Thwarted on Dakar's streets...

Even though I consider myself to be moderately seasoned on the streets and traveling, there was not much I could do to be fully prepared for the capital/mercantile onslaught of central Dakar's streets... There are vendors, hustlers, tour guides, and everything in between coming at you from every angle speaking every language they know: Wolof, French, English, etc...Today was the first time I have ever been pickpocketed: from a zippered pants pocket, in broad daylight, with two other friends walking with me. Here's how it worked: man distracts by commenting and pulling on my left pant leg as I am loooking to cross the street, most likely his partner is in the meantime working my zippered pocket open to get cash only, not my mobile phone, credit cards, or pens... only about $30 total and a small set back financially, but a huge step forward when it comes to dealing with some really talented hustlers trying to get money any way they can: be it from selling shoes, watches, pants, pens, etc. on the street, or just plain taking it from your pockets. Some would say the ultimate in capitalism, both for good and for bad depending on who you talk to??? Who knows, all I know now is where and how to carry my money and valuables while in the streets :)

The plus side is I met two new American friends at the Mali embassy this morning who I am considering traveling to and through Gambia, and enroute to Mali and ultimately Accra, Ghana as well... More updates to follow; no pictures until I get to a better area, perhaps tomorrow on Goree Island, one of the finest places to visit around Dakar, with no cars, less hustlers, and some great photographic potential!!!

$30 poorer but much the wiser,
Chris