…one "Nomad" [myself] “non-vicariously” 🙂 enjoying the travels of another nomad [Lee Litumbe]
I have to admit, my interest in taking a trip to rediscover my roots in Senegal, was only ignited six months ago by, shall I say, for lack of better words, and for shock effect, "The White Guy".
I'm speaking of Anthony Bourdain as he visits Senegal, on his Travel/Food, "Parts Unknown" on CNN. Even Lee Litumbe acknowledges Anthony in her Senegal article on her site from which these photos come, it was a great show.
What struck me as interesting is that Anthony Bourdain does not mention Goree Island in that show.
The only reason that is worth mentioning, is that when you are a "so called" Black American like me, that you are "supposed" to at least try to make a Pilgrimage to Goree Island in Senegal in your life.
I never had this impulse that most Black Americans are "supposed" to have, to make the "so called" pilgrimage to Goree Island. Goree being infamous slave fort, the "Point of No Return" so to speak, for slaves being shipped to the New World….
…..slaves who were to never see their homeland again.
Why have I never had the urge to visit Goree Island? Not really sure, except that maybe I know the whole rest of the story of Africans in the New World.
I'm a historian. My attitude is, "OK, we were slaves, but now what are we, and where are we going"? (I'm always looking in another direction than most people around me….)
That's where Lee Litumbe, and her Spirited Pursuit Website, comes in, she posted an AMAZING article on her trip to a city called Saint Louis, Senegal.
Amazing colorful buildings, the rustic and somewhat "run down" Old World charm, but underneath the peeling paint of the old buildings, and insight to a supposedly open and tolerant place……..
…..even Anthony Bourdain said Senegal surprised him, with the spirit that still shines in its people.
I think for me, I don't want to stand on Goree Island and look West to the New World, to absorb and contemplate all the torment and ongoing hardships transpired from slavery.
Like I said, I'm a Historian, I know the story inside out…..
I want to look East, look "into" Africa, into what it is, where it is going, I want to look the people there in the eye in the here and now (and maybe quote that Bob Marley song, "We're the Survivors")….
……..and also maybe to feel the new age of enlightenment bubbling up in the African peoples of the world (it's only noticeable if you are on a certain "wavelength")
Check out Lee Litumbe's full, "Short Story Long"…..
….on Lee Litumbe's Spirited Pursuit Website. Her full Senegal article is here. (….such great and powerful photography!!!). She even gives great lodging and travel tips!!
Make Sure you jump over to Lee Litumbe's "Digital Concept Store" called " Marché ", her cool internet store featuring locally sourced fashions and accessories from her travel destinations.
I'm all about supporting Black Entrepreneurs, if we don't support each other….who will? 🙂
Good job Lee, nothing like a fresh dose of "Inspiration" !!!! 🙂
About Lee Litumbe…….
Created by Lee Litumbe from her passion for travel, photography, and storytelling, Spirited Pursuit strives to be a visual experience and inspiration source for the travel lover. In an effort to provide a platform for others to share their individual perspectives, these stories focus on each person's first hand perception of cultures and destinations throughout the world – some from Lee's personal journeys, some from local experts and others from a community of spirited world travelers. A Cameroonian by birth, an American by upbringing, and a Nomad at heart, Lee has a deep rooted appreciation for a well-traveled and adventurous life; with every published story re-igniting her longing to experience and explore deeper into all that exists within the world.
[below] Lee Litumbe's "Spirited Pursuit" Video
Vatrena King: "Short Story Long"
(The official theme song for this series of posts)…the voice of this angel, Vatrena King, has inspired and sustained me through my own "nomad travels", I'm glad to finally give it a special place on my web-spot. ENJOY!! 🙂
…click here or photo below for my Lee Litumbe Home Page, with more of Lee's travel stories in
"Short Story Long"
…the Travel Adventures of Lee Litumbe
Lee Litumbe's "Spirited Pursuit" Website here
Lee Litumbe's Facebook Page Here
Lee Litumbe's Instragram Page here
Lee Litumbe's "Who is Lee Litumbe" Bio here
Lee Litumbe's Internet store " Marche' ", featuring her fashions and handcrafted accessories, crafted in her travel destinations, here
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Escapade!!!
(….Cyber Traveling with "Travelista Teri")
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