This is a photo (taken today, with a brand new phone!) of the chef de village of Ghent. He looks rather extinguished, I’d say.

The last time I was in Senegal, a family in Toubacouta gave me this robe. I wore it as I walked the streets … and local folks called out “Chef de village!” I doubt if they were mistaking me for Toubacouta’s imam (a Muslim priest) but it was fun to pretend. I waved a lot.

We leave tomorrow for Senegal. Six hours in the air, four hours in a bus, and probably arriving as the roosters crow at dawn. We have two weeks to be with people – young, old and medium. My French is rusty but my eyes are in good shape. We will connect.

I want to celebrate life with Senegalese folks – to eat together, to dance together, to laugh together. You and you and you and you and me.

There are about ten of us Belgians going. It would have been eleven if my dear friend Jo was still alive. He wanted his ashes scattered on the river by Toubacouta and his wife Lydia is making it happen. It will be a profound family moment for Lydia and her children Lore and Baziel.

***

Yesterday I mentioned Francesca and Katherine. They were the servers at London’s MXO restaurant. They were so kind to me. I wasn’t just “another customer”. Francesca gave me ideas of cool London neighbourhoods to visit: lovely names such as Crouch End and Stoke Newington. Next time … and there definitely will be one of them.

I love the taste of good food, gracefully presented. I love the ambiance, the feeling of sanctuary, in some dining rooms. The romance of candlelight. But even more I love being welcomed, being seen as a valuable human being. I’m “from away”. Katherine and Francesca said “Come over here”.

***

I’ve been recovering my apps today – some success and some disappointment. But you know, I’m alive and healthy. Life is good. And once more I have a red phone case!