Dakar

Those little black dots are Eagles. The numbers are staggering. You can draw your own conclusion about the food base abundance that scurries through the streets to support that population.

The air has an aroma here that is unfortunately the byproduct of no-emmissions vehicle imports from France. Peugot is responsible for the poor air quality here, because contrary to the rumors, all the fuel I have seen is unleaded, therefore all of these vehicles should have catalytic converters. Instead, you see 2008 and 2009 Puegot sports cars billowing black smoke out of the tailpipes like an old diesel rig.. Sad really...

This air quality is not helped in any way by the fact that it is customary to burn your trash once or twice a week, as the cost of trash pick up and disposal is well beyond the affordability ceiling of most locals.

Welcome to the trials and tribulations of a developing country.

What's even more amazing is that even though the word picture paints a polluted and dirty picture, the beauty of this country is astounding. The shores have a different texture than I am accustomed to, the rocks are a little rougher, the water color is richer, bluer, and more intimidating.

Africa is a beautiful continent. It has a feel, a pulse, and a rhythm that so many other desrcibe in movies and writing, that you just don't really get until you spend some time here.

The people and the culture are/is amazing. For a first trip, you are always unsure, and preconcieved notions are often the downfall of many introductions, but I will discuss the people in a later blog. There is way to much to say to fit it in today.