Learning Journey in West Africa

I’M HUMAN, YOU’RE HUMAN, LET ME GREET YOUR HUMANNESS.
LET’S BE PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR A WHILE.
– Anne Lamott

In 2008 I embarked on a journey through 11 countries in West Africa.

WHERE: Senegal : Mali : Burkina Faso : Niger : Benin : Togo : Ghana : Sierra Leone : Guinea : Guinea Bissau
WHEN: May – August 2008
WHAT: A three-month journey using public transport and staying in homes wherever possible.

I wanted to listen to how people self-describe where they live – the things that bring joy, and the things that are difficult. I wanted to see the differences and the things we hold in common. I wanted to gather clues for how we can work towards challenging injustice to nurture a better world.

Along the way, I met and stayed with people 
who live and work here: I shared meals and journeys and cups of tea; asked many questions and gathered even more. I’ve been shaped, informed and gifted by these people and these places.

The journey in brief…

11 countries
9 visas
13 border crossings
44 motorbikes
32 shared taxis
8 private/corporate cars
8 ferries
4 aeroplanes
1 train
1 camel

41 towns and cities
10 villages
numerous warm welcomes
infinite congenial encounters
3 tight interactions

4 journals
3 outfits
1 camera

many hand portraits
endless cups of tea
countless questions

For hand portraits and reflections on the journey see the gallery-blog or book.
For a rough route map, see below.
For a cup of tea and sharing stories, get in touch.