Sunday on the Road
Good day. It’s Sunday, November 30th. I like Sundays because traffic is usually pretty relaxed. There are fewer people on the road, although you still have to be just as cautious. I decided to head out of the city and go to the coast, and I ended up going to Jacqueville.
The Drive to Jacqueville
Jacqueville is a little over an hour away and feels surprisingly remote. It’s almost like a peninsula, with only one way in—over a bridge lined with coconut palm trees. The drive itself sets the tone for the day and makes it feel like you’re heading somewhere out of the ordinary.
First Impressions of Jacqueville
Jacqueville is definitely an out-of-the-way place. There are lots of small hotels, but it’s not really a town you walk around exploring. On a Sunday, though, it works well as a kind of little oasis. There’s a street along the beach with several beach spots, and people are around to help you park and keep an eye on your car.
From there, it’s all about the beach. You can have drinks or dinner depending on where the crowds are. Since it was a beautiful, sunny day, it was nice to hang out for a bit. People were swimming in the ocean, which was great to see, and it was a good opportunity to take some photos.
Quick Stop and Bakeries
I didn’t spend a lot of time in Jacqueville, but it was enough to get a feel for the place. Like most towns, even small ones, there were bakeries. They mostly had sweet items and very little in the way of savory food, which isn’t really my thing.
Exploring Banco National Park
Since I still had time, I decided to make another stop and went to Banco National Park. I didn’t know what to expect, and I definitely didn’t expect to be able to drive into it. After paying the 5,000 CFA entrance fee, about nine dollars, you’re allowed to use what they call a road—really a rough path wide enough for a car.
The path has lots of holes and water, and you have to be careful not to get stuck, but other regular cars were making it through. With the Land Cruiser, I was in good shape. Driving into the park feels like driving straight into the jungle, with everything very intensely overgrown.
Inside the Jungle
Eventually, I reached an area where many people had walked in, probably with muddy feet. There’s a small spot where people live and make a living selling drinks and food, and there was even a restaurant. I didn’t make it to the far end of the park because of timing and uncertainty about how far I could go, but the dense jungle, bamboo, and greenery made a strong impression.
Wrapping Up the Day
Now I have a much better idea of what Banco National Park is all about. It’s right in the middle of the city, which makes it even more interesting. After that, it was back to the hotel and time to find some food. There are plenty of options—street vendors, regular restaurants, or cooking for yourself—but without cooking facilities in a hotel, eating out makes the most sense.
Everything worked out well. Another great day. Thanks for being along.
