In 2004, I set out on a mission to photograph and immerse myself in the culture of 100 different countries, capturing the world one journey at a time. 89 down, 11 to go.
They say adventure begins when things stop going according to plan, and navigating Senegal solo as an English speaker in a French-speaking country certainly tested that theory this past December/January. Picture me in Dakar, trying to negotiate a taxi fare using a mix of Google Translate, dramatic hand gestures, and sheer optimism. It worked—sort of. From the bustling streets of Dakar to the golden dunes of the Lompoul Desert, every mispronounced "Combien ça coûte?", ("how much does it cost"?) led to laughter, strange looks, or at least an interesting exchange. Senegal, with its warmth (both literal and figurative), made the occasional communication struggle part of the charm.
And then, the landscapes—oh, the landscapes! One day, I was floating through the tranquil waters of Langue de Barbarie, where pelicans soared overhead. The next, I was marveling at the colonial beauty of St. Louis, where history whispers through pastel-colored streets. Saly welcomed me with its resort-town relaxation, while Bandia Reserve brought me up close to giraffes and rhinos in a setting so breathtaking it felt like a movie set. Then came Joal-Fadiout, the stunning island made entirely of seashells, where even the cemeteries shimmered in the sunlight. From desert to ocean, city to grassland, every stop offered a different slice of Senegal’s stunning natural beauty.
By the end of the trip, my French hadn’t improved much, but my sense of adventure had leveled up significantly. Senegal isn't just a destination—it's an experience, a whirlwind of colors, flavors, and spontaneous connections. Whether I was getting lost in St. Louis' alleys marveling at the architecture, I discovered that sometimes the best way to navigate a place isn’t with perfect language skills, but with an open heart, a big smile, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Senegal, you were magnifique!
