Senegal is a West African country of 17 million people, and is a country I have a strong affinity for. When I first stepped foot in the country, the tranquillity flowed through my veins and embraced me for the whole of my stay. I’ve travelled there on three occasions and always felt the calmness of the country. I have a strong connection with Senegal, I can’t even explain why, but the feeling runs deep.
Wolof & French are the country’s main languages, they seem to entwine together. Although there are other languages. “Taranga” is a motto that stands for “Senegalese hospitality,” the word sits in truth, as Senegalese people share a warm welcome that radiates. Anyone who has travelled there will understand my words. It’s a country with an extremely rich culture, something they’re proud to hold on to.
The food is yum yum! The national dish is Thiéboudieune, pronounced “che-bu-jen,” a classic fish and rice dish, it’s made up of “Jolof,” which is spicy rice & fish. With a range of ground spices and tomato paste, its taste is mouth-wateringly delicious, I’m a coffee person, so when I tried Senegalese coffee called Café Touba, its taste is like no other. With a distinctive clove & spice taste, its origins came its way via “Cheikh Amadou Bamba’ founder of the Mouride/Baye Fall brotherhood.
Senegal has many great places to visit. The African Renaissance Monument in Ouakam, Dakar, the statue is 49 feet high and represents the rebirth of Africa. Lac Rose, which is visually a pink lake. Ngor Island, my favourite, is an island you take a small boat across, the island has an array of food places on the beachfront, and you can walk around the island, people live there. It’s so lovely. Toubab Djalio, is another beach district that is so nice. I’ve visited many places in Senegal, such as Dakar, Touba, Louga, Mbour, Goree Island, Sally, and Thies, to name a few.
Travelling by ferry to Goree Island, the place of no return, was a sad journey for me. Senegal was one of the countries, where Africans were kidnapped and taken as slaves. As I sat inside the boat, and the island gradually came into view, it gave me a dark feeling inside. My mind sat in the imagination of how it could have been for slaves who were kidnapped. Once inside the building of “Maison des Esclaves/the house of slaves”, I stood by the door of “No Return,” which opens to the sea. Standing there, was sad, it brought uncomfortable feelings, and I needed to get out. (at least I had the chance to), as my ancestors never did. Walking around Goree Island, was larger than I imagined, it is an interesting island overall.
Incredibly artistic, Senegalese people put their passion into everything they do. Highly creative in music, dance, art. and crafts, their artistry is fabulous and expressive. There are so many amazing artists with their own uniqueness. A traditional dance such as “Sabar”, is still alive and flourishing, it’s become known in various countries in Europe, and Senegalese teach the dance classes. What I love about Senegal is its strong culture & tradition.
Griots are people whose families come down from a musical line, it’s not all musicians and singers who come down from Griots, but griot families are known to hold the musicality of society. Kora and djembe are two of the popular instruments stemming from griots.
I’ve visited Senegal a few times, I like their culture, I’ve witnessed sincerely good things about Senegalese, they are polite, respectful and friendly people. For anyone reading who has never visited the African continent, Senegal is a good place to start.
Dama la nop Senegal. = I love you Senegal.
Havana White ©