So, exactly a week ago, I had an epiphany about my trip to Senegal. Prior to this evening, I was feeling excited, yes, but primarily nervous. I was worried mainly about stupid things like the bugs and the heat, but also about how I was going to handle traveling abroad. Having never been off my own continent, Africa is certainly quite a different place to choose to go.
Anyway, last Monday night, I saw a fabulous Senegalese hip hop band called Daara J at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. First of all, they were awesome! But more importantly, I got to talk to them after, and for some reason, they completely eased my nerves about studying abroad. They spoke beautiful Parisian French, they were SO nice and genuine, and I actually felt like the communication between us felt rather natural. From this experience, I realized two things 1) these people are really no different than me, when it comes down to it, and 2) music is a universal language, and so while abroad, as long as I find music, I’ll be ok.
Daara J – the turning point
