#Memory House Gambia

[onewomancitadel]

Ok I finished reading Annie Bot by Sierra Greer. Have that usual sickly, sticky feeling after reading sci-fi. We do this for fun!

Spoilers follow, do go read it if you're interested, I think it explores the gynoid archetype in an interesting way. I won't be too specific though.

I'll probably end up thinking about it more later (I made a post and deleted it when I was about a little less than a quarter of the way through) but I think what's interesting about it is that there's this self-consciousness to the prose, which is very common in a lot of new books I've read, that feels strangely counterthetical to Annie's growing perception of herself, almost intrusive, which grows literal by the time the therapese - not even really psychonanalytic awareness, but the impersonality of pop psychology - enters the story literally with the psychologist figure. At that point I thought it would've - or perhaps it did indeed aim to - tease out the farce of psychotherapy in an abusive relationship, with an ostensibly non-person robot - like would you do therapy with a toaster? - and maybe it does interact with the gendered nature of relationship counselling ('how to please the man and cow the woman'), although it did just narratively drag - I think the intentions with the therapy in the story were more didactic than I'd like, and that's sort of what I mean about the narrative self-consciousness.

The strangest thing about robots developing awareness (and the allegory it serves for humans) is that rarely if ever have I seen this alienness portrayed in a way which - the word here isn't believable, not immersive - but something which feels truly alien. In a lot of cases, potentially even this one, it's with the intention of drawing out the allegory to humans, in this case a woman. I have documented opinions about allegory.

This isn't a proper review, not by any means, but just a collection of remarks, and it's interesting how at once some of the human characters feel real yet at the same time psychologically uninteresting, bar for Cody; I think this was probably intentional and so I think it was successful. I think what was especially successful were the concessions Annie made for her surrounding environment and owner, and it went places which are real but where a lot of authors, especially anxious feminist authors, might not want to go. But that's her life.

I'm still not fully with the metaphysics, nor am I ever really 100% on board about the depiction of artificial intelligence in science fiction, nor its phenomenology, but in this case I think that the allegory almost always ends up superseding a literal depiction of sentient AI, and I can see exactly what it was trying to do. But I think probably one of my favourite bits is the invented memory of Annie touching the fabric bolts. And the lake. It's very good.

One thing that occurred to me as well with the ending is that Annie's freedom is contingent upon being released to that freedom by her human owner, which is not only a gendered dynamic but a racial one, given that she is a Black woman enslaved by a white man. It's the seeming injustice and backwardness of freedom - Annie terms it as something she won, in a power-play - and it's something that seems to implicitly predominate anti-Black and antifeminist politics: we gave you [emancipation/voting rights/birth control/right to work/right to own a bank account/right to buy a house/abortion/right to intermarry/right to marry/right to divorce], and we can just as easily take it back (in some cases they will - in the US with abortion, for instance, with a threat of divorce and birth control, or the Gambia is currently making a bid to roll back the outlaw on FGM). It's troubling to meditate on. I think that was a good move, because it makes the ending feel a little more bittersweet. You have a good owner, she's told over and over again.

[lboogie1906]

Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey (October 18, 1875 - July 27, 1927) is known as the “Aggrey of Africa.” Not only can Africa claim him, but the African Diaspora. He was born on the Gold Coast to Princess Abena Anowa and Okyeame Prince Kodwo Kwegyir. Aggrey became an accomplished missionary, educator, Pan-Africanist, and public intellectual. He received his early education on the Gold Coast.

He sailed to the US to be trained as a missionary. He attended Livingstone College. He earned three academic degrees. He was fluent in both Ghanaian and European languages.

He was ordained as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He married Rosebud “Rose” Douglas (1905). The couple had four children. Orison Rudolph Aggrey became a US Ambassador to Senegal, Gambia, and Romania.

He earned his Ph.D. in Theology followed by an MD in Osteopathy; he pursued further studies at Columbia University. He served on the Faculty and Administration at Livingstone College for two decades. As a part of the Phelps-Stokes Commission to Africa, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Gold Coast, Cameroon, Nigeria, Belgian Congo, Angola, and South Africa.

He delivered a lecture in South Africa on racial harmony: “Black keys of the piano give good sounds and the white keys give good sounds, but the combination of the two gives the best melody.” About Africa and its culture, he proclaimed, “Let Africans remain good Africans and not a poor copy of Europeans.”

He joined another Phelps-Stokes Commission to Africa; founded Achimota School in the Gold Coast and served as its Vice Principal. He returned to the US to preach, lecture, and complete a book at Columbia University.

His legacy includes many honors accorded to him and his wife Rose who died in 1961: Aggrey Historical Markers in North Carolina, Aggrey Student Union at Livingstone College, Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School in Ghana, Aggrey House in London, and Distinguished Professorship at University of Cape Coast. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[photos-tell-stories]

Opening of 'Memory House', The Gambia, West Africa. Honouring the victims, and survivors of the former regime.

Opening of ‘Memory House’, The Gambia, West Africa. Honouring the victims, and survivors of the former regime.

Opening of ‘Memory House’, The Gambia, West Africa. Colour exhibition portraits © Jason Florio & Helen Jones-Florio from ‘Gambia-victims, and resisters’. Black and white exhibition portraits ©Bitzphotography. Opening of ‘Memory House’, The Gambia, West Africa. Portraits © Jason Florio & Helen Jones-Florio from ‘Gambia-victims, and resisters’ ANEKED – MEMORY HOUSE After some intense months…

[lovingtheroyals]

Outfit Details of the Bride and Bridal Party

The Wedding Dress: Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy

Ms. Meghan Markle’s wedding dress has been designed by the acclaimed British designer, Clare Waight Keller. Ms. Waight Keller last year became the first female Artistic Director at the historic French fashion house Givenchy.

After meeting Ms. Waight Keller in early 2018, Ms. Markle chose to work with her for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour. Ms. Markle also wanted to highlight the success of a leading British talent who has now served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses – Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and now Givenchy.

Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller worked closely together on the design. The dress epitomises a timeless minimal elegance referencing the codes of the iconic House of Givenchy and showcasing the expert craftsmanship of its world-renowned Parisian couture atelier founded in 1952.

The Design

True to the heritage of the house, the pure lines of the dress are achieved using six meticulously placed seams. The focus of the dress is the graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises the slender sculpted waist. The lines of the dress extend towards the back where the train flows in soft round folds cushioned by an underskirt in triple silk organza. The slim three-quarter sleeves add a note of refined modernity.

The Fabric

Following extensive research by Ms. Waight Keller in fabric mills throughout Europe, an exclusive double bonded silk cady was developed. Perfect for the round sculptural look required, the silk cady has a soft matt lustre whilst the bonding process and pure white colour chosen by Ms. Markle and Ms. Waight Keller bring a fresh modernity to the dress.

The Veil

Ms. Markle expressed the wish of having all 53 countries of the Commonwealth with her on her journey through the ceremony. Ms. Waight Keller designed a veil representing the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition.

The Commonwealth family of nations – of which Her Majesty The Queen is Head –will be a central part of Prince Harry’s and Ms. Markle’s official work following   His Royal Highness’s appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. Ms. Markle wanted to express her gratitude for the opportunity to support the work of the Commonwealth by incorporating references to its members into the design of her wedding dress.

Significant time was spent researching the flora of each Commonwealth country and much care was taken by Ms. Waight Keller to ensure that every flower is unique.

The veil is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza.

Each flower was worked flat, in three dimensions to create a unique and delicate design. The workers spent hundreds of hours meticulously sewing and washing their hands every thirty minutes to keep the tulle and threads pristine.

In addition to the flora of the Commonwealth, Ms. Markle also selected two personal favourites:

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), which grows in the grounds of Kensington Palace in front of Nottingham Cottage, and the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) the State flower from Ms. Markle’s place of birth, California.

Symmetrically placed at the very front of the veil, crops of wheat are delicately embroidered and blend into the flora, to symbolise love and charity.

