Before embarking on this trip, I had several significant goals in mind. I intend to inspire others to turn life’s setbacks into blessings and to venture off the beaten path, exploring less frequented destinations. I aim to encourage individuals to set, pursue, and achieve their own goals. All while placing a heavy emphasis on fostering genuine human connections. This aspect deserves further emphasis because we are significantly influenced by our surroundings, and therefore, it’s essential to engage in learning from others and forming meaningful relationships from all walks of life.
Over the past couple of months, life has intricately woven a pattern into the fabric of my journey. This vibrant fresco guided me away from traditional trails and into a realm where the value of human connection far surpasses any material wealth. My two-month voyage through the untamed terrains of Western and Northern Africa deviated from the typical tourist routes, bringing with it a wealth of profound life lessons, each steeped in depth and wonder.
About a quarter of this time was spent living with the locals, facilitated by the Couchsurfing app – a platform that connects travelers with local hosts. This provided an opportunity to delve deep into their culture, traditions, language, and, most importantly, to bask in their heartwarming hospitality.
Through these experiences, I came to appreciate a fundamental truth about humanity: at our core, we are all the same. Despite cultural, geographical, or societal differences, we share similar dreams, aspirations, fears, and desires. Understanding this commonality opens a powerful channel for connection and empathy. This realization, born of firsthand experience, has reinforced my drive to inspire others to open their minds, embrace the richness of shared experiences, and recognize our shared humanity.
A significant portion of my time in West Africa was driven by a burning desire to truly understand and immerse myself in the local way of life. This region, which is among the least traversed corners of the world, captivated me with its unique blend of cultures and traditions. I yearned to see the world from the perspective of a native, to walk the paths they have tread for centuries, and to comprehend their experiences that echo through these lands.
As a solo traveler, the journey can indeed become lonely at times. The familiar warmth of friends and family is frequently replaced by the vast, unknown expanse, further complicated by language barriers that can hinder meaningful communication with those I meet. Nonetheless, I saw this as an opportunity to create genuine connections in the countries I was visiting, whenever possible. With each step, I strived to form new friendships, nurturing bonds that would resonate far beyond the borders of these nations.
To realize this aspiration, I’ve always traveled with 3 distinct principles in mind for local immersion: ‘Eat Local’, ‘Speak Local’, and ‘Transport Local’. These strategies, which I elaborated in a previous blog post, were instrumental in aiding my integration into the local communities. They served as my guideposts, orienting me towards experiences that were authentic and deep-rooted in the region’s culture.
Additionally, the couchsurfing app proved to be an invaluable tool, acting as a bridge that connected me with the locals. It’s allowed me to share living spaces with the natives, offering an in-depth view of their daily routines, traditions, and lifestyles. This intimate immersion into their lives was a unique experience, granting me profound insight into the very heartbeat of these communities
The chapters of my journey began to reveal a resplendent narrative, with Mauritania emerging as a striking home away from home. An often-overlooked destination, tucked in the periphery of global awareness, its presence initially escaped my attention. However, during the careful crafting of my backpacking route across West Africa, Mauritania surfaced as an intriguing blip. When I disclosed my travel plans of entering Mauritania to others, I was met with skepticism and concern. Yet, rather than deterring me, these reactions further ignited my curiosity and excitement, driving me to delve deeper into this mysterious location.
In the heart of Mauritania, in the nation’s capital, Nouakchott, a local named Ha Roune graciously opened his doors to me, offering both shelter and sustenance for a week. I was granted a vivid glimpse into the city’s pulse—a compelling mix of labor and devotion. Ha Roune’s routine was a testament to resilience: grinding in a factory till midnight making animal food, then rising with the sunrise for religious observance. His benevolence radiated, and his perspective stood as an emblem of hope, positivity, and thankfulness.
Ha Roune imparted a valuable lesson in authentic hospitality. By Western measures, he was devoid of comforts many consider essential—from a basic sleeping arrangement on the floor to the absence of Wi-Fi, and even a simple pit serving as a toilet. Yet, amidst these austere conditions, he resided in one of the most profound cities I had ever encountered, a city that significantly challenged my worldview. Regrettably, conveying the intensity of this city in words alone is a daunting task, as I was unable to capture images or videos. This became evident when I was recording the lively city streets, only for a police officer to confront me and demand access to my phone and its contents, threatening to confiscate it.
Here is the best way I can describe Nouakchott:
“In Mauritania’s heart, Nouakchott emerges as a symbol of endurance. Worn-out cars navigate through dusty, unregulated streets, reflecting the locals’ struggles. The city’s disabled seem to outnumber even the trash, starkly portraying the harshness of life there.
A sight that pierces your soul is a man dragging a goat by one leg through the city center, a harsh depiction of survival at its crudest. Poverty is laid bare in this city, with beggars and fruit vendors, surrounded by flies, forming part of this canvas. Their pleading eyes and hardened gazes narrate tales of trials beyond my comprehension.
Life in Nouakchott is a stark contrast to what I’m accustomed to; it’s a bitter lesson in disparity. It seems every other face is another plea for a dollar, adding a potent layer to this place’s reality. It’s a world that reshapes my understanding of human endurance, leaving me contemplating the escape prospects for these people scratching out a living on Nouakchott’s streets.”
