Many travellers associate Senegal with the Door of No Returnâthe place where over two million Africans passed through GorĂ©e Island on the way to the New World for centuries. While this is certainly a historic feature of the county, thereâs so much more to experience.
And world-traveller Terry Lister has proof!
Terry escorts the curious reader along Senegalâs culture-rich coast as he explores national landmarks, stumbles upon unexpected African markets, and makes new friends along the way, notwithstanding debilitating language barriers. Of course, there are the familiar squabbles with border patrolmen and taxi drivers. Yet all these experiences are what make this amusing short-read both educational and unforgettable.
If youâve got one hour, youâve got time to travel to Senegal: The Land of Peace and Purpose.
Many travellers associate Senegal with the Door of No Returnâthe place where over two million Africans passed through GorĂ©e Island on the way to the New World for centuries. While this is certainly a historic feature of the county, thereâs so much more to experience.
And world-traveller Terry Lister has proof!
Terry escorts the curious reader along Senegalâs culture-rich coast as he explores national landmarks, stumbles upon unexpected African markets, and makes new friends along the way, notwithstanding debilitating language barriers. Of course, there are the familiar squabbles with border patrolmen and taxi drivers. Yet all these experiences are what make this amusing short-read both educational and unforgettable.
If youâve got one hour, youâve got time to travel to Senegal: The Land of Peace and Purpose.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XN8t90MLkJm73Z3JB7RTJFSsQTPaznfl/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=105567801761518518996&rtpof=true&sd=true
A world traveler, Terry Lister chose to go and visit western Senegal, a former colony of France, to add to his cultural experience and knowledge. Senegal is famous for âThe Door of No Return,â the place where over two million Africans were sent to the New World to be slaves via GorĂ©e Island. That is most definitely an historic monument, and a tangible, somber tribute to all who passed through. However, Lister wants to educate all who read this memoir/travelogue that Senegal is so much more. Along the way with the typical bickering of taxi drivers and ârulesâ of the border police, he saw beautiful, kind, generous people, a myriad of local crafters and food vendors, nice restaurants, pristine beaches, and amazing tours of the beautiful and decaying parts of the country. Lister made his way to Dakar, Saint-Louis, Cap Skiring, GorĂ©e Island, Lake Retba ( Senegalâs pink lake), Mauritania, Guet Nâdar Island, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Zinguinchor Casamance, and Nâgor Island.Â
I enjoyed this very brief travel summary by Lister, as he spoke of the almost insurmountable language barrier, the beauty of the beaches, the awe of significant history, the birds and animals, and the people and sights along the way. I loved reading about the cows on the beach in Casamance, the chicken and rice dishes found throughout Senegal, the artisans, the tours, and especially the description of the people and culture he observed through his interactions and tours. I chuckled from experience with the haggling of the taxi drivers (much the same no matter where you travel!), and I was touched when a friend of a friend that he had never met before not only hosted Lister for family dinner, but kindly offered their home for him to stay for the duration of his visit to Saint-Louis. Iâd like to conclude, ironically, with the quote from the introduction that contained my favorite lines: ââŠSenegal is on the rise. There is a flavour about it that fills not only your nose but your very soul. Be open to it.â What brilliant advice! Be open to others, and their culture, sights, sounds, history, and traditionsâand fill your very soul!
Iâd like to thank Reedsy Discovery, Terry Lister, and Brooklyn Knight Enterprise for the ability to read and review this ARC.