dust in the wind and a sunburn i didn't ask for

it's 23 degrees but feels like 22, and i'm sitting in this little cafe that smells like burnt sugar and regret. the humidity's at 31%, which is basically a lie because the wind feels like it's peeling my skin off layer by layer. i checked the forecast before i came, and it said 'pleasant,' but pleasant is not the word i'd use right now. more like 'why did i wear this black shirt' kind of day.

anyway, i'm here because someone told me the pastries are life-changing. and they weren't wrong. the croissant was so flaky it left a trail of crumbs on my keyboard like breadcrumbs in a fairy tale, except instead of leading me home, they just led me to more regret about my diet. but hey, when in rome-or wherever this is.

i overheard a couple at the next table talking about how this place is basically the 'heart of the city,' but i'm not gonna say that because i promised myself i wouldn't use that phrase. instead, i'll just say it's got this weird charm, like it's trying too hard to be cool but somehow pulling it off. there's street art everywhere, and not the kind that looks like it was done by a toddler with a spray can. no, this stuff is legit. i even saw a mural of a cat wearing sunglasses, and honestly, that's the kind of energy i want to bring into my life.

if you get bored, dakar and banjul are just a short drive away, or so i've heard. i haven't been yet, but a guy at the hostel swore up and down that dakar has the best nightlife in the region. he also said something about a beach party that lasts until sunrise, but i'm not sure if i believe him. he was pretty drunk at the time, and his advice might've been more rum than reality.

anyway, here's a map so you can see where i am. it's not the most exciting place on the map, but it's got its moments.

i took a few photos while i was wandering around. the light here is insane-like, golden hour all day long. it's the kind of place that makes you want to be an influencer, even if you're just taking pictures of your shoes.

if you're planning a trip here, bring sunscreen. like, a lot of it. and maybe a hat. and definitely a sense of humor, because this place will test it. but hey, that's travel, right? it's messy, it's unpredictable, and sometimes it leaves you with crumbs in your keyboard and a story to tell.

for more info on local spots, check out *tripadvisor or yelp*. they've got reviews from people who actually know what they're talking about, unlike me. but if you want the messy, unfiltered version, you're in the right place.

anyway, that's all for now. i'm gonna go find some water and maybe another croissant. because why not?