Chuck’s Arrival in Dakar and Anne’s First Month

Bright living room with white sofas and large window.

April 26, 2006 Chuck’s first impressions of Dakar Arrived safely at 5:30Am Tues. after a flight of only 6 ½ hours – wow. Had some problems with Snooty. Ran into an anti-cat policy on C&J Trailways and on Amtrak. Suggest the Pro – Feline Groups take up arms. South African Airways had no problem with…

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​Anne’s Arrival in Dakar

Scenic view of palm trees and distant ocean under a clear blue sky.

April 4, 2003 Anne’s arrival Hello everyone, and greetings from Dakar. It is a beautiful warm day –perfect. I got here Saturday night after traveling for ages (including an 8 hours wait in Paris – but I couldn’t go into town since I had one of our cats with me). Everything is great. The house…

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Doheny Street Synagogue, Budapest

Weeping willow tree with cascading branches over a water body.

The Dohany Street Synagogue, Budapest, Hungary May 2018 The Dohany St. Synagogue is most extraordinary. It is the largest synagogue in Europe; it is the second largest in the world. It seats 3000. Its architecture is a cross between Christian, Muslim and Jewish. Its faith is neither Orthodox nor Reform; it is known as “Neolog”.…

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Lake Como and Lecco

A scenic lakeside view with mountains and trees reflecting in calm water.

Lecco? Never heard of it? After three wonderful months exploring southwestern France and northern Spain, we left our base in Narbonne and launched our six-week journey through central Europe. Eight and a half hours driving time brought us to Lecco in northern Italy. Why Lecco? It was a convenient stopover. We knew nothing about the…

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Crazy politics, Goree and Valentines Day on Ingor Island

A couple sitting inside a large red heart sculpture by the beach.

Travels With Anzie – Crazy Politics in Senegal February 2019 Sunday February 24 is the presidential election. We have been advised not to travel to downtown Dakar, because these elections can become violent. The former President, Abdoulaye Wade has asked people to attack the polls. He is angry because his son, Kalim Wade, and the…

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Mamadou Revisited

Two men sitting on a couch, smiling warmly.

February 2019 Travels With Anzie – Mamadou Revisited We met Mamadou in 2003, soon after we arrived in Dakar to begin our three-year stint. Mamadou was our waiter at Lagon I, now the No. 2 restaurant in Dakar. We just seemed to hit it off. The next thing we know we’re invited to his house…

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Dakar Taxi Revisited

Fishermen sorting fresh fish on a dock under bright sunlight.

February 2019 Travels With Anzie – Dakar Taxi Revisited I have attached the original Dakar Taxi journal below that I wrote during our original stay. Please read it before continuing here. So, most of it has remained the same. The big change is in road conditions. All of the main highways have been repaved, widened…

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Our first 72 hours in Southern France

Cozy patio with white chairs and greenery beside a house.

Travels With Anzie – Our First 72 Hours in Southern France March 2, 2019 Friday was a long day. Up at 2:30 AM. Ibou, property manager for his uncle, was at our door at 3:00. Helped us carry bags down four flights. Contacted our taximan, Hassane. when he was 15 minutes late. There’s American time.…

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Bobby Lapoint

Mural of a man and woman sharing drinks at a small table.

Travels With Anzie – Boby Lapointe May 2019 Moliere and Boby You mean you don’t know Boby Lapointe? Why, he’s the favorite son of Pezenas, France, along with Moliere. Boby is a more legitimate son, since he was born in Pezenas. Whereas Moliere spent some time here over a few years. The city has been…

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Exploring the Pergord

A person walking near a large rock formation with carved niches.

May 2019 Exploring the Perigord: We’re north of Bordeaux in the land of truffles, paté de foie gras, caves and castles. Truffles I have no interest in. At one time I took a serious look at growing them. I talked to a gentleman in the Carolinas who was selling filbert trees onto the roots of…

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