DAY 103 - DAY NINETY FIVE ON THE CRYSTAL SERENITY

We had a wonderful time last evening as we celebrated dear friend Glo's Birthday in Prego.  There were 14 people who attended the celebration and we were at two tables.  Those who attended with spouses sat at separate tables from their spouse and were either at Glo's table or Bob's table.  Keith was at Glo's table and Anne Marie was at Bob's table.  When we sang Happy Birthday to Glo there was a nice Birthday Cake for her and then there was also a Birthday Cake for Ellie who was celebrating her birthday the next day.  We were very honored to be party of the Birthday Celebration for Glo.  It was an absolutely wonderful evening.

Photo of Birthday Girl Glo.  

We slept very well as we always do on the ship and began our day as we normally do.  Keith woke first and read and wrote and worked out at the Fitness Center.  He stopped by the Lido Cafe for coffee.  Anne Marie woke up earlier than usual and after having coffee we both did a partial walk so that we could return to our room to have breakfast earlier than we normally do since we were touring today.

Today represented our first visit to Dakar, Senegal.

We  took a Crystal Tour but did it privately.We had a tour guide, Mamoune and a driver Kaband.

Tour Guide Mamoune. He spoke very good English and also speaks the two local language plus French.  Senegal only got their independence from France in 1960.  Their current President is their fourth President since independence.

As part of the tour we went to Goree Island, which provided the history of Slave Trade.  Before we took the Ferry over to the Island we drove all around the city and Mamoune gave us the layout of the city as we drove by several historical areas.

During the course of the tour we visited Saint Charles Boromeo Church,  Governor’s Palace and the Historical Museum.  As we walked Keith mentioned that what really hits home is that in the context of history and in the scheme of things that slave trade was not too long ago and a reminder about how bad and hard life can be for so many people.

Items for sale.

Outside of House Of Slaves Built in 1776.

Slave Cell

Many of the streets were lined with buildings of this architecture.

A native Tree.

Inside the Church.

This monument was given by the United States when Bill Clinton was President.

These guns are from World War I.

Some of the Fishermen.

We spoke with Mamoune about the economy of his country and many people do not work full time.  Many work selling goods which was evident as we drove around the city.  This is yet another reminder to us that we have so much to be thankful about and we should never let the little things bother us because in the scheme of things they are trivial compared to the day-to-day challenges that so many people around the world face.

We had wonderful weather; not hot and not cold.  Just right.

We learned a lot from the tour and were very pleased to do it privately through Crystal Cruises.

After returning from the tour, we each had salad entrees which we had pre-ordered with Rao and enjoyed them in our room.

We enjoyed the rest of the day on the ship.  We each worked out.  Anne Marie walked and Keith went to the Fitness Center.  Keith also played Paddle Tennis. The weather was a delight.

This evening we will be back in the Crystal Dining Room for dinner.

TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY…...

"Find the good and praise it." - Alex Haley

Keith & Anne Marie