Page 79 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
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ur Senegal shore excursion provided
                   a powerful lesson: first impressions
           O can be deceiving. Dakar, viewed
           from the ship, appeared unremarkable, but
           venturing into the city revealed a dynamic
           center of culture, history, and ambition.
           Our first stop was the sprawling craft
           market, a labyrinth of stalls showcasing
           artistry from Senegal and beyond - vivid
           textiles, carved sculptures, striking
           paintings, and beaded jewelry. I left with
           carved masks and a Fulani hat, symbolic
           souvenirs.
           Leaving the market, we arrived at
           Restaurant Le N’Gor Pieds dans l’Eau, a
           beachside restaurant where a local drum
           and dance troupe welcomed us with an
           electrifying performance before a delicious
           lunch. Afterwards we visited the Monument
           of the African Renaissance, a colossal
           bronze statue towering over the city. Our
           guide explained its symbolism: the child
           reaching toward the horizon represents
           future generations reconnecting with their
           ancestral roots.
           The highlight of the day was the Museum
           of Black Civilizations, a striking circular
           building inspired by traditional African
           architecture. Opened in 2018, the museum
           offers a sweeping narrative of African
           history, while exhibits explored the
           transatlantic slave trade and the
           achievements of African descendants
           worldwide.The museum emphasized Africa
           as the cradle of civilization, challenging
           narrow portrayals in Western history books
           and offering a rich perspective on the
           continent's contributions.

















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