A selection of flora distinctive from every member state of the Commonwealth is listed below:

AFRICA:

Botswana - Ear of Sorghum and Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Cameroon - Red Stinkwood (Prunus africana)

Gambia - White Variety Orchid

Ghana - Caladium (Caladium)

Kenya - The Tropical Orchid

Lesotho - Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Malawi - Lotus (Nymphea lotus)

Mauritius - Trochetia Boutoniana

Mozambique - Maroon Bell Bean (Markhamia zanzibarica)

Namibia - Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis)

Nigeria - Yellow Trumpet (Costus spectabilis)

Rwanda - Torch Lily (Kniphofia uvaria)

Seychelles - Tropicbird orchid (Angraecum eburnum)

Sierra Leone - Scadoxus (Scadoxus cinnabarinus)

South Africa - Protea (Protea cynaroides)

Swaziland - Fire Heath (Erica cerinthoides)

Uganda - Desert rose (Adenium obesum)

United Republic of Tanzania - African violet (Saintpaulia)

Zambia - Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea)

ASIA:

Bangladesh - White Water Lily ( Sada shapla)

Brunei Darussalam - Simpor (Dillenia suffruticosa)

India - Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifers gaertn)

Malaysia - Bunga Raya Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis)

Pakistan - Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

Singapore - Vanda miss Joaquim Orchid (Miss Joaquim)

Sri Lanka - Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali)

CARIBBEAN & AMERICAS:

Antigua and Barbuda - Agave (Agave karatto)

Bahamas - Yellow Elder (Tecoma stans)

Barbados - The pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

Belize - The Black Orchid (Encyclia cochleata)

Canada - Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

Dominica - Carib Wood (Sabinea carinalis)

Grenada - Bougainvillea (Nyctaginaceae)

Guyana - Victoria Regia Water Lily (Victoria amazonica)

Jamaica - Lignum Vitae (Guiacum officinale)

Saint Lucia - The rose and the marguerite

St Kitts and Nevis - Poinciana (Delonix regia )

St Vincent & the Grenadines - Soufriere Tree (Spachea perforatais)

Trinidad & Tobago - Chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea)

EUROPE:

Cyprus - Cyclamen Cyprium (Cyclamen cyprium)

Malta - Maltese centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius

UNITED KINGDOM:

England - Rose

Wales - Daffodil (Narcissus)

Northern Ireland - Flax flower

Scotland - Thistle

PACIFIC:

Australia - Golden wattles (Acacia pycnantha)

Fiji - Tagimaucia (Medinilla waterhousei)

Kiribati - Bidens Kiribatiensis

Nauru - Calophyllum

New Zealand - Kowhai (Sophora microphylla)

Papua - Sepik Blue Orchid (Dendrobium lasianthera)

Samoa - Teuila (Alpinia purpurata)

Solomon Islands - Hibiscus (Hibiscus)

Tonga - Heilala (Garcinia sessilis)

Tuvalu - Plumeria (Plumeria frangipans)

Vanuatu - Anthurium (Anthurium)

Jewellery

The veil is held in place by Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara, lent to Ms. Markle by The Queen. The diamond bandeau is English and was made in 1932, with the centre brooch dating from 1893.

The bandeau, which is made of diamonds and platinum, is formed as a flexible band of eleven sections, pierced with interlaced ovals and pavé set with large and small brilliant diamonds.  The centre is set with a detachable brooch of ten brilliant diamonds.

The diamond bandeau was made for Queen Mary and specifically designed to accommodate the centre brooch. This brooch was given as a present to the then Princess Mary in 1893 by the County of Lincoln on her marriage to Prince George, Duke of York.  The bandeau and the brooch were bequeathed by Queen Mary to The Queen in 1953.

The Bride is wearing earrings and bracelet made by Cartier.

Wedding Shoes

The wedding shoes are based on a Givenchy refined pointed couture design made of a silk duchess satin.

The Bride’s Bouquet

Prince Harry handpicked several flowers yesterday from their private garden at Kensington Palace to add to the bespoke bridal bouquet designed by florist Philippa Craddock.

The spring blooms include Forget-Me-Nots which were Diana, Princess of Wales’ favourite flower. The couple specifically chose them to be included in Ms. Markle’s bouquet to honour the memory of the late Princess on this special day.

The Bride's bouquet is a petite design, pulled together in a gentle, ethereal, relaxed style with delicate blooms also including scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine and astrantia, and sprigs of myrtle, all bound with a naturally dyed, raw silk ribbon.

The myrtle sprigs are from stems planted at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, by Queen Victoria in 1845, and from a plant grown from the myrtle used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet of 1947.

The tradition of carrying myrtle begun after Queen Victoria was given a nosegay containing myrtle by Prince Albert’s grandmother during a visit to Gotha in Germany.  In the same year, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Osborne House as a family retreat, and a sprig from the posy was planted against the terrace walls, where it continues to thrive today.

The myrtle was first carried by Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, Princess Victoria, when she married in 1858.

Bridal Hair and Make-Up

Ms. Markle's hair was styled by Serge Normant, with make-up by long-time friend and make-up artist Daniel Martin.

Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Clare Waight Keller designed the six young Bridesmaids’ dresses in the Givenchy Haute Couture Atelier in Paris.

The dresses were designed to have the same timeless purity as Ms. Markle's dress.

Each dress is sculpted in Ivory silk Radzimir, and is high-waisted with short puff sleeves and hand finished with a double silk ribbon detail tied at the back in a bow. The Bridesmaids’ dresses include pockets and pleated skirts to create a relaxed and luxurious silhouette.

The Bridesmaids are wearing white leather Aquazurra shoes; each pair is monogrammed with the Bridesmaids initials, and the wedding date. The shoes are a gift from Ms. Markle to the young ladies as a keepsake of the special day.

Bridesmaids’ Flowers

The bridesmaids each have flower crowns selected by Prince Harry and Ms. Markle, which have been designed by florist Philippa Craddock.

The Bridesmaids' flowers replicate the flowers used in the bridal bouquet.

Page Boys' Uniforms

The four Pages are wearing a miniature version of the Blues and Royals frockcoat. The uniform draws its insignia from the Blues and Royals, which is an old Regiment of The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Both are also wearing Blues and Royals frockcoats for the Wedding Day.

The frockcoats are made from blue doeskin, single-breasted in style with a stand-up collar and completed with figured braiding of Regimental pattern. The figured braiding has been scaled down for the Pages, as otherwise it would have gone above their shoulders.

As a special memento, each Page has their initials embroidered in gold on their shoulder straps. The Pages are not wearing hats or white waist belts for practical reasons.

Their leg garments are made from blue/black wool barathea with three-quarter scarlet stripes fastened with a leather strap.

The uniforms were cut and made by the tailors Dege & Skinner in Savile Row.

Mother of the Bride's Dress

Ms. Ragland wears a custom dress and day coat designed by creative directors of Oscar de la Renta, Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim.

Ms. Ragland's shoes are designed by Edgardo Osorio of Aquazurra, and her custom hat was designed exclusively for her by British milliner Stephen Jones, O.B.E., whom Ms. Markle has worked closely with since moving to the UK.

Stephen Jones was also commissioned by Ms. Markle to create custom hats for several of her closest friends.

LINK

[ouzcl]

tagged by @chinon~ (and am tagging any of my mutuals who want to do this)

honestly not a huge amount happened in 2018 other than a lot of travelling and completely changing my personal style lmao but it’s def been a great year for growth and i’ve learned a lot about myself and other people

to explain the pics a bit: ☾ started the year in the north where when i wasn’t doing uni work i was out walking in the snow instead ☾ visited gambia p soon afterward which honestly was the best experience of my life so far and definitely the only exciting thing that actually happened this year for a number of reasons but being able to go to a completely different country to practice what will hopefully be my future career and finally make some friends is at the top ☾ not pictured but in the summer i became more independent and managed to figure out all the legal stuff needed to move house, as was also able to travel to even more places than last year like going to edinburgh pride and visiting london a few too many times (where i also got rec’d by 1 (of 2) clinician(s) for top surgery!!) ☾ finally, working in the scottish highlands (even if it was for a lot less time than originally planned) was a worthwhile experience bc ive learned more about how i work best and how important it is that employers actually understand how neurodivergencies impact workers (tho it did motivate me to work out more lmao even if it is out of spite im feeling a lot fitter and healthier than i have all year), and it also gave me more of an idea about what it’s like working in a zoo compared to studying out in the field

i hope to learn more about myself and be able to accept the things i still struggle with in 2019 and that what i have learned will help me to form more permanent friendships and work relationships so i can make more memories in the new year✨

[texanpeanut]

home

During my first few months of service, I thought about home a lot. No, not the Dreamworks movie with Rihanna, but everything familiar and comfortable I had left behind in the US. I remember lying in my twin-sized bed after lunch with my host family, sweating my ass off, on the verge of tears, thinking about my dogs, my bike, pavement, listening to music in my car, air conditioning, getting dressed up, hotel lobbies, Disney World, carpet, hardwood floors, backpacking, sleeping in tents, smoothies... oh, and I guess all my friends and family members I was away from.

Once I moved to my permanent village I would come up with endless ways to count down the time until I could go home (just 4 months until vacation, then 6 months after that I'll go on another vacation, then 4 months, vacation, then 6 months and I'm done! OR It's January 2018 now, so 2018 is basically over, then it'll be 2019, and I go home that year, so I'm basically done already). I guess this sounds concerning to someone who isn't a volunteer, but it's not really. I just was having a hard time feeling at ease while trying to adjust mentally and physically to everything new around me.

