Where the River Meets the Sea

brennapeterson
Apr 22
3 min read

Yesterday was Monday, but due to Easter, there was no school. We began the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the photography museum. We had the chance to meet the gallery owner (St. Louis is home to eight different galleries). Later, we explored another gallery showcasing stunning national treasures nearly 100,000 years old. Although a few pieces had some damaged sections, everything was generally in excellent condition.

I admired the woodwork and intricate details in the carvings and petroglyphs. The art told the story of their country, continent, and deep pride. Unfortunately, we weren't permitted to take pictures inside the galleries.

In the afternoon, we made our way to the "embouchure," the term used for the spot where the river flows into the sea. The drive took around thirty minutes. The other vehicle with our group had to pause at a garage for a few hours because it needed repairs. We stopped at a gas station and waited for them for quite some time. One of our hosts' friends owns a beach house and invited us for lunch in their sandy lounge area, complete with various hammocks and tents. We enjoyed another meal served family-style.

I also used the restroom at the beach house. Toilets in Senegal vary widely, with many different types. The one in my hotel room is similar to a toilet at home and has a flush. It also includes a bidet, which acts like a hose for cleaning. At the beach house, the toilet was a hole in the ground with a grate. Many toilets here don't flush, so you need to use a kettle of water to wash it down. Sometimes, the bathroom is just a hole in the ground where you squat. Most bathrooms lack toilet paper and water or soap for handwashing. We carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer with us. This experience has really shown me how many "basic needs" we take for granted. I find myself planning my bathroom trips based on whether a restroom will be available, and adjusting my eating and drinking accordingly.

Then we boarded a boat to go for a ride out to the corner of the river where you can see the ocean meeting the river. We passed the national park, saw pelicans, and our hosts pointed out the direction to Canada and the US. We got some time to walk around the peninsula and enjoy the sunset. It was such a beautiful beach area. We returned to the beach house and had a " brunch," delicious fish and a yogurt/millet type dessert. Then we headed back. Unfortunately, I started not feeling well on the way home.

Visitors to Senegal should avoid drinking tap water, consuming ice, or eating fresh fruits and vegetables washed with local water. It is advised to drink only bottled water and consume food that hasn't come into contact with local water unless it has been cooked. Despite my precautions, I must have ingested something with the water. I decided to skip dinner and went to bed for the night.