Already At Home: My First Three Days In Dakar, Senegal

After fifty-five grueling hours of stuffy airplanes and bustling airports, coupled with a series of delayed planes and interminable layovers, I finally set foot on the dusty earth of Africa’s western-most country. What began as a travel nightmare has swiftly and easily transformed into one of the most incredible adventures I’ve ever had - and could ever hope to have. Upon arriving in Dakar, Senegal, I was immediately struck by the palpable sense of community binding the residents here together. La Téranga, or hospitality and generosity, is the perfect word to describe the prevalent values and mindset held by Senegalese people. 

My newfound friends and I have quickly bonded over our shared experiences of the last few days as we launch headfirst into the adventure that will cement us into lifelong friends. I have not stopped smiling since my first moment off the plane (nor do I plan to!) and my heart swells with every meaningful encounter I have with the locals I cross paths with (in English, French, Wolof, and even Sign Language). My host family has welcomed me with open arms, taken me in as one of their own. Even on the first day, my host sisters and I cracked jokes in French (and Franglais) over our shared meals. I feel like I have known them for my whole life - and in reality it’s only been two days!!

I could not be more excited for what the next three weeks hold in store, and I know already that my time here will be tragically too short. Each day I wake up grinning under my mosquito net, filled with the silent affirmation that I will savor each moment as it comes and embrace each experience with a curious mind and an open heart.