Now I've lived here for 15 months and have about 10 months left. I still think about home a lot, but in different ways. There's the US as home - the place I'll go when I COS, where I can blend in again, where I can backpack the AT, where I'll probably go to grad school, where I'll look for eventual jobs. There's my parents' house where I'll spend the holidays at the end of the year, where I'll avoid high school acquaintances at the grocery store, where I'll snuggle my dogs until we both fall asleep or one throws up on the pillow, where I'll spend at least one day shamelessly watching South Park for hours on the couch. But there's also a kind of home here I've found. In the beginning I associated home with physical comforts. Daydreaming about my big soft bed definitely helped distract me from the real mental discomfort I was experiencing, but now I think of home a little bit differently.

I think home can be a moment where you feel completely free to be yourself, a person who makes you feel light as air, or a place where you can take both your phyical and metaphorical pants off. Home is cooking a meal together and drinking shitty wine and staying up until midnight watching Vine compilations on YouTube. Home is letting the sun warm your face as you drive over the Gambia River at sunset. Home is the feeling of pride and awe as your garden plants/children germinate and explode out of the ground. Home is a warm greeting from a neighbor who you haven't seen in a while. Home is the dumb joke your host dad tells every day but that still puts a smile on your face. Home is not caring what we do as long as it's together. Home is ugly-crying at the airport without embarrassment. Home is staying up late with your sister on Christmas whispering in bed so no one else knows you're awake, talking about everything and nothing. Home is getting wine-drunk with your family to distract yourself from the fact that it's 45 degrees outside. Home is playing the bean game. Home is talking about sex with your best friend on a hotel rooftop. Home is not needing your earbuds on a 5-hour drive because there's just so much to talk about.

Home isn't just a place that exists in my memories anymore, but it's something I find everywhere, everyday. In these next ten months I'm sure I'll think about the US a lot, what it'll be like to go back, what my next steps will be, etc. I'm sure I'll have days where all I want will be a hot shower and my bed, or nothing more than to go on a long bike ride on a nice, paved road. But for now I feel comfortable enough here, thanks to my amazing host family, my amazing real family back in the states, my supportive friends who let me bother them on WhatsApp early in the morning, and my volunteer community here in Senegal.

I've been thinking about this since November, but have had a hard time sitting down to write it. It was difficult to write after Lyra died but I'm trying to get back into it. I've also been busy with work, travel, and vacation but now I'm getting ready to start 2019 with a somewhat less hectic schedule, so hopefully that means I can crank out some more of these. I'm hoping to do a little review of 2018, talk about some of the books I've read so far here, and hopefully do a little work update. More to come y'all - I haven't abandoned this yet.

Thanks for reading my mushy musings and please accept my cyberhugs,

Maggie

[kayjay63]

At The Gambia’s Memory House, victims rewrite Jammeh-era history

At The Gambia’s Memory House, victims rewrite Jammeh-era history

A museum outside the capital is attempting to coach Gambians on abuses dedicated below faded chief Yahya Jammeh…Learn More

[betheflare]

I See You

Name: Senegal

Demonym: Senegalese

Etymology:  Senegal is translated from the Wolof “sun gal” to mean “our boat”.

Capital: Dakar

Motto: "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (French)

                "One People, One Goal, One Faith"

Location: West Africa

Population: 16,313,742 (2018)

Religion: Islam is the predominant religion in the country, practiced by approximately 94% of the country’s population; the Christian community, at 5% of the population, are mostly Roman Catholics.

Climate: Sahelian

Language(s) Spoken: French and Wolof

National Languages: Balanta-Ganja, Hassaniya Arabic, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noonm, Pulaar, Serer, Soninke

Currency: CFA franc (XOF)

Independence Day:

- From France 4 April 1960

- Withdrawal from the Mali Federation  20 August 1960

Flag meaning: The red, yellow and green are the official Pan-African colors, and the centered star is symbolic of hope and unity.

Brief History

Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times and has been continuously occupied by various ethnic groups.

Some kingdoms were created around the 7th century: Takrur in the 9th century, Namandiru and the Jolof Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. Eastern Senegal was once part of the Ghana Empire.

Islam was introduced through Toucouleur and Soninke contact with the Almoravid dynasty of the Maghreb, who in turn propagated it with the help of the Almoravids, and Toucouleur allies.

This movement faced resistance from ethnicities of traditional religions, the Serers in particular.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal was also founded during this time.

In the 14th century the Jolof Empire grew more powerful, having united Cayorand the kingdoms of Baol, Sine, Saloum, Waalo, Futa Tooro and Bambouk, ormuch of present day West Africa.

The empire was a voluntary confederacy of various states rather than an empire built on military conquest.

The empire was founded by Ndiadiane Ndiaye, a part Serer and part Toucouleur, who was able to form a coalition with many ethnicities, but collapsed around 1549 with the defeat and killing of Lele Fouli Fak by Amari Ngone Sobel Fall.

Colonial Era

In the mid-15th century, the Portuguese landed on the Senegal coastline, followed by traders representing other countries, including the French.

Various European powers-Portugal, the Netherlands, and Great Britain-competed for trade in the area from the 15th century onward.

In 1677, France gained control of what had become a minor departure point in the Atlantic slave trade-the island of Gorée next to modern Dakar, used as abase to purchase slaves from the warring chiefdoms on the mainland.

European missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and the Casamance in the 19th century.

It was only in the 1850s that the French began to expand onto the Senegalese mainland after they abolished slavery and began promoting an abolitionist doctrine, adding native kingdoms like the Waalo, Cayor, Baol, and Jolof Empire.

French colonists progressively invaded and took over all the kingdoms except Sine and Saloum under Governor Louis Faidherbe.

Senegalese resistance to the French expansion and curtailing of their lucrative slave trade was led in part by Lat-Dior, Damel of Cayor, and Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, the Maad a Sinig of Sine, resulting in the Battle of Logandème.

Independence (1960)

On April 4, 1959 Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on 20 June 1960, as a result of a transfer of power agreement signed with France on 4 April 1960.

Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation broke up on 20 August, when Senegal and French Sudan each proclaimed independence.

Léopold Sédar Senghor was Senegal's first president in September 1960.

Senghor was a very well-read man, educated in France.

In 1980, President Senghor decided to retire from politics.

Former prime minister Mamadou Dia, who was Senghor's rival, ran for election in 1983 against Diouf, but lost.

Senghor moved to France, where he died at the age of 96.

Senegal joined with the Gambia to form the nominal Senegambia Confederation on 1 February 1982.

Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group in the Casamance region has clashed sporadically with government forces since 1982 in the Casamance conflict.

In the early 21st century, violence has subsided and President Macky Sall heldtalks with rebels in Rome in December 2012.

He encouraged broader political participation, reduced government involve mentin the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with other developing nations.

Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened.

In the presidential election of 1999, opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade defeated Diouf in an election deemed free and fair by international observers. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one political party to another.

On 30 December 2004 President Wade announced that he would sign a peace treaty with the separatist group in the Casamance region. This, however, has yet to be implemented. There was a round of talks in 2005, but the results have not yet yielded a resolution.

Geography

Senegal is located on the west of the African continent.

It lies between latitudes 12° and 17°N, and longitudes 11° and 18°W. Senegal is externally bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south; internally it almost completely surrounds The Gambia, namely on the north, east and south, except for Gambia's short Atlantic coastline.

The capital Dakar lies on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of continental Africa.

Culture

*Wolof village*

Senegal has a wide variety of ethnic groups and, as in most West African countries, several languages are widely spoken.

The Wolof are the largest single ethnic group in Senegal at 43 percent; the Fulaand Toucouleur are the second biggest group, followed by the Serer, the nothers such as Jola, Mandinka, Maures or, Soninke, Bassari and many smaller communities.

About 50,000 Europeans and Lebanese as well as smaller numbers of Mauritanians and Moroccans reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities and some retirees who reside in the resort towns around Mbour.

Also located primarily in urban settings are small Vietnamese communities as well as a growing number of Chinese immigrant traders, each numbering perhaps a few hundred people.

There are also tens of thousands of Mauritanian refugees in Senegal, primarily in the country's north.

According to the World Refugee Survey 2008, published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Senegal has a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 23,800 in 2007.

Refugees live in N'dioum, Dodel, and small settlements along the Senegal River valley.

SOME WOLOF PHRASES

Welcome

- Merhbe

Hello (General greeting)

- Na nga def (sg)

- Na ngeen def (pl)

- Salaam aleekum

How are you?

- Jaam nga am? (Have you peace?)

- Na nga def?

Reply to 'How are you?'

-  Jaam rek, Yow nag? (Peace only, and you?)

- Mangi fi rekk, na nga def?

Long time no see

- Gej na la giis

What's your name?

- Naka-nga sant?

- Na nga tudd?

- Noo tudd?

My name is …

- Maa ngi tudd ...

- ... laa tudd

Where are you from?

