Location: St. Louis to Saly (via Kaolack and M’Bour), SenegalEpisode Notes: Today’s journey took us from St. Louis toward Dakar — not quite into the capital itself, but close enough to handle the essential errands that come with overlanding across borders. I needed to get the vehicle’s carnet de passage officially signed off at the customs office in Dakar, since the temporary paper we had was only valid for seven days. In addition, we were hoping to organize visas for Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, so Dakar became our next necessary stop.The drive south brought plenty of surprises — from police stops to roadside coffees and a few lessons in local bureaucracy. In Kaolack, we paused for a short break where I discovered “long coffee,” a small but tasty cup poured back and forth between two cups from a distance to cool and froth it — a surprisingly good technique. I also found bissap, a delicious hibiscus-based drink that’s both refreshing and healthy (and even made into jam).Of course, it wouldn’t be a day on African roads without a few run-ins with the police. The first one caught me without a seatbelt barely a kilometer after leaving — resulting in a fine of 3,000 CFA (about $5) after some polite negotiation at the police station. Not too bad. Later in Saly, another officer decided our car documents had “problems” — first a missing corner, then tinted windows — and we ended up paying another 12,000 CFA ($20) at the local station. At least the process was quick, and we managed to keep our spirits high.By evening, we arrived at Hotel Blue Africa in Saly, a lovely spot right on the beach lined with palm trees. The ocean invited us for a quick swim, though the rocks made it tricky. Dinner was simple — grilled fish, fries, and a cold Flag beer — but after the day’s chaos, it tasted perfect.Despite the tickets, confusion, and questionable roads (including one water-filled stretch that nearly rattled the car apart), it was a day full of stories — the kind that remind me why travel in Africa is never dull.Key Moments:Leaving St. Louis for Dakar – Setting off for the capital to sort out paperwork and upcoming visas.The Long Coffee of Kaolack – Discovering a local coffee ritual involving a pour from high above — surprisingly smooth and tasty.Discovering Bissap – A refreshing hibiscus drink with a tangy twist and local charm.First Police Stop – Caught without a seatbelt and fined 3,000 CFA; a small reminder to buckle up fast.Second Stop in Saly – A questionable citation over car documents and window tinting that cost 12,000 CFA.Hotel Blue Africa Arrival – Beachfront palm trees, warm ocean water, and a much-needed place to unwind.Dinner and Reflection – Fish, fries, and Flag beer to close the day on a calm note after a string of chaotic moments.

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