Um...Where Am I?

When I first decided to go to Africa, I looked at what airlines flew direct to any African country (excluding Morocco and Egypt). Lo and behold, I found a Delta flight that flew non-stop from Atlanta to Dakar, Senegal. "Dakar" I thought, "should be an interesting place to begin my journey." Unfortunately, I chose the wrong time to visit. My visit coincided with an Islamic Conference. Not only was my non-stop flight cancelled, but I couldn't even find a room! (Digression: I flew instead from New York to Paris, spent the day in Paris and caught an evening flight from Paris to Dakar...I was quite happy!)

So, I had to settle for a hostel located 15 minutes away from the airport which meant I was in the middle of nowhere. My trip to Dakar was frustrating because I spent the majority of my time in the hotel. I wasn't near anything worth mentioning and I was uncomfortable travelling solo to the center of town (especially after my airport incidence). In the end, though, the hostel manager arranged for me to go on a tour with one of his workers and we spent about five hours travelling throughout the city. Dakar is a seaside resort but I didn't see that...but I don't think I would have wanted to know. Walking through the medina, university and Independence Square was much more exciting.

I plan to return one day and NOT stay in my hotel room. Senegal...