- Fan nga joge? (sg)

- Fan ngeen joge? (pl)

I'm from …

- Maa ngi joge ...

- ... laa joge

Pleased to meet you

- Am nàa mbekte ci guiss la

Good morning

(Morning greeting)

- Jaam nga fanane

Good afternoon

(Afternoon greeting)

- Jamm nga yendoo

Good evening

(Evening greeting)

- Naka ngon si

Goodbye

(Parting phrases)

- Ba beneen

- Mangi dem

Good luck!

- Màa ngui lay nianal weurseuk

Cuisine

The basic food is rice cooked with a spicy sauce and vegetables. The national dish is chep-bu-jen,the Wolof word for rice with fish. Cooked in a tomato sauce with boiled fish and a few vegetables (carrots, cabbage, and green peppers),chep-bu-jen is originally from the city of Saint-Louis.Yassa,a dish from Casamance is chicken or fish marinated in lemon juice, pepper, and onions and then baked. It is accompanied by plain white rice. Other sauces include mafé, domada and soupe kandja,(which is made from okra with fish and palm oil).

Landmarks

The Lake Retba (Lac Rose meaning Pink lake) -  It is named for its pink waters caused by Dunaliella salina algae and is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas.

The House of Slaves and its Door of No Return is a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade on Gorée Island, 3 km off the coast of the city of Dakar, Senegal. Its museum, which was opened in 1962 and curated until Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye's death in 2009, is said to memorialize the final exit point of the slaves from Africa.

While historians differ on how many African slaves were actually held in this building, as well as the relative importance of Gorée Island as a point on the Atlantic Slave Trade,visitors from Africa, Europe, and the Americas continue to make it an important place to remember the human toll of African slavery.

The Langue de Barbarie is a thin, sandy peninsula, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, located in western Senegal, in the neighborhood of the city of Saint-Louis. The peninsula separates the ocean from the final section of the Senegal River. 

The Great Mosque of Touba is a mosque in Touba, Senegal. It was founded by Amadou Bamba in 1887 and completed in 1963. Bamba died in 1927 and is interred inside the mosque. Since his death the mosque is being controlled by his family. 

Some interesting facts about Senegal

1. In the 16th century when the Portuguese visited the country’s coast, the fishermen said “sunu gaal”, which translates into “these are our boats”. The Portuguese, who understood nothing, simply named their land “Senegal”. Classic colonizers!!

2. Senegal’s location towards the west coast made it a hub for the international slave trade of the 18th and 19th century. Gorée Island, in particular, became a major transit point of the Atlantic Slave Trade.

3. In contemporary times, Senegal is very close to France. In fact, the very flag of Senegal has adopted the French Tricolor style. So the flags of both look the same, except for the color 

4. Senegal is the only country in West Africa which wasn’t overrun by a military coup. Its democratic stability has earned it many allies in Europe and the Americas.

5.  The common lingo of Senegal has a word called, “Teranga”. It has a very sweet and hospitable meaning and has become the identity of Senegalese people. It means helping a person to come to your land and settle down.

6.  Dakar is home to the tallest statue in Africa. The African Renaissance Monument built in 2010, stands at an impressive 49 m, but still a meter short of a half-century.

7.  Senegal is a paradise for footballers. Many prominent players like El Hadji Diouf, Henri Camara, Ferdinand Coly, Bouna Coundoul, etc. have been inducted into the European League from this country.

8.  Senegal’s grasslands have given the country its two national symbols, the baobab tree, and the red lion.

Questions

1. Are you from Senegal or know someone from there?

2. Are you interested in learning Wolof?

3. What’s your favorite thing about Senegal?

4. Do you know anything about Senegal I forgot to mention?

5. Which country/Island do you think I should share about next?

PLEASE INFORM ME IF THERE IS ANY MISTAKE SO I CAN CORRECT IT. THANK YOU :)

*I know I said ISY project is about unknown/less talked about countries but I thought I should share about Senegal since I love it’s people and wanted to know more about their culture.

+ about ISY mini project 

+ Previous ISY countries : VANUATU, KYRGYZSTAN .

[marys-blog]

The anniversary of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s wedding forty years ago, July 29, 1981, conjures up memories of splendor for many people, but for Bruce and me it brings back scary memories.

While serving with the Peace Corps in the tiny West African country of The Gambia, we happened to be in the capital city of Banjul, 250 long miles from our “home” village in Mansajang. We had been called to the country’s Peace Corps headquarters for our exit physicals, since we were nearing the end of our two-year tour of duty and were scheduled to leave in September.

We had taken care of our business and were ready to return to Mansajang. We were traveling light since we’d only planned to be in Banjul two or three days. Much to our consternation, we couldn’t get out of Banjul—the entire city was locked down. Main intersections were blocked with tanks and military personnel carriers. Turning on the radio, we were chilled to hear frantic announcements that a military coup had effectively closed down the capitol city and much of the country.

While the president of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Jawara, was in England to attend the royal wedding, rebels took advantage of his absence to stage a coup.

After some scurrying around, we ended up at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Though nice it wasn’t the grand residence usually associated with a high-ranking officer’s home. At 4,000 square feet, the concrete house wasn’t particularly large—certainly not for the 118 people seeking refuge: Americans, Germans, Swedes, Canadians, Indians, and a few tourists.

Bruce’s skills as a licensed radio operator proved to be a valuable asset. He manned both short-range and a medium-range radios, allowing communication between embassies and to the State Department in the United States.

It was a harrowing eight days of mortars thundering close-by, making the house shudder, flurries of rapid gunfire, yelling, screaming. We ran dangerously short of food, couldn’t take showers because of a diminishing water supply, the electricity was spotty, and nerves were frayed with the crowded conditions. Later we learned that more than 500 people were killed in the fray.

Amazingly, it was British Special Air Service that came to the rescue. A helicopter landed on the beach near the Ambassador’s resident and two SAS (Splecial Air Services) men, dressed in civilian clothes and armed with MP5s and Browning 9mm pistols, plus hand grenades, called on us, used the radio, and warned us that there soon would be heavy combat noise and to stay inside, assuring us the coup would soon end. The two men had flown in with Senegalese Forces, some of whom surrounded the residence for our protection. Within a very short time, the coup was over.

The Peace Corps people were flown to Senegal for two weeks while the country settled down. We were then free to go back to our villages. I couldn’t wait to tell my Gambian friends where we had been. But they already knew—they’d heard all about it on the drums. The talking drums, now there’s a mystery. But that’s another story.

Note: Read more about this and other stories in my memoir, TUBOB: Two Years in West Africa with the Peace Corps.

[theace-of-clubs]

7, 10, 13, 23, 28, 31, 34, 40, 44, 47 & 48, 52, 53 this is a lot oops, oh well I'm nosey 💜💜

7 what was life like last year?definitely not the best - this time last year I'd been majorly fucked over, I was at a pretty low point sometimes, it was my first year of uni though, shit was bound to happen, and it paved the way for me to have some really good times!10 am I good at hiding feelingsnot really, it takes alot for me to hide things, the only feeling I can really hide is pissed off/angery, even then it's not the best believe me13 how do I feel right nowpretty content tbh, I haven't been this genuinely happy in a while! I miss a whole bunch of people but I'm very much looking forward to next year. i even started trying to take care of myself a bit more which is wild and is Def helping my mood23 fear(s)rejection, making people uncomfortable, not being good enough, heights, needles, failure, letting people down.28 I'll love you if... I can make you happy and you can make me happy 💜 (also if you like spooning)31 3 random factsI'm still a trainee at work even though I've been there nearly 4 years nowmy cat is currently sat on the wall outside my house looking up at my windowme and one of my managers bonded over Jenna marbles34 most embarrassing momentspuking at the breakfast buffet in Gambia the day we were meant to fly home, calling a person who hadn't picked their glasses up (his wife picked up, he'd passed away a week previously)40 favourite memoryrecently? boat ball 💜 I don't have many memories unfortunately but there's so many good things 44 age I get mistaken for22/23 is the one I get at work the most47 & 48 turn offs and turn onswell this is awkward uhhhhh idk? many of these relate to past experiences jsykturn offs: the main thing I think is ppl kissing my ears???? idk i really hate it, also anything to do with feet because EW and also hickiesturn ons: neck kissing is DA BOMB - I would say any kind of contact but I don't think that's a turn on I think I'm just touch starved- a lot of foreplay type things are good but sex itself is a no most of the time52 something I'm talented atI can do a Rubik's cube pretty well? I used to be very good at call of duty, I also think I'm talented at pissing people off Just Enough so they don't hate me but are clearly pissed off53 5 things that make me happythe ace place - it brings me so much joy and every time I think about it I smile omg 💜the circle game- it pisses me off a fair amount but I still love ithugs/cuddles/contact in most forms - I think I can sometimes be a bit too touchy, but when someone reciprocates its like a join between knowing they don't mind and also CONTACTdrunk/deep secrets/talks - I love when you can just be real with someone - even if it's not positive, someone trusting you with their emotions/secrets makes me feel so happy exercise and motivation - finally having a motive to improve myself is the best feeling in the world - it took me long enough but I'm really happy with how I'm going at the moment!well I guess that's my most love filled ask game in a while sorry if its soppy - keep em coming Bois 💜💜💜

