what’s included in
A Trip Off The Old Block to Senegal
11 Days / 10 Nights
Jan 20 - Jan 30, 2019
Farewall Dinner
Tours and Transportation
Welcome Dinner
Select Meals (Breakfasts, Welcome & Farewell Dinner)
Accommodations Based on Single Occupancy
Relaxation Time
Airport Transfers
About this trip
This is a Retreat for artists and lovers of art, world travelers and lovers of culture, those in need of self-care and quiet reflection, as well as those wanting to explore Senegal, the West African country from which many African Americans’ ancestors arrived in North America. All participants will have the choice to learn African dance, drumming, painting, singing, to play the kora, the xylophone, make Batik cloth, create clay pottery and have daily workouts on the beach and/or in the performance space. We will exhibit our work for the local community at the end of the week.
Fresh, organic food (seafood, meat, vegetarian), natural juices (Hibiscus, ginger, pineapple, etc.) and plenty of water will be available, as well as a bar for drinks and winding down the day. You will be eating wonderful fish, rice, meat, potato and vegetable dishes, including Thieboudienne (Chebujin), the national dish of the Senegalese people. We will also be practicing the native Wolof language!
Our primary location is directly on the beach, so you will go to sleep hearing the waves and/or listening to the faint sound of drums and/or the prominent calls to prayer in this beautiful, diverse, Muslim country.
We will have a handful of day trips into Dakar and surrounding cities (including neighborhoods such as Soumbedienne, the artists village, the university of Cheikh Anta Diop and Almadies), to Goree Island and the “House of Slaves,” the Pink Lake and the African Renaissance Monument and Museum. We may be able to visit The Gambia, to the town from which Kunta Kinte of Alex Haley’s “Roots” are planted.
We will also explore your possibilities for property investments, including land purchasing and home building and ownership.
You will do all of this in one of the most culturally rich, beautiful countries in the world.
You do not have to be an artist to attend this trip. Anyone can come but the space is NOT equipped for anyone who is not self-sufficient and mobile. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair accessibility or other amenities for those with physical challenges. Please remember that Senegal is still a developing country.
Senegal is a francophone country, so if you know French or Wolof, you will be able to communicate very well with the local people. Otherwise, English is still a trade language and you will encounter some persons who will know it. But more than anything, a smile and a pleasant greeting is here for you and the Senegalese people are known for their “Teranga,” or friendly, welcoming nature.
