The Star Gazer

Peace Corps

Scattered along the western, equatorial side of Africa, a continent that could easily hold the United States, are the countries that were once dominated by the French.

Their heritage is still easily seen in the Ivory Coast, Senegal and other western countries.

Although their governments are now gone, the French have left behind their taste for fine food and wine, as well as their language.

Years ago, if one went inland from the Pacific, it was easy to find the monkeys and elephants. Today, these for the most part have all been killed off. However, if you leave the main thoroughfares up country, you will still see the tribes of primitive natives and the occasional six foot python. Be careful too of the malarial mosquitoes as well as the green mambas—highly venomous snakes!

One thing that has not changed in Africa is its beautiful countryside and the diversity of its people. The landscape remains gorgeous and the dialects are as varied as its populations.