My friend Chris offered to show me around Dakar for a day, to show me what the Paris of Africa is like. We went to Gorre Island, a small island off the coast of Dakar that was used as a hub during the slave trade. The island is covered with old French architecture, brightly colored buildings that the people of Gorre and Dakar are working to preserve as historical sites. There are several museums and monuments to the slave trade and the slaves.
We visited one museum housed in the former prison, and another in the former auction house. The rooms were preserved as they had been during the slave trade, with rooms for men, women, and children. It was amazing and heartbreaking to tour the buildings. Chris suggested we employ a local guide, and he explained the history and function of the slave house.
The island also has several art galleries, craft markets and wandering drummers and entertainers catering to the tourist that come from Senegal, West Africa, Europe and America.
We visited one museum housed in the former prison, and another in the former auction house. The rooms were preserved as they had been during the slave trade, with rooms for men, women, and children. It was amazing and heartbreaking to tour the buildings. Chris suggested we employ a local guide, and he explained the history and function of the slave house.
The island also has several art galleries, craft markets and wandering drummers and entertainers catering to the tourist that come from Senegal, West Africa, Europe and America.
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