An abundance of smiles were available when we came to the fishing community at Pointe-Sarène and settled into our cozy bungalow huts for the night. At the local baby-foot table, Dirk, Lydia, Jonathon, and Alex risk engaging in a game of foosball. The disclaimer, "abus dangereux pour la sante" (abuse is dangerous to your health), on the side of the table did not deter anyone.

Until the rainy season comes later in June, the beach at Pointe-Sarène is, shall we say, a bit mucky. Several braved the water with some trepidation, while others found shelling an inviting alternative. We met the local fishermen coming in with their day's catch. The entire community helps pull each boat in and all the families greet them with melodic field hollers. The dogs wait patiently at the edge of activity like gentle guardians of the village.

After a fish dinner we gathered under an open shelter to see djembé drumming and dance. Not content to just listen, the invitation to experience it firsthand (and the costuming) was just too much temptation to resist. Lessons in djembé drumming followed. By this time the surrounding fences were lined with curious young spectators and they were not disappointed when the performers ended with a Sufi fakir fire eater. Even the crabs smile in Pointe-Sarène!