[zendallkiner]

The art of mastering goodbyes

The last two years have been filled with critical turning points, many moments of transition between living spaces, friend groups, diets and jobs only to mention a few. I remember being at my high school graduation many years ago now, thinking as I’m dozing off in the back of the crowd that the majority of these people I will never see again. I’ll never pass them in the hallway at good old Poolesville High School on our way to lunch or on our way to sports practices after school. I’ll lose any kind of remote contact with them as friendships and friend groups slowly dissipate as life wills it. It’s only natural, right? I have memories and photos to support these memories of hugging one another on graduation day promising to stay in touch over the summer before we head in our own directions whether it be to college, directly to work or some other perfectly fine route. Memories of saying flimsy goodbyes in order to avoid the reality of it all. It was this feeling of sadness, yet liberation in which we knew our time together was done. We had endured one of the most transformative phases of our life and made it out on the other side, some with bright-eyes while others looking fearful, unprepared, not yet ready for what is to come.

Fast-foward over the next four years where we all forget about these feelings of anxiety and fear for the unknown. The next most crucial phase of life where we shed everything we knew and entered a new world alone and as ready as we’ll ever be. Meeting individuals who would become lifelong friends, maybe even longer than the ones you just spent the last 16 years with in your youth years. We came by some amazing people as well as some individuals we probably could have done without, but again that’s life. Now we’re at graduation again, where we are surrounded by these new people who have helped shape our lives, our thoughts, our beings in a more substantial way than ever imagined. And yet, here we are saying goodbye again. Performing an essential and completely normal aspect of life that comes with transition, with it still feeling difficult. This time it’s even more real since we don’t have the high chance of running into each other on Thanksgiving Eve at the local bar to have our annual catch-up. This time that pang of fear and sadness knowing these people you’ve spent four years in your classes, helping to develop one another’s knowledge, behavior, thought processes, will move forward and separately never to see each other again. Here we are trying to master the art of saying goodbye yet another time. Again with the unrealistic commitments of “we’ll keep in touch, I promise”  and “we’ll see each other once a year every year for the rest of our lives” amongst other too soon to be broken promises. It’s the reassurance of making this commitment that makes the reality of it all just a little more bearable. 

I talk about all of this because I find myself at a point in my life where I’m having to remaster the art of saying goodbye yet again, and it’s even more difficult this time around. I have a friend I’ve made over the last year since moving to Nioro du Rip named Pellagie. She is a 24 year old woman from the Gambia who lost both her mother and father around 5 years ago. She speaks a good amount of English as well as Wolof, so depending on our mood we’ll switch back and forth between the two. I remember the first day I met her at a church celebration for a few young girls and their first communion. She came out of the house in an extravagant red dress with beautiful braids and the kindest energy I’ve ever experienced from any individual. I wouldn't say I’m any kind of energy reader, but she has such a vibrant soul that it’s something you notice regardless of your skill to really do so. After that day, we ran into one another around town, at church amongst other places, until finally she invited me over to her house and our friendship began. I went over to her house and watched her cook, she played with my hair, we laughed so frequently and on some occasions we cried. We went on a few runs together, we went to the local bar together and did things I’d find myself with my friends at home doing. Over the past year, I got to know her so well that she opened up to me in a way that nobody here in this culture has yet to do. She took it upon herself to confide in me, her friend, about the problems she was experiencing at home. The restrictions she felt being a woman in this society, the expectations of cooking and never being able to leave to do anything for herself. 

“But I have dreams, Danty. I have things I want to do for myself and if I stay here I can’t do those. I want to make clothes and earn a living for myself. Life is so hard, it is so incredibly hard, Danty and I just don’t know what to do.” 

This is what she said to me in the school sewing room where we found ourselves laying on the tables trying to escape the suffocating heat. The tears came streaming down her face expressing the hardships of making this decision and also feeling jaded by life. Feeling as though life had cheated her by taking her parents too early and putting her in a place where her household only had one path laid out for her.

“If my father was still alive, I would never be in this situation. I would be living with him, in his house surrounded by peace. I wouldn’t be feeling this pain.”

And so this conversation continued over a few months. Where she divulged more and more to me. She cried harder and harder. And I sat there holding her hand, arm around her shoulder, feeling grateful to have established this sense of trust with somebody from such a different culture. Also feeling a deep sadness wishing I could do something more for her. She is somebody who lives in a different world from my own, who lacks the education I have, but somebody who feels the same things as people do all over the world crossing all physical and cultural borders. 

And so a few months passed with talk of her moving to another city to escape the household strife currently existing in her home. 

“Next week I’ll go, Danty. Next week I’ll be leaving and I’ll find my peace.” 

But this was said time and time again with no sign of leaving, ultimately making me write off the actuality of it ever happening. 

Until it happened.

And I found myself realizing this time, no matter what I say about seeing one another again, it is so much less likely to happen than any other moment of transition I’ve found myself in. With lack of good phone service and constantly changing phone numbers, there could be one day where she wants to call me and vice versa but we realize we no longer have the capability to do so. 

She arrives at my house the day before she leaves and says, “tomorrow I leave, Danty. Tomorrow is the day.” 

“How do you feel about it? Are you happy?” 

“I will be. I will be okay. God is good and he will find me my peace.” 

After about 30 minutes, she takes her leave and says its time to go. It’s time to head to her home in Nioro du Rip for the last time, prepare her bags and leave the following morning. I walk her halfway home, embraced in one another arms like two school children showing off their friendship to the world, afraid of letting go for fear of never getting this moment back. 

“Danty, let me leave you here. I will miss you so much and I will call you once I get to where I’m going.” 

We hugged, said the obligatory “I’ll see you again soon” and went our separate ways. 

This experience left me with the knowledge that saying goodbye is something that can never be mastered. No matter how hard we try to make it acceptable, it will always be unbearable in its own ways. While leaving me with this realization, I’m also left with the feeling of gratitude as I so often find myself feeling here in retrospect. Grateful for the friendship that will last forever within my being and who I am and will be for the rest of my life. 

She is somebody who has showed me the most kindness I have ever experienced in Senegal and ultimately anywhere. While everybody is open and willing to talk to you, she took it a step further. She took me into her home, into her heart and accepted me, which is something I can never begin to thank her enough for. 

My life has been comprised of phases and people who have contributed to who I am as an individual in these very moments. People who have helped guide me in my decision making, friends who have told me I’m being stupid, boyfriends who have taught me things that I never want to experience in a significant other, parents who have guided and supported me, sisters who have loved me unconditionally. It has been made up of moments of hardship and pain simultaneously accompanied by happiness and joy. I find myself in this phase now realizing that while friendship is ultimately better when spent together, its something that persists overtime and is demonstrated through our actions taken later on. All those people I’ll never see again from high school, helped shape me into who I am today. Even though indirectly, I can guarantee if I had grown up with a different group of people, I wouldn’t be who I am today. And this is something I know will occur with Pellagie’s friendship. The kindness, acceptance and genuineness she showed me will never be forgotten. I will forever remember her laugh and the happiness she brought to everybody around and the feeling of comfort she provided individuals in times of strife. 

I will never forget the best friend I was so blessed to make and have the privilege of keeping.

I can only hope one day you all can experience the kindness that Pellagie has showed me. I hope one day we can all try to master the art of saying goodbye, even if it’s truly unrealistic. 

[biofunmy]

In a Year of Perpetual Motion, Moments That Stopped Time

The 52 Places Traveler

Looking back on a whirlwind journey around the world, the 52 Places Traveler revisits the experiences that offered lessons for travel — and life.

Jan. 6, 2020

On my second day back in New York I walked into my neighborhood bodega and the Yemeni man behind the counter did a double take.

“Damn, bro, what happened? I thought you were dead!” he said.

The following night, I went to pick up an order at the Indian restaurant two blocks from my apartment.

“Long time, no see,” said the Bangladeshi manager who, since I’ve been gone, has grown a bushy beard. “Where have you been?”

What happened? Where have I been? After nearly a year in perpetual transit, hopping between the far-flung spots on 2019’s 52 Places to Go list, these are not easy questions to answer. Maybe a more cohesive picture of a once-in-a-lifetime year will crystallize with time. For now, the best I can do is draw out the moments that float on the surface of my memory, the ones I’m most grateful for, as they taught me invaluable lessons not only about the world, but also about myself. And isn’t that why we travel?

