I created this journal tab a few years ago, with failed attempts to document the journey of Allëdjo. Between all the areas of Allëdjo that require my immediate attention and commitments, I was lacking time to share more about its journey.

As one of my resolutions for 2023, I promised myself to write more on here, at least for a full year, with the hope I will keep up with my commitment.

As the first post of this year, and we are on the eve of warm and sunny days- which are probably my favorite, I thought it was the ideal time to get into the essence of Allëdjo.

My journey with Allëdjo started a long time ago without even myself knowing it. I am originally from Benin, a west-African country, filled with warm and sunny days all year long.

Mum at her first owned fabrics store in Dantokpa market ( Largest West African market) - Cotonou, Benin.

I come from a family of travelers. My mum is a fabrics reseller, in the largest West African market, Dantokpa in Benin. She started from a very young age. She travelled the world to visit her textile’s suppliers, from Asia via Europe to regional African countries to serve her local clients. My father was in the commodities business, traveling the world, to serve as well his local & regional customers. My grand-parents were great travelers. My grandmothers were both in the textile’s businesses, my grand-fathers were in the commodities business and in politics. My grand-parents’ house,s were filled with pictures of them posing in front of the great wall of China, the statue of liberty in NYC, the Geneva Water Fountain but also distinct memories of us and me being in Paris, London or New Jersey. I grew up seeing my ancestors and parents being open to others cultures.

I, to prolong that tradition, have been as well quite a frequent traveler from a young age. From being born in Paris, France, to an upbringing in Benin and some high school years in France, I was immersed into other cultures at a young age. Although, I have traveled for short-studies in London and NYC, it is only later on in life that I discovered something that really would have a long-lasting impact of the rest of my life

IN 2012 - I lived quite a life altering experience. Stepping out of my comfort zone, going to far east Asian country, South Korea. I was studying in Seoul, and this adventure turned out to be my first cultural shock. I was 1 or the 3 black people among 25 thousand students. Needless to say that I was the center of attention. People being intrigued by my skin color. I had to learn the Korean language (of which I have zero recollection as of today), connect with locals, adapt to this new way of life and set of behaviors. It was not my first choice of destination, yet it became an amazing learning experience in terms of adaptability & discovery about myself.

For pocket money, I was giving English and French classes to locals. On one of the pictures above,I was posting tutoring ads all over Jongno Gu, Seoul's neighborhood, for a chance to be called by any pedestrian who may come across it. I was fortunate to have had many students, some of whom i can now call my friends.

From South Korea, I took the opportunity to travel to other Asian countries. Asia opened the door to my curiosity for other cultural heritages. It is at that time that my passion for travel truly blossomed and is now one of the main drivers in my life.

Traveling is an essential part of my growth. It’s my go to places when nothing seems to go in my favor. It is what helps me go through hard times. Whenever I travel by plane, I feel the most at ease. It’s my transition to another stage/destination where i can explore new cultures, new beginnings.

Culture teaches us to live together, teaches us that we're not alone in the world, that other people have different traditions and ways of living that are just as valid as our own. This confirms my goals with Allëdjo, which means visitor in Yoruba. We are all visitors of this world.

“People come, live and Go… and we should celebrate our differences!” - KASSIM LASSISSI

THE ESSENCE OF ALLËDJO : Every place I have been to has enriched my soul.