhutan's flag (seen above) wins the award for most bad-ass, barely edging out Mozambique's, which features an AK-47.

Check out the highly entertaining rankings here, in order from best to worst. The ranking methodology is described here.

Ranking the world's best and worst flags originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dakar Rally, another victim of terrorism]]>http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/09/dakar-rally-another-victim-of-terrorism/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/09/dakar-rally-another-victim-of-terrorism/http://www.gadling.com/2008/01/09/dakar-rally-another-victim-of-terrorism/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On our way from Portugal to Madrid last week, we saw a lot of trucks on their way to Lisbon for the annual Dakar Rally (previously Paris-Dakar). Unfortunately, the next day, they got the sad news that the Dakar Rally was canceled for the first time ever, because of terrorism.

Four French tourists were murdered in Mauritania on December 24 and nine of the Dakar Rally stages happen to go through Mauritania. The organizers feared they couldn't provide sufficient security.

As an alternative, Dakar Rally organizers are considering a race through central Europe this spring. Czechs are big fans of the rally so I am sure they would be psyched, but replacing a race through the Sahara desert with a race through some "bad roads of Europe" is kind of a stretch, isn't it?

Dakar Rally, another victim of terrorism originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakar rallyDakarRallylisbonmauritaniaWed, 09 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Straight No Chaser brings me back to Senegal with "Africa" and Christmas cleverness]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/12/21/straight-no-chaser-brings-me-back-to-a-night-in-senegal/http://www.gadling.com/2007/12/21/straight-no-chaser-brings-me-back-to-a-night-in-senegal/http://www.gadling.com/2007/12/21/straight-no-chaser-brings-me-back-to-a-night-in-senegal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I learned to make a food dryer while I was a Peace Corps volunteer at a food preserving training in Thiés, Senegal. It looked a bit like a space ship, but it did work. The friend who was my partner and I created the design ourselves. Oh, we were so proud when the flies were kept out and the mango slices began to dry. That night, after a few beers, the other volunteers who had also come to this training and we danced outside in an open air pavilion to someone's boom box. I distinctly remember "Africa" by Toto. It was March and a breeze was blowing gently. This was a night when all elements seemed to come together in perfection.

My husband's cousin who was also in the Peace Corps, but in Cameroon emailed me the link today to this You Tube video of the a cappella group Straight No Chaser. This group hails from Indiana University--all alumni, and I have to say, they're terrific. You'll see. Halfway through, you'll also find out why hearing their music evoked images of Africa--Christmas too--the beginning of this is a how many Christmas carols can you recognize in the Twelve Days of Christmas, but by the end I was in Thiés. I love this blend of elements--a cross-pollination of sorts. Since this group tours, you may catch them live somewhere. Here's a link to Straight No Chaser's performance dates.

Straight No Chaser brings me back to Senegal with "Africa" and Christmas cleverness originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a cappella singingACappellaSingingsong AfricaSongAfricaThies SenegalThiesSenegalTotoUniversity of IndianaUniversityOfIndianaFri, 21 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cultural Sensitivity: It's Not That Easy]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/09/cultural-sensitivity-its-not-that-easy/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/09/cultural-sensitivity-its-not-that-easy/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/09/cultural-sensitivity-its-not-that-easy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When I went through my Peace Corps volunteer training, hours were spent on cultural sensitivity. What to wear and what not to wear. What to say and what not to say. Which hand to eat with--always the right, and what do do when a cultural faux paux is made. Because The Gambia is a Muslim country, albeit with more traditional African influences than traditional Arabic ones, there were nos not to cross in order to not offend. I never showed my knees and learned to eat right-handed out of a common bowl with a spoon even though I'm left-handed. Being culturally sensitive became second nature to the point that, after awhile, I didn't need to think about my actions when I was in the village. In tourist hot spots, like beach restorts, what was right and wrong became a bit blurred. You can bet I wore a bathing suit.

In tourist areas village life goes away, even thought the people who work at the resorts are often villagers who've headed to the city for a job. Tourists often have no idea how they are perceived by the locals. There is the tendency to not follow the adage "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," but the "If it's okay at home, it's okay here." As a westerner, I fluctuated between feeling horrified by the attire tourists wore--itty bitty shorts or bikinis, for example, and feeling bad that the Gambians were probably passing judgment on the tourists' morality based on what the tourists wore. Women were scrutinized much more than men. Of course, just like with any culture, the people who are from a place have a variety of opinions. Not all Gambians had the same ideas about decorum.

Regardless, as tourists head to countries with different cultural values, there are interesting issues to consider. Does one alter how one dresses to make the locals feel comfortable? And if one is within the confines of a resort, what does it matter? Here is the article, "In Egypt, tourism and Islam live uneasily side by side," from the L.A. Times that brought about my musings. I found out about this article when I came across it at eTurboNews.

Cultural Sensitivity: It's Not That Easy originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultural differencescultural normsCulturalDifferencesCulturalNormsIslamic countries and tourismIslamicCountriesAndTourismtourism and cultureTourismAndCultureTue, 09 Oct 2007 17:37:00 EST