Page 79 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE

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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