Togo

Togo wasn’t a country I’d dreamed of visiting growing up, but it did hold one unexpected connection to my childhood. In an advanced geography class, every student was assigned a country to represent on the UN Security Council, and mine was Togo. Years later, I found myself crossing into it overland as part of my journey across West Africa.

There, I met up with Bart, a Dutch traveler I’d connected with on Instagram, and together we explored one of the country’s traditional Vodun markets. The stalls were filled with dried animal heads, monkey skulls, crocodile skins, and countless other items used in spiritual ceremonies. It was certainly one of the more unusual markets I’d ever visited, but also a reminder that understanding another culture begins with curiosity rather than judgment.

The highlight of my visit, though, was spending time with our local guide, Isaac. He had built a sustainable homestay and pineapple farm that provided both an authentic experience for visitors and meaningful opportunities for the local community. Seeing the pride he took in what he had created was genuinely inspiring. Throughout my travels, I’ve met many people with good intentions, but Isaac reminded me that the people who make the biggest difference are usually the ones quietly doing the work every day.