Yoff Beach
(snapshot of life in Senegal)

- During the week, the fishermen took their boats out. When the catch was not good, a sacrifice was made to the sea goddess, who, according to legend resided on the island not far from shore. A coworker swam in the ocean occasionally, and I never had the heart to tell him of his chances of brushing up against a random bit of severed goat.

Live critters defined the beach as well. Random dog packs wandered and sidled up to the toubabs, expecting affection that the flea-savvy locals didn’t yield. They skulked among grass-roofed shelters that lined the beach, available for daily rent when the day became too hot. Here random vendors and artisans – varying in aggressiveness – would approach and were best deterred by a confession of having no money. Or claiming membership in the Corps de Paix, upon which poverty was automatically assumed.

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