A Gas Station on the Beach?

Senegal is always full of unexpected things in random places, like this gas station in Soumbédioune, Dakar, Senegal

Goats escaping the summer's heat under pirogues in Soumbédioune

The launching area for the fishing pirogues.  I found this really cool visual of the Bay of Soumbédioune. 

Most of these photos are taken from the northwestern beach of the bay

Children on the beach

Pirogues

Something about this payphone amused me endlessly. (Who uses payphones anymore? And even if you wanted to, there's not even a phone!)

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Another Side of Dakar

Someone told me that my lense only shows a certain slice of Dakar, Senegal.

They are right. I take photos of what captures my interest, what I look at and immediately want to immortalize.

Like this beautiful spot off the coast of Dakar in Les Almadies

But that someone was right. There's an entire other side of Dakar, filled with poverty that is unimaginable, trash that is unavoidable,

and infrastructure that is nonexistent--where you have beautiful mansions in Les Almadies (the "ritzy" part of Dakar) 

right next to lots like this where trash is burned, stray dogs huddle, and children play with refuse.

And you see lots like this and are impressed by how clean it is and then wonder how long before a squatter builds a cardboard house like this one

I find myself standing next to (or often in) trash all the time.   Like this trash at the light house in Dakar. 

I'd rather remember the light house like this and show the world Senegal's beauty then focus on where Senegal might be lagging

I'll stand here but I'd rather take this photo at the Mosque by the Sea than this one of trash

So yes, I may provide a specific slice of life in Dakar, but I think the world hasn't seen enough of the beauty Senegal has to offer. 

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Arms Linked in Soumbédioune

One of my favorite things about Senegalese culture? Friends of all ages often link arms when walking together.

Near Soumbédioune, Dakar, Senegal

A monument at Soumbédioune. We couldn't figure out what it was a monument for. Maybe something military related?

Artwork in Soumbédioune

Pirogues at Soumbédioune

Pirogues under construction, well used, and discarded at Soumbédioune

I found this guy so interesting. Here's a better view of him.

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