Is it me, or is the world shrinking?

P6210029

While I have, for the most part, ceased to be amazed when I encounter people I know in random places, it was still a shock to take a seat on the ferry between Dakar and Gorée Island, only to see someone I know sitting next to me. I did a double take...is that Patrick? I sat there for a few minutes, whispering to my friend Matilda, "I think I know him! But, could it really be him?" Finally, I had to just spit it out...

"Are you Patrick?"

For those of you who are affiliated with the World Affairs Council, it may not be surprising to you that I ran into Patrick Stewart...he's certainly someone you probably wouldn't miss in a crowd. :) But it was such a pleasant surprise to run into someone great, like him! His travels are more like an Odyssey than a trip, starting in Senegal, bouncing to Morrocco, stopover in Western Europe, and, to top it off, a week of biking in Finland. Wow, is what I say!

Anyway, after the brief encounter on the ferry, we were able to meet up last weekend, for a day at the beach. Our initial attempts to sneak into the fancy hotel, where the Pointe des Almadies (the western-est most tippiest tip of Africa) is located were squarely shut down. ( 10,000 CFA, or about $25 USD, just to walk in the door!) Harumph.

We were able to salvage our adventure by stopping in at a small beach just down the road, where things were much more affordable and relaxing. It was a good day, topped off with some gengembre (ginger juice) and mango ice cream. YUM!

Small world...and getting smaller!

That's all for now.