First things first: I'm going to Guinea to further my education and experience in West African music (drumming, in particular) this winter. I'm also traveling there to have fun and, just like any other trip I go on, get some dope new experiences! Flight from NYC is 25 hours, thank you for asking.
I'm going with Babara -- a man who I consider to probably be the most talented teacher I've ever encountered. He also is an absolute pleasure to spend time with, and one of the most positive people I have ever met. No doubt, this plays a role in his teaching efficacy. Born and raised in Guinea, Babara happens to teach West African drums. I met him earlier this year in the Poconos at the Wula Drum and Dance Retreat.
As I sit here on December 2nd, now three weeks without my passport, I am growing increasingly nervous that I may not be able to go on this trip after all. USPS tracking confirms that the Guinea Embassy in Washington D.C. did indeed receive my passport on Nov 13. And others who have gone to Guinea confirmed it only took them about one week from the date they sent their passport to receive it back with a visa.
I went to drum today at Alvin Ailey for a West African dance class (this story is not a total non sequitur -- I promise this will tie back into my passport), and returned home via bus. White guy asked what was in my bag. "Tuba?" he asked. No, it's a djembe. "A JAM BAG?" No, a drum. "Oh like a conga?" It is djembe, I responded as I unzipped my bag to show him.
"Where's it from?"
West Africa.
"Oh like Sierra Leone?"
Actually, I had never heard that particular country mentioned in reference to a djembe -- I typically hear it associated with Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and to a lesser degree, Burkina Faso and Ghana (where I hear the drum I use may be from).
Turns out this man, about 65 years old, had lived in Sierra Leone in his twenties for work.
"So you're familiar with the term WAWA?"
I was not.
WAWA -- West Africa Always Wins.
I hope in this case, I can squeeze out a victory. Accepting all prayers, well wishes, etc. for my passport to be returned safely to me this week! For my own mental health, and wallet. Expediting travels docs costs a few $$. I'd rather spend that money in country.
Editor's note:
I'd be remiss to not pay homage to the OG "Drew's travel Blogger blog": drewstanzaniatrip.blogspot.com. Yes, it absolutely influenced the domain I chose for this blog.
Edit:
I was asked by a colleague for some samples of what kind of music I'd be playing/dancing to on this trip. I caveated my response with, nothing will give you the full picture like listening/dancing to it in person. It is a feature of percussion; a significant amount of the experience is from how the vibration of the drum makes your body feel. So it is not the same listening with headphones or speakers. The music is also so interactive between the drummers, dancers, crowd. That being said, here's a taste!
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| Map of West Africa |
I'm going with Babara -- a man who I consider to probably be the most talented teacher I've ever encountered. He also is an absolute pleasure to spend time with, and one of the most positive people I have ever met. No doubt, this plays a role in his teaching efficacy. Born and raised in Guinea, Babara happens to teach West African drums. I met him earlier this year in the Poconos at the Wula Drum and Dance Retreat.
As I sit here on December 2nd, now three weeks without my passport, I am growing increasingly nervous that I may not be able to go on this trip after all. USPS tracking confirms that the Guinea Embassy in Washington D.C. did indeed receive my passport on Nov 13. And others who have gone to Guinea confirmed it only took them about one week from the date they sent their passport to receive it back with a visa.
I went to drum today at Alvin Ailey for a West African dance class (this story is not a total non sequitur -- I promise this will tie back into my passport), and returned home via bus. White guy asked what was in my bag. "Tuba?" he asked. No, it's a djembe. "A JAM BAG?" No, a drum. "Oh like a conga?" It is djembe, I responded as I unzipped my bag to show him.
"Where's it from?"
West Africa.
"Oh like Sierra Leone?"
Actually, I had never heard that particular country mentioned in reference to a djembe -- I typically hear it associated with Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and to a lesser degree, Burkina Faso and Ghana (where I hear the drum I use may be from).
Turns out this man, about 65 years old, had lived in Sierra Leone in his twenties for work.
"So you're familiar with the term WAWA?"
I was not.
WAWA -- West Africa Always Wins.
I hope in this case, I can squeeze out a victory. Accepting all prayers, well wishes, etc. for my passport to be returned safely to me this week! For my own mental health, and wallet. Expediting travels docs costs a few $$. I'd rather spend that money in country.
Editor's note:
I'd be remiss to not pay homage to the OG "Drew's travel Blogger blog": drewstanzaniatrip.blogspot.com. Yes, it absolutely influenced the domain I chose for this blog.
Edit:
I was asked by a colleague for some samples of what kind of music I'd be playing/dancing to on this trip. I caveated my response with, nothing will give you the full picture like listening/dancing to it in person. It is a feature of percussion; a significant amount of the experience is from how the vibration of the drum makes your body feel. So it is not the same listening with headphones or speakers. The music is also so interactive between the drummers, dancers, crowd. That being said, here's a taste!
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