"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."

I've been to Dakar several times and it is pretty much how they pictured it. Of course there are nicer areas but they're pretty secluded and well guarded. Dakar is very poor and it can be a little shocking if you've never been to a developing country before. I didn't think it smelled bad, though, except when in traffic because they don't have the same kind of emissions laws we do. The poster who said you have to negotiate the costs upfront is spot on. They'll stick it to you if you don't do that. Not that I really want to defend this bunch of racers - they were pretty pathetic.

I was surprised the racers weren't more mobbed at the airport with cabbies - I wonder if airport security was helping with crowd control?

But most of the teams did negotiate up front, and the price changed at the end of the trip. That's why they were so pissed off. I would be too. They must feel so helpless and frustrated, because what do you do? Call the cops?

I think the teams think the show won't let things like this happen to them, and are surprised to find that they really are on their own. You just have to remember Colin, who almost let himself get arrested before accepting the fact that no one was going to help him out of this situation.

The only team that found something positive about Africa. I believe Don made the comment about even with all the poverty around them the place was filled with beautiful and festive colors (noting the garments worn by the people).

I'm gonna have to agree....it seems like the racers are consistently on their worst behavior anytime they are in any African country.

What was especially strange was when Freddy got all pissy after the cab driver put air in the tires....was Freddy and Kendra the same team that drove past Don and Mary while they were fixing THEIR flat tire?? Would Freddy have preffered they NOT put air in the tires and get a FLAT?

The racers also seem to think the continent of Africa is one big giant country. I think I heard Jon say "we're going to Dakar, Africa" and I think one of the twins did the same last year. Would you say Paris, Europe or Tokyo, Asia???

And the way the Africans were treating gus and Hera was somehow better because?

Sorry, didn't notice that. In fact, Hera stated more than once that she was afraid.

I don't remember any bad behavior from these two- in fact I believe Kris called it "enlightening".ALthough it makes for boring TV viewing- there is nothing I don't like about these two. They seem smart(except for that tower thing) and work together well w/o yelling at the other. They also have easily completed the tasks. I'll take these two over the other leaders of the pack any day (hayd & aaron) Any way if someone could refresh my memory that they acted like ugly Americans in Senegal than please do.

I responded in my earlier post that they were fine with Africa. she even commented she found it interesting. She is one easy going girl and the cameraman thinks so as well. Did we get enough boobie shots?

But aside from them and Don and Mary there were no positive comments.. but suprisingly Team Botox said nothing outstandingly negative either. But the Senegalese have put him on notice over that faux fur leopard hat.

Gus and Hera were respectful as well but worried. But again no outstanding comments along the lines of the dimbulb model broad.

Yet another reason why Don and MJ are my heads-above-the-others favorites. I don't care if they're slow, they show class and compassion, and I think this race means a good deal more to them.

Sittem was there this year, but I don't think he does bashers.

"Won't someone think of the children?" - King Kaufman

<<these people were acting like spoiled ignorant obnoxious americans.>>

The behavior was pretty appalling overall, I agree. But speaking as one who works in the hospitality industry, Americans are not alone in boorish, rude, and arrogant behavior while traveling abroad.

<as a Brit>

Hand up here