Day 31: November 2, 2024 – Dakar, Senegal (Africa)

The island of Gorée, just off the coast of Senegal, is a UNESCO World Heritage site best known as a memorial to the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The island is dotted with remnants of its past: slave houses, fortresses, museums, statues. The Door of No Return marks the final exit point of slaves leaving Africa.

This liberation from slavery statue shows a couple embracing as their chains are released.

Throughout the island, hundreds of Black Kites, a bird in the raptor family, glided silently overhead. The graceful freedom of these birds soaring over land where the freedom of so many was stolen, gave me chills.

This Door of Return artwork plays on the Door of No Return concept.

Gorée is also home to 1,800 people and is filled with palm trees, quaint streets, exotic plants and beautiful views.

The fruit of the sausage tree (or cucumber tree) is poisonous if eaten raw.

Colorful fishing boats in Gorée harbor.