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And we say: « Maa ngi fii rek » (I'm fine ! ). Yes I did some time in Senegal in my childhood and I kept a few words.
I thought I had gone around the countries I visited (because there are not many), and that I could introduce you. And I realized that I have not yet told you about one of the most beautiful countries on earth (that’s just my opinion): Senegal 🇸🇳 ! (And yet I lived there and I was born there but I don’t remember that period)
If you have not yet had this chance to visit Senegal, frankly, if you can afford it, go for it!
It's a country of West Africa populated by about 16 million people (2019), whose capital is Dakar and the president, Macky Sall.
But anyway, we’re not here to talk about the history of the country, let’s get to the point, the cultural point.
Here’s what you must do if you pass:
To do/To visit:
I’m not going to talk about all the places because there are many, but mainly the ones I visited.
The basis of the bases, Dakar
Capital of Senegal but especially economic asset of the country.
A city where you can visit places such as the Presidential Palace, the soumbédioune market, the monument of the African Renaissance or almadia…
The pink lake
A pink lake due to the presence in this water of an algae that oxidizes iron. But be careful, the color may vary depending on the season or time of day. Prefer visits during the dry season and middays.
In addition, this lake has another particularity, it is rich in white gold, in other words salt. So you can come across salt fishermen (I don’t know what they're called).
Saint-Louis
Formerly capital of Senegal but currently the most beautiful city.
A historic city where you can visit monuments such as the governor’s palace, the many mosques and the cathedral. There is also the Faidherbe bridge and its port city not to be missed; and all the houses whose architecture dates from the colonial era.
Gorée Island
How can you talk about Senegal without talking about this city ? Then prepare your handkerchiefs because it will cry. Not only the history of the island but also this heavy atmosphere… it will flow.
Gorée is an island not far from Dakar and accessible by boat from the port of Dakar. It's a hub of the slavery period, and is home to many interesting places such as the slave house and the women’s museum.
The Bandia reserve
National park and nature reserve of 3500 hectares in Senegal where you can have the chance to visit animals in freedom and also why not zip-lining.
Little anecdote by the way (I was a child so I'm forgiven, thank you !): I was so afraid of the zip line that I peed myself all the way down and how to tell you that the monitors underwent a small shower… but not with water.
Aaaah, all this has made you hungry, I’m sure. Me anyway, by writing, yes I am hungry. Let’s move on to my favorite part !
To eat
Although many are known in the West, there is nothing better than to taste them at the source.
The Thieboudienne
A national dish consisting of fresh fish, dried fish, yet (African mollusc), rice, tomato/garlic/onion/chilli puree and many vegetables such as pumpkin, cassava, eggplant and carrot, cabbage…
There is also a meat version but it does not have the same name.
Chicken Yassa
Just as well known as the Thieb, native to Casamance and composed of chicken marinated in a mixture of onions, lime juice, vinegar and peanut oil (I add olives, but I don’t know if it distorts or not). Everything is served as an accompaniment with rice. But frankly even with hot bread, crispy, it’s super good.è
And there is a sheep or fish version.
The Bassi salté
Millet couscous consisting of mutton meatballs, sweet potatoes, potatoes, white beans, cabbage, carrots, dates, raisins and tomato sauce.
Personally, I’m not a fan but it’s still a dish to taste.
Caution, not recommended for non-sweedy/salty.
The mafé
Which at the base is a Malian dish but has been adapted to Senegalese cuisine.
It consists of a base of peanut paste sauce with meat and vegetables; and always served with white rice.
The pastels
Small fritters stuffed with fish or ground meat and spices, dip in a homemade tomato sauce.
Perfect for appetizers or starters.
Let's speak about drinks
Bissap - Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmo-na_qTRG/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Bouye juice - Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CafTMv1LlBP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
bissap, which is not native to Senegal but is one of the most popular drinks in the country. Based on water and hibiscus flowers, sugar, mint and sometimes orange blossom or pineapple.
And the monkey wine or bouye juice made from baobab, sugar and water; and sometimes from powdered milk and orange blossom.
Let’s finish with the desserts
Fondé - Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CShnWLvjKPx/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Ngalakh -Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQHi4gjJ9s/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Thiakry - Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BklRWArhoN2/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
As I often say, personally in Africa and with the heat, I prefer fruits but there are still desserts like the fondé, based on millet porridge and sweet curd milk, the ngalakh which combines it with baobab juice and cocoa butter, or thiakry, a gourmet dessert composed of millet or wheat semolina in a mixture of spicy dairy products.
Aaaah! If it’s not beautiful, then what ! I hope I made you want to fly to the country of the red lion.
Ba beneen yoon! (See you soon!)