1. When I said yes to goat-carcass games and urban lions

By the third hour in a field on the outskirts of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, my hair had taken on the hue of the dust that filled the air in roaming clouds. Every time I smiled, which was often, more dust poured into my mouth. Two hundred men on horseback galloped back and forth across the dry grass, in pursuit of their target: a goat carcass stuffed full of sand. Shouts from the riders, the whinnying of horses and the cheers of thousands of spectators filled the air. At one point, being the only foreigner — and so a guest of honor — I was invited to ride on the truck that drove onto the field to drop the goat and start each round of kopkari, a sport that originated with the nomadic herders who inhabited these steppes 1,000 years ago.

Six months later and 5,000 miles away, in a small suburb of Dakar, Senegal, “false lions” — men channeling the spirit of the animal — growled, leapt and twirled in elaborate costumes. Drums thundered at earsplitting volumes and children shrieked in delight as the lions chased them through the fluorescently lit streets.

There’s a natural tendency to plan our travels down to the minute: We want to make sure we’re getting the most out of a trip that uses up our valuable money and vacation time. Toward the beginning of the year, I spent hours planning each stop — going over notes on the plane ride and sketching out what each day might look like. By my final stop, I barely knew where I was going to stay until the day before I arrived. The sweet spot is probably somewhere in between, with enough planning to know where you’re going but enough flexibility to say yes to the unexpected. New friends and the currents of serendipity brought me to the horses and the lions — and gave me two experiences I’ll never forget.

2. When I became a member of the guild

Hanging from the zipper of my camera bag is a small, bronze key. It grants me access to the backdoor of the Christian IV’s Guild clubhouse in the Danish city of Aalborg. Over the past year, I’ve accumulated soccer jerseys, paintings and a handwritten poem about an Italian horse, but this key, a symbol of my membership in a Danish society with roots in World War II, has to be the oddest gift. How I got it is just one of many examples of how dropping your guard and letting strangers into your life can lead to experiences far outside the realm of conventional tourism.

It started with Kit Sorensen, a friend twice-removed, who I met on my first afternoon in Aalborg. By the evening, she had taken off work for the remainder of the week to show me around. She took me out for pickled fish and aquavit, the straight-to-your-head spirit that Danes insist on drinking with lunch. Together, we explored World War II bunkers and the city-within-a-city of Fjordbyen. Sensing that I craved a home-cooked meal, she invited me to her family’s house, where I made even more friends — and got invited by a stranger to join the Christian IV’s Guild because he felt that “I had what it takes.”

When traveling alone, it’s up to you how alone you really are. Sit at a bar and take a break from your phone and in minutes you’ll be getting a laundry list of things to do from a local — as I did in Munich, in Danang, in Tunis. You might be invited to their homes — as I was in Georgia, Puerto Rico, Bulgaria. In a quiet bar in the small Japanese city of Takamatsu you might find yourself the only customer, going on a deep dive into salsa and New Orleans jazz with a cat-loving bartender who you would have never known if you hadn’t smiled and said “hello.”

There are walls that as a man traveling alone I didn’t have to put up. Being ethnically ambiguous was also, it turns out, my superpower, blending into the streets of so many places around the world, walking home at night and not even getting a second glance from locals. One’s experience of the world so often depends on one’s identity, and I can only speak to mine. At the same time, I believe that, in general, travelers will encounter kindness far more often than hostility. An open mind, a willingness to learn and an acknowledgment of our own ignorance about a new place or culture flings the doors that separate us wide open. Just ask all my new pen pals.

3. When I became my own best friend on a Norwegian fjord

Before a six-hour solo hike in the fjords surrounding Bergen, Norway, I intentionally left my headphones at home. It was sunny — a rarity for one of Europe’s rainiest cities — and I wanted to be present. It worked. I felt the light, cold breeze; I could smell the dewy grass and feel the foamlike tundra giving way under my boots. Six hours is a lot of time to be walking with nothing but your thoughts, but not once did I feel bored.

When I started this trip, the thought of spending so much time alone was one of my biggest worries. I’m an extrovert by nature. By my third month on the move, I was getting used to it. By my ninth, I was having full-on conversations with myself — out loud.

There’s something beautiful about learning to be comfortable with yourself — especially on the road. I could zero in on moments more completely without worrying whether a companion was having a good time. I could create memories that would be mine and mine alone — building blocks for my development as a person.

I was lonely, too, of course. I cried on the side of a Wyoming highway because John Prine’s “Summer’s End” came on the radio (“Come on home, you don’t have to be alone”); during a nearly four-hour meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Dutch island of Texel, I fell into the abyss of staring at my phone; more than once I dreamed about being on my couch at home, with my partner and cat. But over time, I learned to see those moments coming and lean into them. That threw the distinction between heart-wrenching loneliness and blissful solitude into relief; it made the moments of connection with strangers that much more magical. Solo travel is so many things, psychological roller coaster included.

4. When I crossed the risk line on a dark Chilean highway

It was stupid, plain and simple. After getting off a series of canceled, rerouted and delayed flights that took me from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Santiago, Chile, over the course of about 40 hours, I stumbled into a rental car just after sunset and hit the road for the town of La Serena. I was heading 300 miles north to get closer to where I’d be viewing the solar eclipse in a few days. It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but I drove with the windows down and wore a T-shirt, hoping the cold would keep me awake. I blared death metal as loud as the car speakers could handle. I drank coffee like water. One tollbooth worker, seeing my disheveled and wired state, asked me if I was okay. I pulled into La Serena well after midnight.

This year was full of risks; they come with the job when traveling at the pace I was, alone and looking for stories to tell. Within just a few days of traveling this year, it was clear that some risks are worth taking. Getting into a car with that nice stranger promising a plate of life-changing pork in Puerto Rico’s interior? I can handle that. Solo hiking through the snowy Tatra Mountains of Slovakia? Armed with a trail map, I’m good. Driving for five and a half hours in an unfamiliar country, at night, after a hellish flight and no sleep? Nope: That was stupid.

In talking to friends, it quickly became clear that my threshold for risk is different from others’ (“Are you nuts?” my partner asked, after I told her about my night in the woods outside Batumi, Georgia, drinking myself blind with a bunch of strangers). But travel is ultimately a game of choose-your-own-adventure and part of that choice is figuring out the risks you’re comfortable taking. It’s a learning process and there will be mistakes — there sure were for me this year.

By Land and Sea

48 boat rides, 45 train trips

5. When my plans went to hell and I survived

There was the late night in a hotel in Salvador, Brazil, booking a trip to Mexico that would start the following morning, after my plans to get to the Falkland Islands, also known as the Islas Malvinas, had imploded. A total meltdown at the airport had led to check-in lines that extended past the terminal’s entrance. Despite arriving four hours before my flight and checking in online, I missed my flight — and as a result the once-weekly flight to the Falklands.

There was that scorching hot morning at the port in Banjul, Gambia, where my brother and I had no choice but to wait the four hours until a ferry finally arrived. I sweated out every drop of moisture in my body; I downed two liters of water and sweated that out, too, until the also-shadeless ferry arrived.

There was the carefully arranged Airbnb in La Serena that my host canceled with no explanation, just days before my arrival to watch the solar eclipse. I spent most of a night in Mexico, on spotty Wi-Fi looking for alternatives in a city that would be tripling in population for the eclipse.

There was the moment, three months in, when we had to make the call to cut Iran from my travel plans. The geopolitical situation had grown tense and even if I were given a journalist visa (unlikely), we had security concerns. It made the regular messages I received from Iranians on Instagram welcoming me to their country and offering to be my hosts all the more heartbreaking.

Things go wrong when traveling. And there’s something about the places of travel — airports, ferry terminals, train stations, hotels — that magnify feelings of panic and sadness. It’s a powerlessness we’re not used to when we think we have every detail of a trip planned out.

I learned that there’s very little you can do when your plans fall apart. I learned to pinpoint the small actions I could take and leave everything else to play out without me. I started on a long, circuitous route to Mexico the next day and pushed my Falklands trip to later in the month. The ferry did arrive — and 24 hours later, my brother and I were on a boat floating feet away from wild chimpanzees. I found another Airbnb at the last minute, and so what if it was a little farther out of the city? I kept in touch with my new online Iranian friends, promising that one day I would make it there — and I will.

Traveling is an incredible privilege and it’s mind-boggling how easy it is these days to cross the planet. Reminding myself of that got me through many a moment this year that previously would have left me a weepy mess on an airport floor.

under the sea

11 total hours underwater

6. When “no one goes there now” became my time to go

Travel itself, regardless of destination, is taking its toll on the environment: The most frequent, and valid, criticism I’ve received this year is for my Sasquatch-size carbon footprint. While no one at the Times is encouraging everyone to go to 52 places in a year — I’d think again if you are planning on trying this yourself — I also don’t believe the answer is not to travel. To see the natural wonder that still abounds; to encounter the places that are on the verge of catastrophic change because of a warming planet; to meet the people who deal with its effects every day and forge real, profound, cross-cultural connections makes for a more informed, empathetic world. That doesn’t mean there aren’t steps we can take to be more responsible travelers. And part of that is realizing that sustainability goes beyond carbon emissions.

