This week I visited Ile de Ngor, one of three islands just off the coast of Dakar. We took a five-minute ride across the water on a motorized pirogue and landed on a picturesque beach with lovely views of the city.
We ate lunch, walked around the island, and lay on beach mats that you can rent for less than $2. (Not the “royal” we, btw – I was with a friend that I made through this very blog!) I attempted to read French fashion magazines, with limited success. It was a peaceful and relaxing getaway.
This weekend promises to be similarly low-key, aside from a still-tentatively-planned Senegalese wrestling match on Sunday. If I go, I’ll report back…
In the meantime, here are some interesting recent reads/views to start your weekend:
French chefs and refugees team up for an unusual food festival in Paris.
The most commonly misused English words. Apparently I’ve been using “bemused” incorrectly.
Traditional wedding dresses around the world. The bridal headwear in some of these puts American veils to shame.
A couple of weeks ago I posted a link about the Olympics refugee team. Meet the team members.
Eater’s list of the best Paris restaurants. #33 speaks to me.
Atlas Obscura’s guide to an entomologist’s dream vacation.
Linguists dissect and analyze Hillary and Donald’s speech patterns.
Jokes from young people around the world. I like the Norwegian one.
Syrian refugees in Greece put their tent on Airbnb, promising scorpions, dehydration and ‘broken promises’
How a Portuguese-to-English phrasebook – written by a man who spoke terrible English – became a cult comedy sensation.
Silencing the auto-correct in your head.
And finally, my friend shared this video from the 1979 World Disco Finals on Facebook during the Republican National Convention, and it restored my faith in humanity.
This weekend, remember: we were born to be alive. Don’t let the hate get you down, and do some good living!
[Photos: Isabella Ssozi]
talk foreign to me 