Loman Art Dakar: Senegal's Hidden Gem Unveiled!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Loman Art Dakar! "Senegal's Hidden Gem Unveiled!" – that's some marketing puffery, right? But hold on to your hats, because sometimes, just sometimes, the hype is real. And this place? It’s…well, it’s complicated. Let's get messy with it, shall we?
First Impressions and the Arrival Rodeo (Accessibility, Getting Around, Services and Conveniences)
Landing in Dakar is a whirlwind. The airport? Let's just say "organized chaos" is a charitable description. Airport transfer at Loman is a life-saver. Seriously, pay the (reasonable) fee. I'm talking from experience here. The drive in is hectic – horns honking, mopeds weaving, the whole shebang. Loman, thankfully, is a welcome haven.
Accessibility: Now, the website claims accessibility. They have elevator, and facilities for disabled guests. But guys, I'm going to level with you. "Accessible" in Senegal doesn't always mean what it means in, say, Switzerland. Check the specifics if you have mobility concerns. I had none, but I did notice some potential pinch points. Car park [free of charge] is a bonus, and there's valet parking too, which is nice when you're tired from the flight. The doorman is super friendly, always ready with a smile.
Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are available – depending on your mood, I guess. I always opt for private; it's less of a human-sized traffic jam. Contactless check-in/out is a godsend in the current climate.
Room Revelations (Available in All Rooms, Cleanliness and Safety)
Okay, the rooms. Let's get real. My room? (Which, by the way, were non-smoking) It was…lovely. Spacious. Clean. Air conditioning blasted (thank the heavens!). My first proper sigh of relief after wading through Dakar's heat. There's air conditioning in public area too. They have Daily housekeeping and you are welcome to opt-out of Room sanitization opt-out available.
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The Wi-Fi [free] is crucial. I have friends who are still paying for data plans when they are traveling and that will definitely not be me.
And the cleanliness? Top marks. They clearly take their Anti-viral cleaning products and Rooms sanitized between stays seriously. Plus, the essential Hand sanitizer is everywhere. They even have Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup, which is comforting. And Staff trained in safety protocol, which gives you a much-needed sense of security. The presence of Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas also puts you at ease.
Food Follies (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
Alright, here's where things get interesting. The Restaurants are pretty good, actually. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise, and I dug into a spicy Thai curry. I ordered Room service [24-hour] one night – mostly because I was too lazy to leave my luxurious bathrobes . The Western breakfast is solid, all the usual suspects and you could also get Asian breakfast.
The Buffet in restaurant is a bit…unpredictable. Some days it’s a triumph of Senegalese flavors, other days? Well, let's just say I saw a rogue piece of melon. It’s hit and miss, I'll be honest. A la carte in restaurant is a better bet – you have more control.
The Poolside bar is a must. Especially for Happy hour. Watching the sun sink over the city, cocktail in hand… pure bliss. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant as well which is much needed after a night of cocktails.
The Drinks and Dining section is missing: Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant.
Spa Shenanigans (Ways to Relax)
Oh, the Spa. THIS. IS. EVERYTHING. I did a Body scrub and a Massage, and I swear, I floated out of there. Just…pure, unadulterated relaxation. They offer Foot bath, Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom. If you're stressed, book yourself in. Seriously, do it. It's worth every single CFA franc. The Pool with view is also gorgeous, another great spot to destress.
Things to do (and Not to Do)
Things to do: The hotel is a great base from which to explore Dakar! There are tons of amazing sights.
They have Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly, so feel free to bring the kids!
They have Couple's room, which are great for a romantic getaway.
The missing section is: Body wrap, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Proposal spot.
The Quirks and Imperfections
No place is perfect, right? The service can be a little…Senegalese. Sometimes things take a bit longer than you're used to and it is better to take a breather. Learning to be patient, is the greatest skill.
Final Verdict (And Why You Should Book)
Look, Loman Art Dakar isn't flawless. It’s a bit rough around the edges in places, but that adds to its charm. It’s authentic. It’s a hidden gem. And honestly? The spa alone is worth the price of admission. It’s a great value, with some serious luxury touches.
