When exploration and unexpected discovery creates re-connections

View of the Rice Building, River Street Historic District in Downtown Troy, NY [photo credit: Lisa Brennan]

I was with my wife Lisa, as she partook in various business meetings, and decided to re-visit some favorite and recently discovered spots in Saratoga Springs and then Albany, NY. Since it is horse racing season in Saratoga, we decided that a stay at a hotel in Troy, NY was warranted. Interestingly, the hotel was across the street from the Troy “Dinosaur” Bar-B-Que restaurant where we had a delightful Wednesday evening dinner and chatted with a possible future aaduna contributor. 

Dinosaur BBQ Restaurant, 377 River Street, Troy NY

{A few years ago, we witnessed the start of that location’s initial build out and decided at some point we needed to add it to our collection of “Dinosaurs” since we had eaten at the locations in Syracuse, Rochester, and Harlem. Even as the “Dinosaur” transitioned from a single proprietorship to a corporate entity, the food, service and ambiance has been consistent as far as quality, flavor and menu additions regardless of location.}

But this extraneous info is just a small backdrop to the core purpose of this particular blog.

View of the shops along Troy NY's River Street Historical District, [photo credit: Lisa Brennan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_lK0Vgt6lU

We always explore neighborhoods and residential/commercial/creative areas that define any place that we may not know in detail. Troy, NY was no different. While we started our exploration of Troy a few years ago, it has been awhile since our last visit, so this week’s re-discovery was more than appropriate and a needed boost to invigorate our exploratory spirit!

Downtown Troy was the focus of our attention that started on this past Thursday afternoon.  The evening led us to the discovery of several restaurants. We enjoyed an exquisite dinner at The Plumb Oyster Bar on 2nd Street, downtown Troy, NY.

Plumb Restaurant & Oyster Bar, 15 2nd Street, Troy NY

Friday morning’s (August 9, 2019) exploration led to an unexpected discovery and formed a re-connection for me that heralded a retrospective look at a former world-traveling experience.

Nine Steps Away To AFRICA, 199 River Street, Troy, NY 

Nine Steps Away to Africa.


A discovery.


Nine Steps Away to Africa.

A re-connection when the son of the shop’s co-owner pronounced “aaduna” correctly; immediately stated its meaning (Universe) and after my inquisitiveness, shared that his family was from Senegal and that his father was on a buying trip to the homeland.

bill berry, jr., CEO/Publisher aaduna, Inc. and Mamadou Diagne, shopkeeper, Nine Steps Away to Africa, Troy, NY, [photo credit: Lisa Brennan]

Mamadou Diagne was a supportive, kind, and gracious shopkeeper and retail businessperson. 

Interestingly, aaduna and its spiritual meaning and Mission is grounded in life-altering recognitions and experiences when I traveled to and fully embraced Senegal in the late Seventies. 

A re-connection. Nine Steps Away to Africa. 

I left the shop with two African hats and a complimentary bracelet for my wife.

Discovery. 

Nine Steps to Africa showcases jewelry, clothing, musical instruments, wood carvings, shea butter, black soap and more!

Re-connections.

Mamadou Diagne was not even born when I sojourned to the country that heralded his birth. 

Bottom line?

A chance encounter that re-kindled memories of my profound Senegalese experiences.

If you are in the area, be sure to visit Nine Steps Away to Africa, 199 River Street, Troy N.Y. and be sure to say "Hi" to our new friend, Mamadou!

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