Dakar Diaries: The Real Talk No One Tells You

look, dakar isn't for the faint of heart. it's loud, it's chaotic, and it's got more personality than a reality tv star on caffeine. i moved here thinking i'd be sipping cocktails by the ocean every night, but reality hit me like a wave of hot air the second i stepped off the plane. the heat? brutal. the traffic? a nightmare. but somehow, it works. somehow, it's home.

the good, the bad, and the sweaty

pros

- *the people: senegalese hospitality is no joke. you'll be invited to someone's home for tea after knowing them for five minutes. it's beautiful and slightly overwhelming.
- the food: thiéboudiène (fish and rice) is life. trust me, you'll dream about it. check out TripAdvisor's top senegalese restaurants if you don't believe me.
- the energy: dakar never sleeps. there's always music, always movement, always something happening. it's exhausting and exhilarating all at once.

cons

- the heat: seriously, it's like living in a sauna. bring sunscreen, a hat, and a lot of patience.
- the traffic: imagine rush hour in new york, but with more honking and less rules. it's an adventure every time you step into a car.
- the cost of living*: rent in dakar can be surprisingly high. a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around $600-$1,000 a month. not exactly budget-friendly, but you can find cheaper options if you're willing to live a bit further out.

overheard gossip and drunk advice

i once asked a local why everyone in dakar seems to be in a hurry. he laughed and said, "because if you're not moving, you're losing." another friend warned me about the "dakar shuffle"-the art of dodging potholes, street vendors, and stray animals all at once. it's a skill you'll pick up quickly.

the numbers don't lie

here's a quick breakdown of what you're looking at financially:

the weather and what's nearby

right now, it's hot. like, "i just walked through a wall of steam" hot. but if you need a break, gorée island is just a short ferry ride away. it's peaceful, historic, and a great place to escape the chaos of the city.

final thoughts

living in dakar is like dating someone who's both incredibly charming and slightly unhinged. it's not always easy, but it's never boring. if you're up for the challenge, it'll give you stories to tell for a lifetime. just don't forget your sunscreen.

p.s. if you're curious about what other expats think, check out this Reddit thread for some real talk.

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