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Loman Art Dakar: Your Escape Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Fairfield Inn & Suites St. Paul (Vadnais Heights)!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is real life in Dakar, Senegal, brought to you by yours truly, who's probably going to spill coffee on this thing at some point. Welcome to the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable travel plan… or, let's be honest, attempted plan… for Loman Art Dakar.
Loman Art Dakar - A Messy, Beautiful Dance with Senegal (and My Sanity)
Day 1: Dakar Arrival - Jet Lag, Joy, and the Great Baguette Quest
- Morning (ish) - Arrival and the Airport Shuffle: Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport. Expect chaos. Expect humidity. Expect a queue longer than the Nile. My flight was delayed – classic! – but hey, more time to dream of the beach, right? Passport control felt like an eternity. Why do they always look so stern? Maybe they’re just tired of tourists fumbling with their visas (guilty). Finally, freedom! Met the driver I arranged (through a recommendation… fingers crossed he's legit) and squeezed into the car. The initial drive into Dakar… my god. A kaleidoscope of colors, noise, and energy. I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to the traffic. And the sheer audacity of the goats wandering the streets!
- Afternoon - Hotel Check-In and The Great Baguette Hunt: Checked into my hotel in the Plateau district. Supposedly a charming boutique hotel… let's see. First impressions: the air conditioning is a blessing sent from heaven, but the wifi is a cruel joke. Time to recover from the jet lag (which is kicking my butt). But first… the baguette quest! French bakery in sight! My mission: find the perfect, crusty, warm-from-the-oven baguette. I swear, I walked for miles in search of this godsend. After three false starts (soggy disappointment!), I finally stumbled upon an authentic one. Victory!
- Evening - Dinner and First Impressions: Dinner at a nearby restaurant specializing in Thieboudienne. Rice, fish, vegetables all soaked in that delicious tomato sauce. I had barely touched the dish when I was already thinking of my next meal! The restaurant owner kept a close eye on whether his customer liked the food. I guess this is a way of showing hospitality in Senegal. Walked around the streets after dinner. The buzz, the music, the street vendors selling everything from phone chargers to beautiful fabrics… Dakar is a sensory overload in the best possible way. I managed to get a fresh juice at a street vendor before heading back to my hotel.
Day 2: Gorée Island - Ghosts, History, and Water that Takes My Breath Away
- Morning - Ferry to Gorée: Headed to the ferry terminal for the short trip to Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its poignant history. I made a point to get there early to beat the crowds. The ferry ride itself offered stunning views of the Dakar coast. The island… it's a punch to the gut. The House of Slaves… the weight of that history is overwhelming. I wandered around the island. The vibrant colors of the buildings, the flowers spilling over balconies… it's beautiful, but it’s layered with the sadness of what happened there. I couldn't help but cry a little.
- Afternoon - Island Exploration and Fish Lunch: Explored the island. I walked along the cobblestone streets, looked at the art galleries, and breathed in the sea air. Found a small restaurant overlooking the water, and had the freshest grilled fish you could imagine. The water is this incredible turquoise color. It takes your breath away.
- Evening - Back to Dakar and a Surprise: Back to Dakar on the ferry. Found a cozy little cafe for a refreshing drink. I swear a monkey jumped on my shoulder. Turns out it was someone in disguise. I was quite freaked out!
Day 3: Art, Markets, and a Near-Death Experience with a Taxi
- Morning - Art at the Village des Arts: Explored the Village des Arts, a collective of artists’ studios. So many incredible, inspiring pieces! From paintings and sculptures to mixed-media installations. I met some of the artists. One was a woman, and her studio was messy. She was passionate about her art. Bought a piece I absolutely fell in love with – a vibrant painting that now adorns my wall back home.
- Afternoon - Marché Kermel (Market): Dive into the chaos of Marché Kermel. The sounds, the smells, the sheer volume of people… it's intense. The vendors are shouting prices. It's the quintessential market and it's absolutely worth getting lost in. The freshest fruits ever. I tried to bargain, badly. Ended up paying twice what I should have, but hey, I got a bag big enough to fit a small child's head!.
