Who is One World Arts Exchange?
One World Arts Exchange, is a US-based organization, founded in 1994 to foster intercultural appreciation through the arts. The organization operated in Connecticut until 2009, when we re-located to Seattle, WA. Abdoulaye Sylla, a former member of Les Ballets Africains and Les Merveilles D’Afrique, is the Artistic Director of the organization. Laurie Sylla is the founder of the organization.
What is Included in the Tour Fee?
The fee includes airport pick-up in Conakry, ground transportation for classes and tour events, shared lodging, three meals a day, overnight excursions, all drum and dance classes (additional classes such as balafon or kora are extra). Overnight excursions are to Abdoulaye’s birthplace, the lush tropical car-less island of Fotoba with its shaded paths and secluded coves, and the peaceful village of Boffa, and the nearby sandy beach in Bel Air.
What is Not Included in the Tour Fee?
Visa Application Fee ($100), Airfare, Bottled Water
Are There Cancellation Fees?
There is a cancellation fee of $200 for cancellations received at least three months in advance. There is a 25% cancellation fee for cancellations received within between one and three months of the trip. There are no refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of the trip as expenses may have already been incurred on your behalf. In the event of a true last minute emergency, we will do our best to provide you with a partial refund.
What if I Want to Arrive or Leave on a Different Day?
We are open to making specialized arrangements if you need to arrive or depart on a different day then the set trip dates.. If you wish to stay longer, we can help you make these arrangements. Additional fees may apply for separate airport pick-up and for stays of longer duration.
What Will Our Accommodations Be Like?
We will be dividing our time between a private home on the outskirts of Conakry, Guinea’s capaital, in a tranquil setting, and private homes in Boffa and on Fotoba. Accommodations have a western style toilet, showers, and electricity. Running water and electricity may occasionally be interrupted. Rooms will be shared. You will be provided with a mattress and a mosquito net. You should bring your own sheets flat sheets, towels, toiletries, etc. Some places we visit may not have modern plumbing.
What Will Classes Be Like?
We will be hiring master artists from professional troupes to work exclusively with our group. Classes will take into account student proficiency levels You will learn about the culture and tradition associated with each dance and rhythm you are taught. You will be able to receive personal assistance from the instructors. Dance classes will be accompanied by live drumming. There will be four hours of class provided each weekday. Some classes will be on the beach.
What If I’ve Never Danced or Drummed Before?
If you’ve never danced or drummed before, this is an exciting way to begin. You will be warmly encouraged to progress at your own pace. Guinean dance is energetic. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself beyond your limits.
Will We See Any Traditional Ceremonies?
You will have opportunities to attend and participate in traditional Sabar and Doundounba celebrations. These are typically open parties with a traditional dance circle, celebrating a wedding or other joyous event.
What is the Food Like?
Most of our meals consist of rice with delicious spicy fish, chicken, beef or goat stew prepared by members of Abdoulaye’s family. We often will also have salad, French bread or pasta. The fresh fruit in Guinea is plentiful and delicious. If you have special dietary needs please let us know in advance.
What is the Weather Like?
The weather will be hot (in the 90’s). We strongly recommend bringing battery operated fans.
What Language Do People Speak?
Several dozen indigenous languages are spoken; the most common in the region are Susu, Mandenke, and Pular. Most people speak French, which was the colonial language. Few people speak English. You will find communication easier if you make an effort to learn some basic French before you go.
Is Guinea Safe?
Guinea has enjoyed a long period of relative political stability. After the death of Guinea’s long term president, there was a bloodless coup. In the fall of 2009 there was a brief period of unrest, which rapidly settled down. Peaceful elections were held in 2010 and the new president has embarked on a campaign of government reform.
Can I receive College or CEU Credit for This Experience?
We will be happy to provide any needed documentation to allow you to receive independent study credit at your learning institution.
What Kind of Shots Do I Need?
Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for entry into Guinea. Malaria prophylaxis and additional vaccines are recommended. You can check with a travel clinic or the CDC, 404-639-3311.
Do I Need A Visa?
You must have a visa to enter Guinea. You need a letter of invitation and a passport that will be valid six months from the date of your return to get a visa. US Visas cost $100 and are available from the Guinea Consulate in New York or the Guinean Embassy in Washington DC. You should leave at least two weeks for processing. Upon receiving your deposit we will assist you with obtaining your visa.
What Should I Bring?
The most important things to bring are a positive attitude, a willingness to be flexible, and an openness to experience another culture.
Useful items to bring include: personal toiletries, an adequate supply of any prescription medicines you take, over the counter remedies, sunscreen, mosquito repellant, flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries, toilet paper or tissues, sheets and towels, a battery operated fan, a french-english dictionary, comfortable walking shoes, shower shoes, books or magazines, pen and paper, a deck of cards, dance clothes, summer clothes, an ipod,, camera/video camera, tape recorder, small gifts to give friends you meet small padlocks to safeguard your belongings, a money belt to wear under your clothes, sunglasses, a photocopy of your passport, money for incidental, water, and souvenirs, a spray bottle, electricity converter (from 220 to 110- make sure it is strong enough for the wattage you plan to use), a notebook for journaling, a travel iron.
What Should I Leave Home?
Very short shorts (bare thighs are generally considered inappropriate); illicit drugs; impatience.
Is it Possible to Get a Discount?
Groups of five or more that register together and pay in full at least one month in advance are eligible for a five percent discount.
How Do I Pay?
You may pay with a credit card, debit card, or direct bank account draft to our paypal account. The paypal address is sylla-fotoba@danceanddrum.com. You may also send a bank check or money order to One World Arts Exchange, 7636 S. 116 St, Seattle, WA, 98178, USA. We will also accept international wire transfers. Call for details. $500 secures your spot. The balance of $995 is due no later than November 30, and is appreciated before then. If you would prefer to divide your payment into smaller pieces, we are happy to work that out with you.
Please Note: World Arts Exchange and Laurie and Abdoulaye Sylla are not responsible or liable for lost or stolen items, injury, illness, or unpredictable events. You agree to assume personal responsibility for yourself and any accompanying minor children. We reserve the right to refuse anyone we consider to be unfit for this trip.
Contact us at sylla@danceanddrum.com or 1- 860-601-5850.
