Ngaparou, along the Petite Cote, Senegal

Can't you almost smell this??!!

Just a quick post to say hello. I will try to post some photos in the next couple of days. We are staying at a lovely lodge run by a French couple. Very clean and tastefully decorated; a sharp contrast to the grittiness, complete with cockroaches at no extra cost; of last night's accomodation in M`Bour, the second largest port in Senegal.

We hired a local guide, who was worth every CFA we paid him to take us on a tour of the port and to see the "return of the fishermen---le retour des pecheurs". We were transported to the port by caleche (small wooden flatbed, drawn by horse). It`s very democratic; everyone crowds on to the caleche.

The beach was crowded with the wives and sisters of the fishermen, the fishermen, pirougues, and others looking to sell or trade goods. The women are there to receive the day's catch, to prepare the fish and to sell to people on the spot. If they don't sell it all, they will trade fish for fruit and vegetables at the market above the beach. Some of the fish will be transported by cart a few km down the road for smoking while others will be salted for sale later or export to neighbouring countries.

It was a stinking, bustling place but there was the feeling of energy you get at a working port. No one paid too much attention to us as they were busy conducting their business and attending to their boats.

Bye for now. Patty in Senegal