SENEGAL

Here I saw America's original sin, the everlasting effects of colonialism

and a city that oozes out good vibes.

"Without the weight of its history, Gorée Island would be a charming place. No cars, a sparsely populated island, teal blue water lapping lightly upon clean beaches. We start off at an informative museum that explains the history of the slave trade in Senegal and West Africa. The level of brutality and sheer volume of the trade come to life through artifacts and depictions of the time, including sketches of shackled, grossly overcrowded slave ships. The physical and psychological pain inflicted on the enslaved is well-demonstrated and well-documented. It all happened right here. It feels immeasurably real in the moment."

--Look For Me There, Chapter 15

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Dakar

Gorée Island

Learn about the transatlantic slave trade at Gorée Island Visit the Grand Mosque of Dakar

See the African Renaissance Monument

Dine seaside in Les Almadies

Dance to mbalax music

Meeting a local artist who lived inside of a hallowed artillery gun leftover from World war II.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

2/5  MODERATE

A gateway to Africa for many flying in from the U.S., Dakar is a vibrant, exciting city with a great mix of cosmopolitan flair and sunny beaches. Research a tour company for visit to Gorée Island.