Yet through my eyes, my new found friend, Ha Roune, seemed to possess everything truly important. He had family, faith, optimism, mental fortitude, determination, and an incredibly kind heart. His teachings were profound, urging me to welcome people warmly and give generously. He championed placing faith above all else because if you have faith, nothing can genuinely deter you from your goals. His ethos leaned towards the importance of experiences and relationships over possessions. From our initial encounter, we shared a connection that felt akin to rediscovering a long-lost brother. And as I write these words, the memories stir a sense of longing, reminding me how much I truly miss him.
Gratitude is the flame that ignites enduring optimism, a lesson I absorbed during my time with him. He welcomed me like an old friend, offering shelter and food, and embracing me, even when I was covered in iron ore. Additionally, witnessing his habit of buying sugar each evening to gift the less fortunate the following morning while illustrating the circular nature of giving and receiving, imparted a profound lesson in generosity.
My good friend, previously a stranger, now holds a precious place in my heart. His life, nestled in an environment so foreign to my own, served as a poignant reminder of the beauty inherent in diversity and connection. His laughter, echoing through the tumultuous streets of Nouakchott, became a symphony to my ears, a melody that transcends boundaries of religion, culture, and income. It was a testament to the universal language of love, community, purpose, and freedom.
To this day, I send my deepest wishes for his success. May his visas be granted, liberating him to live and work wherever his heart yearns. In my memories, he will always be welcomed warmly, for his influence has irrevocably altered my understanding of the world and the beautiful blend of human connection.
My quest for human connection subsequently guided me northward to Tunisia, where an adventure began with Sedki, a kind man who invited me into his life with open arms in the nation’s capital, Tunis. His humble dwelling became my safe haven for a week, during which we embarked on explorations around the city’s nooks and crannies, some of which were new to him too. We delved into the wonders of the Medina, paid a visit to the majestic Sidi Bou Said, and toured Carthage. Together, we roamed the winding streets of Tunis on his motorbike, making memories utterly enhanced my entire time in his country.
Sedki’s generosity knew no bounds. He stubbornly declined to let me pay for anything. When I would secretly stash money under his pillow for groceries, he would always find my hidden cache and return it to my backpack, refusing to accept it.
Our days were colored by shared stories and thoughtful dialogues. His unique outlook on life served as an enlightening guide, clearly demonstrating that his dreams soared far beyond the ordinary, spurred on by an unwavering determination. At 27, Sedki is a self-made entrepreneur. During the Covid pandemic, he built a successful e-commerce business that gave him the means and the confidence to dream bigger and expand his ventures as Tunisia presents many obstacles to scaling and international business. His drive and determination ignited my ambition, encouraging me to shatter any barriers standing in my way.
Sedki personified the strength of resolve and hard work. He spent countless hours everyday working, immersing himself in motivational videos and relentlessly learning innovative strategies to grow his business. During this time, he was enthusiastically looking for opportunities in Canada. I found myself helping him with emails and outreach efforts, translating his diverse skills into a story that could resonate around the world.
Through Sedki, I realized how I should approach others in the future: with openness, hospitality, and warmth. As a solo traveler in a land where I was a stranger, unable to speak the local dialects and amidst a scanty tourist presence, Sedki’s kindness meant the world to me. I’ll take forward this lesson, extending similar courtesy to those I meet in my personal and professional life.
Sedki also imparted wisdom about maintaining a positive mindset and relentlessly pursuing dreams. He taught me not to limit myself and to consistently be curious and innovative, to be a disruptor. He demonstrated the importance of self-belief, confidence, and unyielding effort in achieving one’s goals, emphasizing that dedication always pays off in the end.
A glimpse into Sedki’s mindset is displayed on his wall where he has quotes such as:
- “Success means freedom: Freedom from worries, fear, frustrations, and failures.”
- “The ‘how to do it’ always comes to the person who believes he can do it.”
- “It is not difficult for me: I can do it.”
My deepest wishes for Sedki’s success go with him. He is one of those rare individuals who, I believe, would flourish regardless of where life takes him.
Tunisia, in many ways like Sedki, is a paradox, a hidden gem filled with warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and a rich layered history. Although it’s the birthplace of the Arab Spring and has suffered from past terrorist attacks, leaving its once booming tourism industry struggling, beneath these challenges lies a beautiful nation. Its people, kind-hearted souls like Sedki, eagerly share the splendors of their country with those who dare to explore its landscapes. They are the individuals shining a bright light on Tunisia’s intrinsic beauty and resilience.
In my unforgettable time through Western and Northern Africa, the lessons I’ve gleaned from my time with Haroune in Mauritania and Sedki in Tunisia have forever altered my perspective on life. These incredible individuals, with their modest lifestyles and deep wisdom, illuminated the extraordinary essence of our shared humanity, thriving amidst starkly different societal circumstances. Haroune’s unwavering faith and gratitude amidst adversity, along with Sedki’s tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit, have ignited in me an appreciation for the richness of diverse cultures, the strength of our shared dreams, and the transformative power of human connections.
This voyage was not just about traversing through unseen lands, but rather an enlightening exploration into the heart of human empathy, resilience, and connection. As I ventured off the beaten path, I found that the greatest wealth life has to offer is not in material possessions, but in the shared experiences and genuine relationships we cultivate along our journey.
With that said, I urge you to embark on your own journey of connection. Reach out, engage with diverse individuals around you, learn from their experiences, and cherish the bonds you form. For in these connections, you will find a richness that transcends borders and cultural divides – a universal connection of shared human spirit.