- Evening - The Taxi Ride and a Close Call: Tried to flag a taxi. After a long wait, I finally got one. The driver was… shall we say… spirited. The driving was wild! I swear, we dodged more potholes and other vehicles than I've had hot meals. At one point, I'm pretty sure we were going to collide head-on with a bus. I screamed. He laughed! We survived. Never again. From now on, I'm sticking to walking, or maybe a donkey cart. Dinner at a restaurant with music, managed to find some local music.
Day 4: Beach Day, Sunset, and Regrets
- Morning - Beach Bliss (and Sand in Everything): Spent the morning at a beach near Dakar. The sand is everywhere! It's in your hair, your clothes, your food… but the ocean is so inviting. I spent hours swimming. The waves are rough, but that just made it more fun. Just a perfect, relaxing morning.
- Afternoon - Relaxing and Regrets: Chilled at a beachside cafe. Tried to write in my journal while watching the waves. Regretted not packing more sunscreen. Regretted not learning more basic French. Also, regretted not buying more souvenirs at the market. This feels like a recurring theme.
- Evening - Sunset and Farewell: Watched the most incredible sunset over the Atlantic. The colors were breathtaking. It felt like a perfect ending to the trip. Then, in a moment of weakness and a desperate desire for something comforting, I ate some fries. They were cold. I went to bed with a belly ache and a mix of happiness and sadness at the prospect of leaving.
Day 5: Departure - The Last Baguette (Maybe?)
- Morning: Tried to find one last perfect baguette. Failed. Packed my bags. Said farewell to the hotel staff.
- Afternoon: Back to the airport. The lines are shorter this time (miracle!), but the humidity hasn't let up. Replay all of the memories in my head.
- Evening: Take-off.
Final Thoughts (and a Few Tears):
Dakar. It's messy. It's loud. It's overwhelming. But it's also beautiful, vibrant, and filled with people who are warm, welcoming, and have stories to tell. I'll carry the memories of this trip with me forever – the warmth of the sun, the rhythm of the drums, the taste of Thieboudienne, the near-death taxi experience (shudder), and the hunt for the perfect baguette. I’m leaving a piece of my heart behind. And I know I’ll be back. Maybe next time, I'll learn how to bargain, and I'll definitely bring more sunscreen. And maybe, just maybe, I will find that perfect baguette. Or, you know… the next time ;)
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Loman Art Dakar: Senegal's Hidden Gem (Or Maybe Not So Hidden Anymore?) - You Asked, I Answer (Probably Too Much)
Okay, so what *is* Loman Art Dakar anyway? Is it even worth the hype?
Alright, picture this: dusty streets, vibrant colours exploding out of every corner, kids giggling, the smell of Senegalese food making your stomach rumble… and then, smack dab in the middle of it all, you stumble upon Loman Art Dakar. **It’s basically a collective, a hub, a chaotic explosion of creativity.** We’re talking art studios, workshops, co-working spaces, and probably a rogue cat or two. The hype? Well, let’s just say the first time *I* went? I nearly walked straight past it. Seriously! It's not exactly *signposted* with flashing neon lights.
Worth the hype? Tough one. **If you're expecting a sterile, perfectly curated gallery experience, you'll be disappointed.** This is raw. This is real. This is, at times, gloriously messy. Think: artists welding, chatting, sometimes yelling (in a friendly way!), and occasionally covered in paint. If that sounds good to you (and it *should*!), then yes. Absolutely. Pack your camera and a sense of adventure. And maybe some bug spray. Senegal, you know? Mosquitoes.
What kind of art can you find at Loman Art Dakar? I'm not exactly a "modern art" expert...
