During our field practice we had the opportunity to get away from our various service projects to explore some of the sights in Dakar.

Our first trip took us to the African Renaissance Monument, the tallest statue on the continent of Africa. This statue was finished in 2009 and was built as monument for all African people.

Our trip to the statue included walking the many steps to the plaza surrounding the statue.  We then took a tour through the museum inside the statue and rode the elevator to the viewing room located in the man’s head.

Some fun facts about the African Renaissance Monument:

1. The statue stands at 49 meters, 3 meters taller than the Statue of Liberty.
2. The statue was fabricated in North Korea.
3. The statue and lighthouse are located on a pair of hills near the coast.  These two hills are the highest points in all of Senegal and are known as the Deux Mamelles or in English, the Two Boobs.

Our second trip took us to the Les Mamalles Lighthouse. This was very interesting. Due to the location on the westernmost point of Africa, this lighthouse has been essential for transatlantic navigation of vessels acting as a gateway between the West and Africa/Europe.

We were given a guided tour of the lighthouse by a very informative and hilarious guide. We were given information on the history and provided the opportunity to see the beacon and climb to the top.

Our last trip was to the main campus of the Dakar Academy. Here we were given a tour of their facilities including the main building, dorms, and athletic facilities.  The campus was very nice and was a welcome site they had a large grass field.  It had not hit me until I walked on it that I had not seen a grass field since we left the USA.

The Dakar Academy has approximately 200 students enrolled each year and also serves as a boarding school for some students whose families reside elsewhere in Africa. I imagine our academy on board the ship will be partnering with the Dakar Academy for social gatherings during these 10 months in Senegal.

These trips were welcomed excursions outside our guest house and I look forward to many more excursions into the city during this year.

Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and messages!