Gorée Island (Senegal)
Khadjou Sambe, 25, made history when she became Senegal's first professional surfer. Ella though she has spent years training all over the world, from Southern California to Sierra Leone to Japan for the Olympics, she hails from Dakar, where she still spends much of her time training and teaching aspiring wave surfers at Black Girls Surf.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
How would you describe your country? What makes this place unique? Is there a smell, sound or taste that instantly reminds you of him?
Senegal is a beautiful country, it has teranga, which means when you visit, everyone will welcome you and share with you. You will feel like you are part of the family. In Senegal we respect where others and their lives are from and also those who are older. We are Lebou people, who know the sea —diving, fishing, swimming, surfing— we know when the water level rises or falls without having to look at a phone. The connection I have with my country, with the sea, the waves, surfing and, above all, with my people, is something extraordinary. I feel it in my heart and in my body.
If a friend goes to visit Dakar and only has 24 hours there, what would you tell him to do?
With only 24 hours, I would suggest a visit to Île de Gorée, Lac Rose and Ngor Island and Mamelles lighthouse. We would have breakfast at La Cabane Du Surfeur or Dreams, lunch at La Mer à Table, and for dinner I would make a reservation at Radisson Blu or Chez Awa Ndione. A trendy neighborhood to explore is Ngor Almadies or Mamelles.
What art can we see, what music can we listen to or what book can we read that captures the essence of the place?
For art, check out Black Rock. To listen: Akon, Youssou and Viviane Ndour, and the Mbalax music genre.
What excites you about where you're from right now?
What excites me the most is surfing and the Black Girls Surf project, which supports sporty girls of a new generation. They also cause a sensation the new Mbalax dances and the colorful traditional cultures.
Khadjou Sambe is Senegal's first professional surfer.
When you travel, what do you miss the most about your home country?
Good surfing, festivals Tabaski, Korite and Tamkarite, the tam-tam (drum), Senegalese dishes such as thiéboudienne (fish, rice and vegetables), yassa (chicken), and tepid water and the girls from the Black Girls Surf school.
Tell us a secret about your country that we may not know...
We are friendly and welcoming people, and there are interesting places to visit, especially if you want to surf. There are enclaves for all levels and you will be safe in the country of 'teranga'.
Why should we travel to your country (as soon as we can)?
There are many things to discover in Senegal. The people are nice, welcoming and friendly.
The best souvenir from Senegal...
The books of Fatou Diome: Kétala, Those who await, De Quoi Aimer Vivre...
If we try only one dish, what should it be? And where is it better to eat it?
Djebou djeune (thieboudienne) and yassa, at Dreams at Sea Plaza, Almadies or at Chez Awa Ndione.
A natural wonder?
Lac Rose (Lake Retba) and Sine-Saloum, an ideal area for ecotourism.
To take a glass…
Dreams Ngor or Radisson Blu.
A hero from your hometown?
The singers Akon and Youssou N'dour, the national hero Lat Dior Diop.
Where in your country would you go on vacation?
To the coastal towns of Somone and Toubab Dialaw or to the hotel La Pierre de Lisse (Popenguine).