Personal Narrative: My Trip To Somalia

You know those experiences that you can never seem to forget but for a good reason. I'm talking about those experiences that turn into well-cherished memories, well the day I got to witness my motherland for the first time was a beautiful day. I can vividly remember among the lush green landscapes, sweeping savannas, and exotic animals, I was instantly surrounded with a sense of peace and unity. That trip to Somalia was a liberating experience for me and I will always remember the day like it was yesterday.

Nothing but a feeling of joy and excitement took over my body, as I inched closer and closer to my Grandmother's house. After a couple more of steps, the feeling began to sprout. "Almost there," I thought to myself, approaching the door

Hot air rushed into my lungs and I dropped to my knees. Feeling iniquitous about my current state, and not being able to carry on, my cousin Jasmine sprinted out the door to greet me but only to see my body laid out on the ground. She helped me up, padded me on the back, and grabbed my suitcase with ease as strong as Hercules himself. I then made my way to the door. Upon entering my grandmother's house, I was bombarded with a stampede of family members. The love was so prevalent, I could feel it in the atmosphere. First I kissed my grandma from right cheek to left and proceeded to do the same for my grandfather which is an obeisant gesture of how to properly greet elders. We had a brief conversation and the whole time I felt like sobbing because I hadn't seen them since their trip to America which over 7 years ago and sitting in their presence felt like a dream. It had been so long, I felt

It all started with a long drive from Borama, the city of grandparent's house to the home of the red sea, Berbera. It was approximately 4 hrs and 15 minutes to get there. The car ride wasn't the most pleasant because of how bumpy it was and all you could hear was the screeching sound of crying babies every time the car would hit a slope. So, I rolled down the window to cancel some of the noise out. After some time, we finally entered the city and 10 minutes in we turned a corner, slowed down and there it was the dazzling red sea. It took my breath away. We parked and proceeded to get out the car. We were standing on this massive cliff, where the ocean danced beneath the sun, which was glistening greatly on the rippling waves. It was a rich deep red in spots but it still had its hues of blue. Accompanying the sea was the gleaming creamy yellow sand that shimmered in the sun's heat. It was a spectacular view sitting near the waters, where the warm sand had squished beneath my feet. I sat there taking it all in, the pleasant sun on my bare skin, the warm sand cushioning my feet and the intense need to jump into the water. The waves were calling my name, they gently crashed along the shore inching closer each time, as if they were teasing me join in. So I finally took a dive, feeling the warm water hug my skin like a blanket. As the strong taste of salt trickled over my lips. It was the most relaxing experience ever, I