Oh, honey, prepare to have your mind blown. Forget what you *think* you know. **Forget your stuffy art history classes (unless you secretly loved them, no judgement!).** At Loman, you'll find everything from traditional West African art forms – think stunning batik textiles, intricate wood carvings – to cutting-edge contemporary stuff. I saw a sculpture made entirely of repurposed plastic bottles once. Genius! And totally horrifying when you thought about where all those bottles *came* from.
There are paintings, photography, installations, performance art… the list goes on. **The unifying factor? Passion.** These aren't artists just going through the motions. They *breathe* their work. It’s almost… overwhelming. In the best way, of course. Except that time I wandered into a performance art piece involving feathers and interpretive dance. I'm still not sure what happened, but I've never looked at a chicken the same way since. It's a gamble. But a worthwhile one.
Is it expensive? I'm on a budget.
Budget, eh? Okay, let's talk money. Look, you *can* find things to buy that will completely obliterate your bank account. Some of the more established artists' works fetch a pretty penny. But the beauty of a place like Loman is that **you can also find incredible, affordable art.** Especially if you're willing to chat with the artists. That's the key! Don't just wander around, staring silently. **Engage!** Ask questions! Tell them you absolutely *adore* that one piece that's calling your name.
I got a small but incredible painting from a young artist for what felt like a steal. (Well, after some polite bartering. It's the unspoken Senegalese art of negotiation, you know?). And remember, just supporting the artists by buying *anything* – even a postcard – makes a difference. Honestly, the experience itself is worth more than any price tag. Think of it less as a purchase, and more as an investment in your soul... and a pretty cool souvenir.
How do I get there? Any tips?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Getting around Dakar can be... an experience. Public transport is... let's just say "characterful." But fear not! Loman Art Dakar is (relatively) easy to find. **Get a taxi or Uber.** Make sure your driver knows the area, though. And *always* negotiate the price beforehand. Trust me on this one. Or you’ll find yourself paying more than the cost of a small painting!
My best tip? **Go with an open mind (and a full stomach!).** Dakar is a sensory overload. The heat, the noise, the constant chatter… it can be intense. But that's part of the magic! Don’t be afraid to get lost, even. (Though maybe download an offline map first. Just saying.) And pack water! Dehydration is not your friend, especially when you're trying to appreciate stunning art. Oh, and learn a few basic phrases in Wolof. It's always appreciated, and might get you a better bargain. *Jërëjëf*! (Thank you!)
I've heard there are workshops and events. Tell me more!
YES! This is one of the best parts! **Loman Art Dakar is not just a place to *see* art, it's a place to *experience* it.** They often have workshops, artist talks, and performances. Check their website or social media before you go to see what's on. I went to a drumming workshop once. I thought I had rhythm. Boy, was I wrong! My attempts sounded like a bag of cats falling down a flight of stairs. But it was hilarious (and the other people were very patient with me).
You might stumble upon a spontaneous dance performance, a heated debate about the meaning of life (or art), or even a fashion show. **It's a living, breathing organism.** Don't be shy about joining in! Even if you're not the most artistic person in the world, you'll learn something. Plus, you'll meet some incredibly interesting people. I made a friend there who now sends me postcards from all over the world. Just goes to show... you never know what adventures await!
What's the vibe like? Is it safe?
The vibe? **Electric. Energetic. Chaotic. In a good way, mostly.** It's not like a hushed, intimidating museum. It's more like a friendly neighbourhood gathering with a serious artistic streak. People are generally welcoming and open. The artists are *passionate* about their work and happy to share it and share their stories.
Is it safe? Well, Dakar is generally a safe city, but of course, always be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry or wander around deserted areas alone at night. Basic common sense applies. Honestly, I felt safer in Loman than I have in some "safe" parts of Paris. But always trust your gut. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation. And watch out for pickpockets – they exist everywhere, even in places with amazing art.
Any personal anecdotes or unforgettable moments? Spill the tea!
Okay, buckle up, because I have *so many*... Let's go with this one: **the time I accidentally critiqued an artist's work… to her face.** I was wandering around, admiring a series of striking portraits. The artist, a woman named Fatou, came over and asked for my opinion. (Mistake number one,Book For Rest