The Falklands in the dead of winter, when I had a colony of King penguins to myself; Mexico in the crushing heat of summer, when the beaches were empty; Senegal and Gambia during the most humid month of the year, when locals were actually excited to see visitors who had braved it; Siberia’s Lake Baikal, in neither the glorious summer nor the spectacularly frozen winter, but instead in autumn, when the trees burn bright yellow.

In planning my trip and limiting cross-continental treks as much as possible, it proved difficult to be everywhere at the “right” time to visit. But again and again, I found myself falling for low season, when it was far easier to blend into the fabric of daily life because I wasn’t just part of a horde of tourists changing the face of entire cities for months at a time.

Cities like Venice — or even Zadar, in Croatia, as I saw when I arrived in the summer — are buckling under the weight of overtourism. As travelers, we could make a difference by spreading the wealth, so to speak. That means, for the most adventurous, going to places that are still hard to get to; it took me two tries to get to the Falklands and three to get out, but that made it special. But it also means thinking outside the “Europe in summer” paradigm.

taking to the skies

40 airlines, 88 flights (only 1 missed flight)

7. When I really learned what a “place to go” is

There’s beauty, surprise and genuine wonder to be found everywhere — and I mean everywhere. A Vegas naysayer can have his mind changed through a chance encounter with a crew of rockabilly musicians. A half-Indian student of history can learn about a mighty Indian empire, of which he knew nothing, by coming face-to-face with its ruins. A traveler can come home after 11 grueling months of continuous travel and start dreaming of where he’s going next.

But first, some sleep.

Sahred From Source link Travel

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2N0Rlgb via IFTTT

[drvinyl]

Exploring KLARA: New Music And The Current Political Climate

It’s always intriguing to hear an artist’s story of their first involvement with music and what made them want to combat breaking into a challenging industry. This is where we start off our interview with KLARA: a singer-songwriter based in London, who’s won the heart of Bon Iver and is set to release her debut album the beginning of the new year. Discussing those moments she realised music was her calling, KLARA recalls her earliest memories of music and what made her want to pursue the career she finds herself in.

 “When I was little I was always playing guitar and piano. I was also singing in choirs and making up songs, but it wasn’t until I started to take singing lessons that I knew I wanted to do this properly. My goal became to take a Master’s degree in Music. At University I released a few EP’s and a jazz record, performed live shows in Sweden, played my first 2 live Radio shows which was super exciting. I travelled to Tanzania and Argentina several times to study traditional singing and thumb piano. After 4 years in Malmo I was craving playing more live shows and meeting more creative people, so I did my 5th year at Uni in London…and here I still am a few years later! Now I have my own studio at Church Studios owned by Paul Epworth who is such a warmhearted and inspirational person. This church is always full of great musicians, songwriters and producers.”

KLARA's wealth of experiences over the past few years are a certain testament to her passion for music and her recent releases are proof of that. Besides the influences drawn from previous encounters with creatives, KLARA discusses the notable figures that aided her eagerness for music and the current artists that inspire her.

“Tracy Chapman was the first artist that I bought all the records by and went to see live. I got more into playing guitar and songwriting because of her. I also remember listening to Lauryn Hill - MTV Unplugged every evening for a year until the CD broke, haha! Since I came to London, artists that inspire me include James Blake, Daughter, London Grammar, Ben Howard, The Staves, Bon Iver, First Aid Kit and Regina Spektor. They inspire me in different ways, but the consistent threads are that they all have such great voices, harmonies, superb production and beautiful melodies and lyrics.”

The huge names of singers and songwriters that influenced KLARA, certainly raise the question whether she has carried elements from the likes of Ben Howard and London Grammar into her forthcoming debut album ‘Blossom’, in addition to her own distinctive and delicate sound. She is positively a incredible singer-songwriter in her own right, and we were itching to hear what the album entails.

“It’s about hopes and dreams. How we all carry them with us close to our hearts and are sometimes too shy to show them to others. How we dream big and work hard at the same time as feeling fragile. How we can all feel lonely and isolated even while being surrounded by others. How even though we might have achieved so many of these dreams that were once just a seed of thought, we somehow manage to still feel like we are the ones looking in from the outside.”

There was no immediate rush to create an album for KLARA, who explains the album is a concoction of songs written over a few years, in a variety of locations, drawing in and taking aspects of her travels with her in lyrical form.

“I wrote most of the songs on my own over a few years, with inspiration coming from all over the world. The lyrics for one track came to me whilst in The Gambia, another came to me on the roads through Wisconsin, while driving to Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claire Festival. And Sweden, of course plays a strong thematic role through these songs too. Once I felt I had a cohesive collection of songs that felt like the album I wanted to release, I then spent 6 weeks in my studio at Church Studios with my guitarist Sam, finessing the musical arrangements for the songs. We were so inspired that we then also wrote a song called ‘Voices’ which is the final song I wrote for this album and my latest single.”

“During this ‘pre-production’ phase, I had rehearsals with my full band and as I love harmonies so much me and my two backing singers Karina and Jess worked out the vocal arrangements that are so integral to the album.”

“Kevin Robinson played and created horn arrangements that makes the record bloom beautifully, sounding epic in places. I worked with a wonderful cello player called Klara Schumann who wrote most of the cello arrangements on the record. She is incredible & sometimes we perform live as a duo. I also love Pedal Steel so on a few songs Matt Park is sprinkling some magic dust over my record.”

“Then BOOM comes the most magical moment of my career…to spend 10 days at Real World Studios recording the 12 tracks that form the record.  I loved every moment of every 12 hour day in this utterly glorious studio. I travelled there in a big van as I had all my guitars, Nord electro keyboard & my Omnichord with me.” 

“I worked with an incredible engineer called Oli Jacobs who introduced me to Erland Cooper who I co-produced the album with. I really liked working with Erland as I trust his expertise and taste. This trust is essential when working under such time pressure. We also mixed and did the post-production together in his lovely studio in Shoreditch. The icing on the cake is the mastering that I had the pleasure of watching engineer Guy Davie deliver with artistic flair!”

KLARA previously spoke about involving politics in her single ‘Voices’, a running theme in a lot of current songs, as seen in Sam Fender’s debut album and The 1975′s collaboration with Greta Thunberg. 

“It’s incredibly important to be able to speak my truth as in this dark political climate it feels like the loudest voices are telling the most lies. My music tells it softly but it’s my truth. I have been to many protest marches both in Paris and London but it felt good to also be able to put these feelings into my song lyrics. Another song ‘Falling’ has political undertones and considers the plight of refugees. In my song ‘Laura’ I talk about a woman I met in the neighbourhood I live in. She is homeless and has lived through so much darkness. These themes are new to me as I used to mainly write about relationships and emotions and my inner world but it’s interesting and feels important to express my thoughts about the outer world too.”

Talking about life after the debut’s release, KLARA is not stopping there and looks forward to having her own recording studio by the sea.

“I would like to do another writing trip to LA and continue to go to writing camps in Sweden but also I want to write a lot more with songwriters and artists in London as I haven’t explored that enough yet. While keeping one foot in London I also want to buy a house on a beach in Sweden and realise my dream of a having a recording studio by the sea. I will of course then welcome all my collaborators to come and stay by the Swedish coast when they need a creative break from London life.”

Be sure to follow Klara + listen to the latest:  Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Spotify 

[kendopuma74-blog]

Royal tour 2018: Charles and Camilla arrive in Ghana

Greetings from Ghana! Accra rolls out the red carpet for Charles and Camilla as they touch down from The Gambia on day three of their West Africa tour

Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall touched down in Accra on Friday

After visiting The Gambia, flew into Kotoka International Airport in Ghana  

On day three of their nine-day official royal tour of West Africa 

Greeted by the Ghanaian president and First Lady at Jubilee House in Accra  

By Kerry Mcdermott For Mailonline and Emily Chan For Mailonline

Published: 15:50 GMT, 2 November 2018 | Updated: 22:24 GMT, 2 November 2018

Ghana rolled out the red carpet for Prince Charles and Camilla on Friday, as the jetted into Accra on day three of their royal tour of West Africa. 

The royals stepped onto the tarmac at Kotoka International Airport to the sounds of a military parade, and the Duchess of Cornwall, who shielded herself from the powerful African sun with a parasol, was presented with a colourful bunch of flowers on the red carpet. 

Charles and Camilla were officially welcomed by the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, at the presidential palace, Jubilee House.   

