We leave the ship for what will be our last long weekend away until we sail back to Tenerife in July.
Toubab Dialaw is a cool little fishing village found about 50 kilometres south of Dakar and we choose this spot for a well deserved weekend away.
We stay at Solo Bade, an eclectic beachside hotel built in the 60’s by a Haitian immigrant called Gerard Chenet. “Sobo” is the voodoo god of storms and “Badé” is the goddess of lightning. The hotel is constructed of volcanic rock, marble, thatch, bamboo and mosaic ceramic and shells, creating an very unique look.
Chenet was also the architect, writer, and founder of a cultural exchange space in the area called ‘Espace Sobo Bade’. Its about a 30 minute walk to the space which has, since Covid, fallen into disarray and the family who own it struggle to keep it afloat which is a shame.
There are several great local restaurants and bars dotted along the beach. After a few swims in what is one of the cleanest sections of beach, we have a great evening out with our group – a nice dinner with great company.
We take a short boat trip across the Somone lagoon and arrive at Chez Rasta, a Rastafarian restaurant serving up local fish and rice dishes. The huts are decked out in traditional red, gold and green colors and smooth reggae wafts out of speakers. We relax and wile away the afternoon.
Its another great long weekend organised by Melody, our ‘tour guide extraordinaire’.
A special weekend with special friends – what could be better!
Yet another wonderful memory. You have certainly explored so much of the surrounding areas to Daakar. Thanks for sharing. Muss you two.