Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

On my second trip to Guinea, West Africa, I asked the members of this drumming troupe if I could sit in and play with them during daily dance classes. They said they would think about it. At midnight, they awoke me from my tent and said in French: "Tomorrow will be your audition. Don't make any mistakes. Don't slow down. Keep a good sound. This is important." They proceeded to walk me around Conakry, the capital city, telling me about how important the drums were to them and their ancestors. The next day I was nervous but felt ready. The smile in this picture is relief. Everyone was happy and having a great time playing together.