A New View from an Old Cart: Finding Joy and Perspective in The Gambia
On this day, I was filled with excitement as I hopped onto a donkey cart—the kind you often see in my neighbourhood in The Gambia. It wasn’t just the ride that filled me with joy; it was the feeling of seeing my surroundings from a new perspective. The familiar streets, the dusty paths, and the vibrant life around me all seemed to take on new meaning when viewed from the height of the cart. Even the sky felt closer, as if I could almost reach out and touch it. The colours seemed brighter, the air fresher, and the energy of a place I had known my entire life felt more alive than ever.
Discovering Beauty in Everyday Life
This simple moment reminded me of the profound beauty of seeing the world from different perspectives. The Gambia, my home, is full of life, culture, and experiences that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But the world feels different when you pause, change your view, and take it all in. It is full of possibilities and wonder. This is the essence of what I call vagabonding—a way of approaching life by embracing the unknown, seeing things from different angles, and remaining open to the beauty in even the simplest moments. In that donkey cart, I felt like I was doing just that.
From Local Adventures to Global Journeys
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the beauty that surrounds us when we get caught up in our daily routines. But all it takes is a new perspective. It’s as simple as a ride on a donkey cart or a new adventure that takes you to unfamiliar places. This is the beauty of life. It’s about seeing the world from fresh angles, finding joy in the small moments, and constantly exploring new ways to connect with the people and places around us.
The experience also brought to mind the concepts of vagabonding and migration, which embody the spirit of travelling and exploring the world freely and openly. For me, it’s more than just a way to travel; it’s a way to approach life. It’s about embracing the journey and opening my heart to the world around me.
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