While in Ndiaganiao, I visited the coastal towns of M'bour, Saly, and Joal Fadiouth. But my journey isn't over yet, because my mom is coming to visit Senegal for ten days! We will travel to the northern city of St Louis, which is the oldest colonial town in West Africa. We will also spend a night in Senegal's tiny desert of lompoul, where we will get to sleep in tents. I'm so excited to show my mom this place I have called home for the past four months!
I am so lucky because I received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to fund my journey in Senegal. Through the generous gift from this foundation, I have been able to travel on the weekends. Gilman also introduced me to Reach the World, which has allowed me to share my journey with you all! I would also like to say thank you to my host family in Ndiaganiao for making me fall in love with Senegalese culture. Thank you to the villagers of Ndiaganiao for welcoming an American tourist with open arms. Thank you to my family, especially my mom and mysister, for always giving me advice, and for encouraging me to study abroad.
As I leave Ndiaganiao, and end my journey in Senegal, I must appreciate where my voyage started, by climbing a hill to reach the lighthouse of Mamelles in order to see, once more, the view of my new home. I arrived as a girl with pink hair, wearing sandals and knowing nothing about Senegal, but I get to leave knowing I experienced the Land of Teraanga. Looking back, I must say thank you to the 20 year old girl who decided to fly halfway around the world to Senegal. It took courage, I faced many challenges but in the end it's a place I will never forget.
Dioka Ndial ("Thank you" in Serrer) to Ms.
