Rudolph ... SABS Style

A fellow fellow, (excuse the pun) taught her 6th grade class the Holiday classic ,"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer." She then captured it so you all could get a glimpse. Check it out here!

http://youngcharlotte.blogspot.com/2009/12/rudolph.html

'Tis The Season?

It doesn't feel like Christmas.

When I began this journey in Senegal, nearly four months ago, I figured that the holidays would be the most difficult time for me while I was here. In my 23 years I have never spent a Christmas away from my family so as the holiday season approached I prepared myself to deal with some intense homesickness. However, the anticipated nostalgia isn't anywhere near where I expected it to be. In fact, this season isn't really affecting me at all.

No, I haven't donned emotional armor or have a heart that has turned to stone; it just doesn't feel like Christmas.

I think the absence of the seasonal sentiment can be attributed to a couple of factors. The first of which is the weather here. I grew up in Michigan where, like most places in the United States, there are four distinct seasons. Of course Michigan's winters are rivaled by few other states but across the country winter's cold thaws into spring, spring heats up into summer, summer falls into autumn then it comes full-circle back to winter where the cycle continues. These changing seasons also serve as benchmarks for passage of time. However, in Senegal there are really only two seasons, rainy and dry. So here all my body recognizes is that it was rainy when I arrived and now it's not. The significant changes that occur over the course of four months in the states do not happen here so my whole body clock is kind of thrown off. Not to mention my December in Dakar feels more like September.

Also, the commercial Christmas spirit in Dakar is nowhere near the frenzy it is in America. At home I'm accustomed to hearing Christmas songs 24/7 starting with Thanksgiving. I think I've heard a grand total of two Christmas tunes this holiday season. There are no Santa statuettes on every corner, no toy ads littering the media, and the few decorations are just now starting to pop up with less than a week left before the 25th.

So how does one miss out on a holiday that doesn't appear to be going on?

'Tis the season?

Doesn't really feel like it.

Shades

Colorism is still alive in well in today's society. I'm just not referring to the remnants of America's "brown paper bag test" tradition but its damaging effects across the African Diaspora. Perhaps the most depressing aspect of this outlet of self-hatred is something that I have witnessed firsthand while here in Senegal–skin bleaching.

Now, I had heard of it before. thanks to a few scattered alternative news pieces here and a youtube documentary or two there. Yet, never had I seen the tragic practice with my own eyes until I arrived here. The people here have been so sold on a Eurocentric image of beauty that they opt to put themselves through chemical bleaching just to obtain a paler complexion. I've heard stories of women taken ill from the treatments and I have even seen the welts, bruises, and burns on women's skin from the bleaching process. In the homestay of one of the other SABS fellows a domestic was terminated because she continued to bleach her skin against the wishes of the homeowner.

Of course, I understand from where this complexion complex comes but it's still disheartening to see it live and in color – or lack thereof. Recent photos of All-Star baseball player, Sammy Sosa, have brought this issue into the open once more.

Sosa claims that he suffers from vitiligo and that the disease is the sole cause for his rapid melanin decrease. ::: Strong side-eye ::: I'm no dermatologist but I know plenty of people who have vitiligo and I have never seen it act so quickly and so evenly. A very close friend of mine, who also has vitiligo, had this to say "Sammy Sosa ... as a person with vitiligo I know that it doesn't move that fast! FAIL!" I choose not to speak ill of the dead but I'm sure we all know of someone else who was afflicted with this and couldn't "Beat It."


It's truly sad to see how this issue of skin color is still deeply affecting people. Truly disparaging.


Check out what a few of my colleagues have had to say about this issue. Fabulous Brown Girl talks about colorism and Sammy Sosa and Jada F. Smith talks about it on The Root and on NPR.


Despite all this negativity regarding the topic I have to commend D.C. rapper, Wale, for addressing it on a song entitled "Shades." This track is off of his new debut album Attention Deficit and you need to go pick it up now if you haven't already!

Dakar-Gorée Part 2: "Bienvenue à Gorée"

After the brief ride on our ferry, which happened to be named "Beer," we arrived on the island just in time to see Masake reach the shore. I was elated to be there and to be a part of the congrats crew when she finished the 5k swim. We then had some lunch and explored the island a little. Unfortunately, many of the attractions were closing so we did not get the opportunity to see very much of the island on this trip. Thankfully, I have another seven months to go in Dakar to another journey to Gorée, to truly experience the island, is definitely in the cards.

The Goats Are Everywhere!!!

My neigborhood, Ouakam, and plenty of areas like it around Dakar, have become overrun with goats! The abundance of baas and scuffing of hooves have become a part of the natual soundtrack to life recently. The goats are EVERYWHERE!

