I recently had the opportunity to go back to one of the most special places I have ever been to: Joal-Fadiout, a small town in the senegalese coast.

Fadiouth is built up on an island made out of shells that gathered together naturally with the time. Apart from being unique for its soil of oysters, clams, mussels and scallops shells, Fadiout is also and great example for tolerance, respect and understanding where muslims and catholics live together and are buried together in the same cemetery after a peaceful coexistance in the island for centuries.

Cemetery of Fadiouth

Cemetery of Fadiouth

Catholics and Muslims are buried together in another island of shells just by the village of Fadiouth surrounded by beautiful trees and with great views to the mangroves.

View from the cemetery

View from the cemetery

Since my first trip to Senegal in 2008 this village and its cemetery has always stayed in my mind as a great symbol of respect and tolerance that should be spread worldwide.

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