Call of the Zangbeto: Journeys as an Indian in West Africa (Journeys as an Indian across the Globe) Paperback – June 1, 2025

"Call of the Zangbeto" is a first-person travelogue recounting the author's three-week journey through Ghana, Benin, and Togo in West Africa during fall 2022. The book offers an in-depth look at the area’s history, archaeology, traditions, beliefs, culture, and cuisine, illustrated with original photographs taken by the author. Rather than relying on staged or stereotypical images, the book shares authentic snapshots of everyday life.West Africa is seldom featured in mainstream tourism and is often viewed as difficult for independent travelers. Published accounts typically portray the region as exotic or strange, shaped by outsiders’ perspectives. This travelogue challenges such narratives, instead presenting locals as regular people and avoiding exoticized depictions, both in written content and photography.At its heart, the book explores West Africa’s ancient spiritual traditions, especially Voodoo, which has survived colonialism and continues to play a vital role in community life. The author’s interest in anthropology led him to seek out authentic voodoo ceremonies in remote Benin villages, offering readers a rare glimpse into living traditions. Memorable experiences include witnessing rituals, spending nights in stilt villages, and observing the emergence of voodoo deities.A major theme is unbiased research into the region’s diversity. Traditions and beliefs vary widely, even within families, making generalizations difficult. Through conversations with residents and personal research, the author emphasizes West Africa’s cultural complexity and avoids oversimplification, offering vivid vignettes of local life.Finally, the book aims to dispel stereotypes about backpacking in West Africa. The author traveled mostly by public transportation, sharing practical advice and insights to make such journeys accessible to anyone open-minded. The travelogue is written in a narrative, lighthearted style, occasionally pausing to provide historical context or travel tips, and is enhanced by original, candid photography. Read more