By now we all know that Senegal is a former French colony, and as such I should expect to come into contact with Senegalese things while out in Francophonia. Still, I have a sneaking suspicion that Senegal loves me and wants to make sure I know this. Or maybe it’s just the Senegalese tourism board using a bit of magic to get on my good side.
During my last two trips abroad (like, from Senegal), I have come into some amusing “Remember me?” contact with my home away from home.
The morning after I got into Washington DC, I was taken to get my hair cut by a friend of mine. I didn’t pick the place, but look what was located just near the salon. Not even 12 hours into my “land of working streetlights” trip, and I am reminded that my West African experience is never far away.
Paris seems to be no different.
On my various walks to nowhere while in the city, I like to take side streets and go to places where I hear a little less English. This is getting increasingly difficult as Paris becomes more international. Still, my first side street brought another familiar sight:
Are we back in Washington or something? Of course I am going to find you here! I mean, it’s not like I was out walking on Embassy Row or anything…
That afternoon I take myself on a self-guided gastronomic walking tour to Les Halles. Nothing but good food, scenery and wait- what’s going on at the Bourse de Commerce?
God does have a sense of humor, and I do love my fair share of irony. Of course I have to go in and check this expo out, and for a brief second I’m actually enjoying the the tell-tale scent of Senegal that permeates this room. No, I don’t buy anything- instead I just walk around en paix. No one here is trying to sell you Orange phone cards as you walk around and try to check out the wares.
Two day s later I am up in Montmartre to visit some French friends. We have a drink and on my way back to the metro I walk by the boulangerie that happened to win the best baguette in Paris for the year 2010. I’ve gotta buy a baguette- but not just because it’s going to be darn good. You know where the baker is from? You guessed it: Senegal.
Purchased still warm, this thing was fantastic. Unfortunately I did not run into the baker while in his fine shop- he is far too established in his metier to be hanging out and waiting to speak a few words of Wolof with someone like me.
Okay so that’s it for. I’m leaving the country in a few hours, but I have had a great stay. I’m not sure what type of internet I will have as I move onward with my fantastic voyage, but I will try to post more photos that I got from the remainder of Paris. I’ve had a fantastic time being back in this city, and look forward to returning again in the near future.
I’m curious to see how and if Senegal will make its appearance in Italy.