Football, islands and nomads

So Friday's match didn't go so well, although Senegal support didn't falter. My football knowledge is increasing greatly... mostly through Spearsy, but also through some observation. I am now well versed on what (in Spearsy's opinion) England need to do to win on Wednesday. So should Capello call me then I will be able to advise.

Senegal staff flying the England flag

Half time... I think Spearsy looks a bit like "The Count" (from the darts)

Saturday was fun. We went on an outing to Goree, a small Island just off the coast of Dakar. Was lovely wandering around the narrow cobbled streets and enjoying the art and views... and an ice cream too :O) Goree played a role in the slave trade... although the extent to which it did is somewhat debated (according to source of all knowledge - Wikipedia).

Fort on Goree with Dakar skyline in the background

Kids splashing around in the harbour!

Goree harbour. Slightly reminiscent of St Ives, Cornwall, UK I think (OK... perhaps not super reminiscent... )

Steps in the fort

Old mottled building

Huge canons! According to Spearsy these were built to keep the Brits off the island... but I'm not entirely sure this is an actual fact or a Spearsy fact.Atlantic art

Bougainvillea everywhere!

Old fire hydrant!

Saturday night I learnt to cook Yassa Poulet (chicken and spicy onions) and played around with these kids! I also witnessed Anna having her hair done. For a 3 year old she was super patient... sitting in a chair for several hours whilst 2 ladies plaited her hair into hundreds of very thin plaits and put little plastic multi coloured beads on the end. In the photo the kids are sporting their UK gifts: Anna is covered in Dora the Explorer stickers, Ludo has a huge bubble wand, and Babocar is wearing a Ben 10 watch type thing!
On the move... we passed literally thousands of animals (goats, sheep and cattle) making what is apparently a twice yearly 600-800km migration (on foot), to different pastures and markets.

The cattle are just beautiful, albeit skinny... and at +$200 a piece they make their owners very wealthy...Nomad support carts follow the herders carrying water (sometimes in inflatable rubber dingys - random), supplies and the women and children. Despite their families wealth (in terms of animals) these children are always on the move and are therefore rarely, if ever, in school.At Hotel Paradise Spearsy attempts to emulate the herders...

It is a slightly random place. Not quite as random as Family Kingdom in Freetown... but the walls are covered in murals... feels like we are at pre school!

Alas, despite the colourful wall paintings its not exactly a classy joint... here it seems a bird has made a nest in the bathroom window... nice.

And to finish the long blog of many photos here are 2 Senegalese mini munchkins