Okay, maybe they are not literally everywhere and although they resemble what I would call a goat, they are actually lambs. Nevertheless their numbers have increased dramatically in what seems like overnight. Paranoia would have one suspecting some sort of four-legged coup, however, the truth is much simpler.

The Islamic dominant city of Dakar is preparing for Tabaski. The celebration also known as "Eid al-Adha" is quickly approaching and as the date nears the lamb population grows accordingly. If you come from a Christian or non-Islamic background, like myself, then I doubt the dots have been connected yet.

To be concise, Tabaski is a holiday that celebrates Ibrahim (Abraham) obedience to Allah (God)

in that he was willing to sacrifice his son. However, Allah is pleased with Ibrahim's acquiescence to His will and provides a lamb for the sacrifice in place of his son. So in observence of this, muslims celebrate Tabaski by sacrificing many lambs and feasting.

That goat next door has been quiet lately ... perhaps he knows his days are numbered!

The Smiles of Children

Yesterday I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and the statement was made that children's smiles are an instant cure for the depressed and downtrodden. Perhaps, that notion is a bit of a hyperbole but I dare you to glance at the gallery below and not crack a smile!

Many of you have been asking for more photos of SABS students and I am happy to oblige your requests. Take a look and pass it on. If there's anything else you all want to see or read here please let me know in a comment, email, or tweet.

Look-Alikes Part 1

For a few weeks I have been telling a few of my friends that there are students here who remind me of them. I swear one of 7th graders is a clone of one of my friends. For those of you who know these people (Howard people) make your guesses in the comment section!

Dakar-Gorée Part 1: "I'm On A Boat"

Last week, Masake who is Madame Kane's daughter and a fellow HU alum, swam the Dakar-Gorée. It's an annual event in which swimmers take on the stretch of the Atlantic from mainland Dakar to Gorée Island. Participants leave from several locations in Dakar that are different distances from the island. The one that Masake chose put her swim at 5 thousand kilometers. The race takes a few hours so although we didn't see her depart we made sure we were there to welcome her at the finish.

Of course this was a perfect photo opportunity so I was snapping pictures all day. There is quite an abundance of photos so I have decided to break them into several slideshows chronologically. I will start with the ferry ride from Dakar to Gorée. As we boarded the jukebox in my head was playing the same song on repeat. I'm sure some of you guys can guess but for those who can't here it is. LOL! (This is not a serious song. The group makes music that is intended to be funny.)

Now that I have gotten that out of the way. Here are the pics of us heading over to Gorée. The crew included Madame Kane, a weekend visitor, Masake's sisters – Caamo and Rugi, her cousin – Yankohoba, SABS fellows – Charlotte, Camille, Gary and myself. Near the end of the slideshow you can see some of the swimmers arriving on the beaches of the island.

Check back soon for Dakar-Gorée Part 2!

Senegalese Seminar #1: Clubbing

This whole journey in Senegal has been packed with new experiences and I have been learning new things in abundance. One of the new things has been the different club/party environment. Here is a little of what I have learned thus far.

1.) Akon Is King: Anything featuring their native son, Akon, will make any spot come ALIVE! From the first few seconds of one of his tracks the dance floor erupts. Not sure if this is going to make me a fan or if the frequency and frenzy will push me in the opposite direction. Only time will tell.

Akon - Beautiful
Uploaded by Akon. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

2.) No Wallflowers: Dancing is not an option, it's an imperative. Here one does not go out to a club to stand around and look important or to socialize, they go to dance. The last time I went out we stayed on the dance floor for nearly four hours straight. Yeah, they go hard!

3.) Parties Start After Midnight: Nothing gets going until after midnight. Actually most parties don't really get going until about 2 a.m.

4.) Anything Goes On The Playlist: When I say anything goes, I really mean anything. This past Saturday alone the DJ's playlists was all over the place, yet, it worked. He even followed up James Brown's "Papa Don't Take No Mess" with The Black Eyed Peas' "I Got A Feeling."

Black Eyed Peas - I Got A Feeling [HD]
Uploaded by wonderful-life1989. - See the latest featured music videos.

5.) No Drama Allowed: If you're out clubbing in the States you can expect to see a fight at least half of the time and if not full-out fisticuffs, you will at least see a heated argument. In Dakar, however, it seems that spirit of having a good time trumps all of that drama.

Halloween '09

I just realized that I only did one post for the entire month of October. I guess I let the month get away from me. I'm starting November off on a better foot so expect even more posts in the days to come.

Halloween '09

Last weekend SABS hosted their Halloween celebrations. Everyone got in on the fun from the little kids in the primary school and preschool to the older kids who partied it up until 2 in the morning! We, the SABS fellows, even got in on the fun by dressing up in the uniforms that the students wear.

I compiled a slideshow of the days events so you all can see what went on. Enjoy!

Salsa & Softball

Sorry about the break but things are becoming more mundane and routine so it is more difficult to think of things to write about. This past weekend was eventful so I'll start there.

