"Jere Jef"  Senegal!

A familiar phrases heard around Dakar is "Jere Jef".  It means "thank you" in Wolof , the language of the Wolof people in West Africa.  I leave Senegal on 26 June 2022 with hopes to return in February 2023. 


Dakar is referred to as the gateway to Africa. The port is a massive area of various docks for cargo from many countries. It is fascinating to watch the large ships arrive and day workers help to remove the cargo. This cargo seems to be anything from cars to corn! The Global Mercy ship will be leaving soon with hopes to return in February 2023. 

Moving around the streets of Dakar feels safe and welcoming. The safety officers aboard the Mercy Ships provide country information and report the crime rate in Senegal as low. The recent protests around the Presidential Palace have been peaceful. The home of President Macky Sall, (head of state since 2021), and his family is less than one mile from the port where the Global Mercy ship is located. 

There are lovely small sea side or port area restaurants throughout Dakar. Last night I enjoyed time in a relaxed, open air Lebanese eatery called Hotel Restaurant Farid.  Dakar streets remain busy with people shopping into the later hours. Finding a tailor, after buying beautiful fabric, is a unique Senegalese experience. Understanding the bartering culture and enthusiastic sales approach is another Senegalese experience which is essential for commerce! 

















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