Location: M’Bour, SenegalEpisode Notes: Today was a special one — my 72nd birthday! And what better place to celebrate than right here on the Senegalese coast. The plan was simple: take it easy, enjoy the warm air, and have dinner in town to mark the occasion.It made me think back to another memorable birthday years ago — this one on the opposite side of Africa, when I was on Mount Kilimanjaro, which I’ve climbed twice. In case you’re ever planning to go, here’s a tip: you don’t need fancy gear for Kilimanjaro — it’s a walk-up mountain. What you really need is time to acclimatize, ideally five days (three and a half up, one and a half down). The climb is pricey these days, but with guides and porters included, it’s worth it for the experience.Here in M’Bour (pronounced… well, however you manage!), life is full of movement. The traffic is chaotic, the roads outside the main ones are just sand and rocks, and navigating means dodging donkeys, goats, horses — and sometimes people. But it’s all part of the rhythm of life here.We took care of some laundry and then ventured into town for dinner. Ordering turned into its own little adventure. I tried to order two milkshakes — one chocolate and one vanilla-coconut — but my French wasn’t quite up to the task. We ended up with a mix of both flavors in one! A funny mistake, easily fixed by ordering another.Despite the dust and the bumps, I found M’Bour to be a lively and surprisingly tidy town. Garbage collection is an issue across much of Africa, but here, people genuinely make an effort — trucks run, and streets get cleaned.All in all, it was a simple, happy birthday. A day full of small stories, smiles, and the sound of life around every corner. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to turn 72.Key Moments:Birthday Reflections – Turning 72 and reflecting on another memorable birthday atop Mount Kilimanjaro.Kilimanjaro Climbing Tips – It’s a walk-up, not a technical climb; take your time and enjoy the journey.Life in M’Bour – Navigating sandy, bumpy roads full of traffic, donkeys, and goats.Laundry and Local Life – Everyday tasks like laundry and finding dinner turn into little adventures.The Milkshake Miscommunication – A French mix-up leads to an accidental blend of chocolate and coconut flavors.Appreciating Clean Efforts – Noticing how M’Bour stands out with its active garbage collection and cleaner streets.A Perfect Birthday Abroad – A calm evening, good food, and a sense of gratitude for life’s ongoing journey.

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