It's impossible to talk about my solo travel experiences without mentioning Senegal. In 2018, I flew to Senegal alone, knowing no one and nothing about the country. When it was time to board my flight home four weeks later, I didn’t get on the plane.
This happened three times. Eventually, I returned home three months later, but the country's effect on me has kept me running back ever since. Senegal stands out for its trendsetting art, culture and fashion scene, so I decided to fly back for the fourth time during the Dak’Art Biennale.
A month-long exhibition held every two years, this event is one of the most anticipated art festivals in Africa, attracting people from all over the world to celebrate contemporary African art. Although the official Biennale was postponed last minute, numerous unofficial events continued to run, highlighting the passion of talented creatives from Africa and its diaspora. The main reason I keep returning is the people.
Their warmth is embodied by the Wolof word “teranga,” which loosely translates to “hospitality” and touches every interaction. I’ve received kindness in ways I couldn’t have imagined elsewhere, from being welcomed into homes to enjoy traditional dishes like thieboudienne and yassa poulet, to attending family gatherings as if I were already a member. While I blend in easily and am sometimes mistaken for a native, Senegal treats everyone with the same level of warmth and hospitality, tourist or not.
Art and creativity .