This isn’t travel.

If you're just joining: this series documents the process of designing a place-based inquiry across Africa — what started as 90 days in West Africa has become a full year across all of Africa. Start with the first post to follow from the beginning.

My family and friends don’t understand what I’ll be doing in West Africa. They think it’s just another trip. Last week, I told my son, “This is research, and travel is how I do it.”

I am reading books about the migratory patterns of early West African kingdoms, the role of Islam in their development and current daily practices, and how to notice different behaviors and what they mean. While I want to remain open about what I observe, it’s important that I know what I’m seeing.