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ITINERARIES
DJONIBA
TOUR: Will provide only what's listed below in all packages. A detailed
schedule will be provided before leaving.
SATURDAY
OR SUNDAY: Departure on South African Airline from JFK Airport
DAILY : 2 (two) meals. Free beach time. African dance and drum classes.
Our dance and drum teachers are well-known, talented teachers from
Senegal, Guinea and Mali. Private classes with our teachers are
available at reasonable price.
-5 days without dance and drumming classes because of rest days
and other activities. -Excursion to Museum of African History and
to Goree Island.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Not included in the price. Visit rehearsals
and shows of traditional dance companies, visit local families during
special occasions, ceremonies, shopping, night campfires with singing,
etc..
FRIDAY: 12:00 A.M. Departure on Air Afrique from Dakar.
SATURDAY: 6:10 A.M. arrival at JFK in New York.
PRICES
Plan 1: Pay $2495 before June 15 - deposit of $250 by May 31st
Plan 2: Pay $2695 after June 15 up to July 14 - deposit of $250
is required before June 15
EXTENSIONS :2 more weeks - add $349.00 to the price / 4
more weeks - add $549.00 to your package. DJONIBA TOUR
will assist you in the air fare extension. Food, hotel and transportation
to airport remain traveller's responsibility.
CHILD FARE: Deduct $300 from regular fare (for child under
12 years of age).
PRIVATE ROOMS : Add $299 to regular price.
HOW TO TRAVEL TO AFRICA FOR FREE:
Refer
to us 6 fully registered participants and you will pay only $799
for your trip. This will be refunded to you in the form of 2 Djimbe
drums worth $400 each. Or
refer to us 10 fully registered participants and you travel for
FREE, without paying anything.
It's simple: Make copies of the information we have provided, with
your phone number, circulate them among your friends and show them
the videotape of our last trip.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
VISA:
No visas necessary for U.S. and European citizens. Other nationalities
can obtain visas at the Senegal Mission, 238 East 68th Street, New
York, N.Y. 10021, (212) 517-9030. Allow 4 days for issue of visa.
You will need a passport, three photographs and $5.10. You must
also have proof of a yellow fever shot and a prescription for anti-malaria
pills obtained through your physician.
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EXCERPT FROM A STORY ABOUT A DJONIBA TOUR
by Sara Wendt with help from Benoni Outerbridge.
The plane arrived in Dakar, Senegal at 1:00 A.M.,
but we were wide awake, giddy, ready for anything. The heat hit
us as we walked down the portable stairs from the plane, but it
was a tolerable heat, balmy and sort of wet.
We got through customs and looked for signs of Djoniba, the cowryhead
piece, our guide. During
the hour ride to Malika, M'Baye taught us two West African songs
welcoming our arrival. I remember stepping out of the bus when we
arrived at the village, looking down into the velvet sand I was
standing in, knowing that I was finally "touching" Africa and still
feeling as though I was dreaming. The land was strong; the rich
odors filled the whole body with well-being and energy. A dinner
had been prepared for us. We ate at a large picnic table on the
windy beach next to a warm campfire and discussed our plans for
the week. We had arrived. The rest of the night we sat around the
campfire, singing, playing drums, introducing ourselves, getting
to know each other and drinking the ritual tea.
Sunday
was a day to adjust and settle in. Plenty of sunning, swimming,
leisurely strolls down the beach or into town. Each of the following
days expanded into a week packed full of adventures and misadventures.
Classes in various regional dances and drumming rhythms were offered:
Mandiani, Kuku, Chebudjen, Kowlak and Djun. Tuesday the group took
a trip to the markets. The first stop was to quench a parched and
dusty thirst at one of the many coconut stands along road; the second
stop, the airport to exchange money, buy postcards, and telephone
home to relieve concerned relatives. Then on to the supermarkets
where we purchased personal supplies.
The
great excitement came when we unloaded into the seething chaos of
an open market. A bus load of naive Americans is a tempting target,
approached with offers, propositioned with deals, and even hassled.
Our
two week stay seemed to speed by faster than a day. We saw several
dance companies perform at local and national theaters, but actually
dance and rhythm are everywhere. You become aware that you are constantly
surrounded by it; very small children and old people alike always
seem to be dancing, communication with it. The dance we saw most
often was Sabar, a high-spirited, high off the ground dance, mostly
involving the legs.
The
last night we were at Malika there was a spectacular sunset over
the ocean. It was almost as if it was for us, leaving us with a
permanent memory of the beauty and spirituality of Senegal. But
what I keep with me most and what draws me back to Africa are the
people, their warmth and generosity, their calmness and ability
to really listen. When they learn your name they don't forget it.
To me that says something about what they value, each other and
other human beings above all else. I went there to learn their dances
not fully realizing that I would come back with so much more. The
trip was a success. Djoniba had given it his all, and we felt it
- we were happy .
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