By Chase Carneal

For about the first 15 years of my life, which is the majority because I am turning 16 at the end of this month, I would have never wanted to go to Africa. I am at home pretty much anywhere on saltwater, but the dry desert seemed inhospitable and generally unpleasant.

That changed when

I went on the Global-Ed trip to India, where Mr. Alter explained what would happen on the Senegal trip. He explained how we would go to a small resort in the mangroves of Senegal for the first few days. Then, we would go to to the jungle in the interior of the village and finish the trip in a beach house. My mind completely skipped over the desertous jungle we would visit, and instead I focused on the two beach parts of the trip.

About two days before the trip, I finally realized that I was going on safari in Africa. I was excited about this, as I had not really thought about it before. When we arrived, I started getting nervous about that part of the trip. When we made it to Niognani, my fears were settled.

Many little kids swarmed our bus, wanting to play with us. Throughout all of my time in Niognani, my concerns continued to be lifted due to the friendly and welcoming nature of the village. I feared that the short time in the village would be a difficult time, but it turned out to be an amazing experience and one of the highlights of my trip.

Hospitality can make even the most intimidating places or experiences tolerable, opening up the world.