But generally, if you throw an arm around them and take them out for a beer they revert to their natural Senegalese hospitable selves. But those are the ones that are chasing you. If you have reason to approach a Senegalese, then they all turn out to be interested and charming. I've met a couple of folks that have helped me sort out the Dakar online guide, and a particularly nice French guy and his sister. They swarm over the streets or wait on the roadside.
Beggars are everywhere and the kids are only about six or so.
I have seen this before, but I've never been quite the object of such desperation. But taking time, talking with the people, and indulging in their elaborate tea making rituals helps bring Dakar into focus. Everyone's trying to get by. LiA logo by Paulo Akiiki , Uganda. West African images by M. Davies .