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed to Accra by the Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, on the third day of their royal tour of West Africa 

Charles and Camilla were presented with colourful bunches of flowers as they were welcomed to Ghana on Friday. The Duchess of Cornwall shielded herself from the sun with a parasol 

The couple touched down in Ghana from The Gambia, where a glittering black tie reception was held in their honour at the Coco Ocean Hotel on Thursday night.   

The Duchess of Cornwall was resplendent in a pistachio green kaftan-style gown for the event, while her husband was dapper in a double-breasted navy suit.

Earlier on Thursday, the couple were given the VIP treatment with a personalised number plate on their car.

On Friday Camilla had opted for a floaty cream dress, nude heels and a basket-effect bag to make the trip to Ghana, while Prince Charles wore a khaki suit and military badges.

Both wore Remembrance poppies to mark the upcoming Armistice Day. 

Later Charles was joined by his brother Prince Edward where they laid a wreaths at The Christiansborg War Cemetery.

Their Royal Highness were escorted through the Memorial Garden and received by The President where they paid their respects to the fallen.

Later Charles was joined by his brother Prince Edward where they l laid a wreaths at The Christiansborg War Cemetery

Their Royal Highness were escorted through the Memorial Garden and received by The President

Both Camilla and Charles laid tributes at the graves of the fallen during their time in the memorial garden

It was a day of pomp and pageantry in Accra, with the royals disembarking their plane to be greeted by a military parade and a red carpet on the tarmac at Kotoka International Airport 

Charles and Camilla are part way through their official tour of West Africa, having flown to Accra from The Gambia 

Carry your essentials in style with a raffia tote by Heidi Klein

We barely had time to breathe between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's last day on their tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga before Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall embarked upon their visit to West Africa.

You couldn't help but feel inspired by Meghan's wardrobe whilst she was away, and we have a feeling Camilla might have been taking style tips from her too!

The bag she's carrying here is by super luxe swimwear brand Heidi Klein, and we love the woven raffia fabric. The bamboo handle and tassel trim are nice little touches too! It's the perfect size for all your holiday essentials so if you're lucky enough to be jetting off in search of some winter sun then click (right) to buy it now.

Or copy Camilla with our edit of similar bags, with options from the likes of Zara, Mint Velvet and Wai Wai.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

The couple's nine day tour of West Africa on behalf of the British government will also take them to Nigeria. 

While in The Gambia, Charles delivered a speech congratulating the country for turning its back on 'autocratic' rule at home and returning to the Commonwealth fold in February, after the country's exiled authoritarian former leader Yahya Jammeh fled the country last year. 

Charles said: 'We are friends and partners, and once again we are both members of the Commonwealth family of nations.' 

The couple will return to London just in time for Prince Charles' landmark 70th birthday on November 14. 

The couple looked in high spirits on their arrival in Ghana, having flown in from The Gambia, where a glittering black tie reception was held in their honour on Thursday night 

The Prince of Wales shares a laugh with the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, at Jubilee House in Accra, Ghana, on Friday 

Charles and Camilla were formally welcomed to Ghana by the President and First Lady on day three of their visit to West Africa on behalf of the British government, which will also take in Nigeria 

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall step out for a glittering evening reception at the Coco Ocean Hotel in The Gambia on Thursday evening

Charles and Camilla were joined by President Adama Barrow and his wife arrving for a state dinner and reception at the Coco Ocean Hotel on Thursday night

Charles, who turns 70 later this month, and Camilla, 71, looked in high spirits as they arrived at the State House in The Gambia on Wednesday

  Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6346697/Royal-tour-2018-Charles-Camilla-arrive-Ghana.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[thearnoldtully]

UK: May Project Garden – The garden where horticulture meets hip-hop in London

A community garden in south London is trying to mix hip-hop with horticulture to introduce youngsters to the merits of gardening.

BBC

It is hoped the mix of recording music and growing vegetables will help encourage vulnerable teenagers away from a life of crime.

BBC July 2019

May Project Garden was founded in 2007 by Ian Solomon-Kawall and Randy Mayers. Ian spent his youth as a carer for his mum who suffered from mental illness. When she died he wanted to do something positive in her memory and set an example for others facing similar social and economic hardships.

He met Randy, who’d moved from Gambia, with permaculture expertise and missing a connection to nature in the city. Together they transformed the garden at his mum’s council house into the community garden, which is still the heart of MPG today.

See more here.

from Gardening http://cityfarmer.info/uk-may-project-garden-the-garden-where-horticulture-meets-hip-hop-in-london/ via http://www.rssmix.com/

[thepalladiantraveler]

Before Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital of the United States in the early 19th century, eight other locales served as the temporary site of Congress, the promising young Republic’s legislative body, including Annapolis, MD.

Beneath the leaky dome of the still unfinished Maryland State House, the nomadic Congress tended to business by candle light and kept warm by a lone fireplace from November 26, 1783 until August 19, 1784. During that brief, ten-month period, Annapolis was witness to General George Washington’s resignation as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and the ratification of the Treaty of Paris that officially ended the American Revolutionary War with Great Britain.

Just an easy, 40 min. drive up U.S Highway 50, Annapolis, aka Naptown, is the perfect day trip from the hustle, bustle and occasional filibuster of Washington D.C. Perched on Chesapeake Bay and embraced by the Severn River, she is a quintessential Colonial America port city.

Start your outing at the Visitors Center on North St. where Frederick, the official town crier decked out in traditional “Hear ye, hear ye!” garb, enthusiastically gives you the lay of the land, a few of his personal tips on what to see, do and where to eat, and a discovery map so you don’t get lost on his account.

Steeped in history, Annapolis, home to the U.S. Naval Academy, is a charming city from the moment you wander along her narrow, brick-paved streets with names like King George, Prince George and Duke of Gloucester, and dotted with more 18th century brick buildings and row houses than any other city in the country.

At Church Circle pay a visit inside St. Anne Parish, founded in 1692, then pass by a few of the aforementioned historic brick buildings, like Reynolds Tavern (now Pub 1747) and the County Court House, until you reach State Circle and America’s sixth temporary capital, the State House, a National Historic Landmark.

The oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, show a photo ID then step inside to view a personal copy of General Washington’s resignation speech on display in the rotunda. And, right across the green from the State House, where locals stroll and chat and their dogs roam and sniff, is the Old Treasury Building, the oldest public building in Annapolis.

Historic Annapolis is a 21st century neighborhood with 18th century charm and it begins at the top of lively Main St. Meander down and admire four centuries of well-maintained architecture now occupied by dozens of locally-owned fashion boutiques and specialty gift shops nestled in between art galleries, historic inns, pubs and restaurants.

Cross over Market Space into City Dock, where the brick pavement gives way to water’s edge and where the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial stands. It was here that the slave ship Lord Ligonier cleared customs on September 29th, 1767 and unloaded its cargo of 98 African survivors of the treacherous Middle Passage voyage from the Gambia River only to be sold into servitude shortly thereafter. One of those survivors was Kunta Kinte, an ancestor of author Alex Haley and the inspiration for his novel, Roots.

Known as “America’s Sailing Capital,” you cannot visit Annapolis without taking a short voyage around Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S.

At the end of the pier at City Dock, under the bright red Watermark Tours umbrella, purchase a ticket –– no reservations required as walk-ups are welcome –– then hop aboard the iconic Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise of historic Annapolis Harbor, along the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy and out to the twin Bay Bridges.

Grab a beverage of your choice at the full-service bar then go topside to enjoy the fresh sea breezes and fab panoramas during this memorable 40-minute cruise. It’s the perfect introduction to Annapolis and fun for the entire family.

Renowned throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as THE place to go for fresh seafood, like the prized Maryland Blue Crab, Annapolis lives up to its billing as “Crabtown on the Bay.”

Head across or under the Spa Creek Bridge on foot, by car or aboard a water taxi to Eastport, the laid-back, maritime neighbor of Naptown, where boat makers, fishermen and sailors enjoy fresh “catch of the day” at local favorite Boatyard Bar & Grill (BB&G).

Crab cake sandwich

Oyster Mary shooter

Cod fish tacos

Flounder BLT

The BB&G’s “all killer, no filler” crab cakes are famous nationwide. An abundant raw bar serves a variety of the freshest mussels, shrimp and oysters – you’ve got to try an Oyster Mary shooter rimmed with Old Bay – along with a house-smoked catch-of-the-day, a flounder BLT, cod fish tacos, fish and chips and other seafood brought in daily from the Chesapeake.

Nautically themed with a big central bar, the BB&G is the perfect tonic to finish off your day trip to historic, charming and colonial Annapolis, the sixth temporary capital of the United States.

©ThePalladianTraveler

_______________________________________________

Historic Annapolis: Colonial America wrapped in a Crab Cake Before Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital of the United States in the early 19th century, eight other locales served as the temporary site of Congress, the promising young Republic’s legislative body, including Annapolis, MD.