Friday

If you've ever taught school then you have an idea of how taxing a workweek can be. Now multiply that by a language barrier and power outages and that is what my week is like. Needless to say, blowing off steam on the weekend becomes something of a necessity.

This week Charlotte's host brother took us out with a few of his friends. All we were told was that we were going somewhere to play pool but when we got there it was far more than a pool hall. In fact, the sole billiards table sat alone in a corner apart from the main attraction – SALSA!

The latin music bounced from wall to wall with patrons caught in the crossfire. The dancefloor appeared to be filled with professionals stepping and spinning perfectly in sync. It reminded me of one of those 90s teen flicks in which everyone busts out an impeccably choreographed jig during the climactic prom scene. Okay, I might have reached a bit for the comparison but let's just say I would've been out of my league had I attempted to join.

Fortunately, it was entertaining enough just to watch from the sidelines. The moves they pulled off were simply amazing to watch and they would switch partners without missing a beat in transition. But if you know me, you know I am not content remaining a spectator. A few of us are going to their weekly class this Wednesday so next time I'll be giving you a firsthand account instead of the watcher's point of view!

Saturday

Soccer, or football as they call it everywhere in the world but the U.S., is by far the premiere sport here in Dakar. Oddly enough, softball seems to rank pretty high as well. My host, Ahmadou, plays on a team and even won MVP last year. Last week he hit two homeruns – one of which was a grand slam! This week he put up similar numbers.

The field where they play is an experience unto itself. The games are played at the American Club so it is kind of like having a piece of home right here in Dakar. Usually at least one team speaks English and the concession stand boasts hotdogs, pop (Yes, I said "pop." Soda is for baking), and American candy.

As I was finishing off a bag of skittles and preparing to leave Ahmadou asked me if I wanted to play. I thought he just meant playing catch or something but when I followed him I realized I was actually about to sub in for a team that was a few players short. I've been jogging regularly since I've been here and eating healthy so I figured that, along with my natural athleticism, should be enough to get me through a game.

However, once the game started I was quickly reminded that I hadn't picked up a bat or glove in at least 10 years! Surprisingly, I made a few good snags, hit a double, and scored a run. We can all pretend the three errors I made never happened. Shhh, don't tell anybody!

Senseless

I was looking out across the Atlantic the other day and while I gazed across the waters my mind pondered what this view was like for my ancestors hundreds of years ago. It reminded me of a piece I wrote a few years back that I thought would be appropriate to share with you all now.

Senseless

I see darkness; nothing but darkness before my eyes. Without the sun to signal dawn and dusk I live in constant night for no telling how long. Yet, I manage to see the emptiness that’s conquering all of those around me. It is engulfing us all and leaving behind mere shadows of our former prominence. When last I saw the light they shoved us all, hundreds of us, into this hellish vessel they presume sea worthy. Hidden we must be in order to escape Poseidon’s wrath for this clear curse to his waters.

Sleep escapes me as well. Constant wails and shrills keep me from resting my senses yet I can no longer sense the presence of my limbs due to these cramped quarters that confine me. I hear the tongues of many, some foreign and some familiar yet all seemingly loosing their meaning in my ears. Except for the words of the pale men; those words never fail to prelude some sort of terrific horror, and then the shrieks again.

I think of my sister when I hear a young girl’s cry. Is it her that screeches this time? Has it been her before? Or has she given into silence?

A constant stale odor stings my nostrils day in and day out. From waste to blood to who knows what all in together as if conspiring some great evil deed. And the death, I smell that too. That scent is the most menacing. The stench eminates from every corner, from every crook, from everyone who suffers both breathing and not for we all are in a state of death down here.

Cold metal constricts me as it cuts and chafes the shell of what I loosely call my humanity or what still remains of it. Day by day their weight increases or maybe my will to sustain them diminishes. My legs have lost their feeling and I wonder if I will ever rise again. I feel the presence of what I always knew and always was leaving me with each passing minute as I leave them behind. I feel the shackles cut deeper as the chains yank us to our feet. The unforgiving restraints sever me as I now experience the cool sea air on my skin. Sensation returns to my extremities as they stretch again for the first time in what could have been weeks. The vibrations from the fiddlers and drummers and the pounding from the dancing of others moves up through my feet but somehow the intended message gets lost in translation. I feel nothing.

I sample the rich air that marks a sharp contrast to the stale and piercing flavor of down below. The taste is more fulfilling than any of the slop that they force-fed me could ever be. There’s a delicious taste I long for more though. A bittersweet flavor, but appetizing all the same. The air taste cooler now as a sprint causes my breath to accelerate. That flavor I long for is so near, just a few more steps until it is mine.

The bittersweet taste of salt water is so refreshing and so liberating.

Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley & The Wailers

Distant Lover

I have found a new love in the last few weeks. To be honest, I was both apprehensive and enthusiastic to make her acquaintance but that anxiety departed upon our initial encounter. Her beauty was breathtaking and I was immediately smitten.

Our connection was swift and undeniable. An eerie familiarity with this stranger intrigued me. She seemed to know more about me than I knew of myself and promised to remove the blindfolds which, unbeknownst to me, had rendered my vision askew.

However, she maintained her vulnerability by showing me her imperfections. Her storied and troubled past often ran parallel with my own narrative, and shared a common genesis. Her struggles were my struggles, her pains were mine also, as well her triumphs and delights. I rejoiced in our commonality and celebrated our variances.

Yet and still, I have not forgotten my first love. My distant lover who lies more than four thousand miles East. I cannot forget the manner in which she brought me from a boy to a man, provided for me and protected me. I cannot forget the things she taught me, whether it be the flaws of my miseducation, the frustration of that realization, or the jubilation in my search for truth.

To my distant lover: You are remembered and I shall return.

Disclaimer: I thought it would be evident but emails and other messages speak to the contrary. This is NOT about a person. I chose to personify Africa and America in order to make a vivid metaphor. Hope this clears that up. Lol!

Does She Know - Trey Songz

P.S. - Happy Birthday to all my fellow Virgos!

Korite '09

Since I arrived in Dakar I have been fasting for Ramadan. For those who don't know Ramadan is the holy month in Islam. One way in which followers of Islam observe this holy month is by fasting during daylight hours. That means no drinking or eating from dawn until dusk.

Although I am christian, I chose to observe Ramadan to get the full cultural experience of living here in Senegal where more than 90 percent of the population is muslim. It was difficult to adjust to everything such as the heat, walking places and teaching while fasting but, as you can see, I survived. Lol! In fact, it was easier than I expected it to be. Not simple by any measure, but not as strenuous as I thought it would be.

Yesterday the holy month ended with Eil al Fitr, which is celebrated here as Korite. My host, Amadou, lent my housemate Gary and I traditional bubus to wear for the holiday and took us with him when he made his morning rounds. We first went to his family home to have a breakfast of millet porridge, which is comprised of millet, yogurt, raisins, and pieces of banana and apple. We then went door-to-door throughout the neighborhood to greet the neighbors as is custom for the day.

Later we went to the Kane's house for lunch, the big meal of the day. There we met up with the rest of the SABS fellows to enjoy the holiday and, of course, EAT!

Take a look at the slideshow to get a better idea.

Haiku #3 (Sun-Kissed)

No, I do not tan

But I am kissed by the sun

So no burns for me

View from the Top

Last week I took a hike to the lighthouse along with three other SABS fellows, Gary, Camille, and Charlotte. In retrospect it probably wasn't the best idea to take on such a task during midday while we were fasting but, hey, we survived.

The view was amazing on the way to the apex and stunning once we arrived. Words can not explain so hopefully I can get this slideshow to work right so you can get a glimpse of what we saw.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42712623@N02/

Heal The World

Michael Jackson's universal appeal has been mentioned my entire life (someone once told me I was a part of the Thriller generation, lol) but from my American viewpoint the extent of his appeal had not truly been clear to me. That is until now.

On Thursday I was assisting in a seventh grade English as a second language class and at the end of the hour the teacher asked if any of the students knew any songs in English. Mind you, this was an ESL class so these children speak very little English. A modest girl, who had been silent most of the class period, rose to her feet and bashfully made her way to the front of the room. Then these demure words barely escaped her lips, "There's a place in your heart, and I know that it is love ..."

I am almost ashamed to say that at this point I did not recognize the song. Sure it was familiar but I couldn't recall the opening line. In fact, I googled the words to do this post. Yet, here she was, a francophone who wasn't even alive when the song was released, reciting MJ's lyrics like the tune was still topping the pops.

However, that wasn't the most amazing part. As the girl continued to make her way through the first verse other voices began to join in. By the time she reached the chorus the entire class was singing along – word for word, note for note. I was floored. I sincerely doubt an American class of middle schoolers are capable of that. His reach is truly phenomenal.

Rest in peace to the King of Pop; he will truly be missed.

Catching Up ...

Not too much has gone on in the last few days, not enough for a full post anyway, so here's a collection of recent happenings.

News At Home: HU Protest

This past Friday a collection of hundreds of Howard University students, staff and faculty united in protest on the campus of my alma mater. They protested a wide range of issues including the lack of validation for university scholarship recipients, violation of union contracts, and the removal of Vice Provost of Student Affairs, Charles Gibbs. (See the whole list of demands here.)

As a proud alum, I must say, I was a bit disappointed that I could not participate and that there wasn't a significant catalyst while I was enrolled. On the other hand, I am very proud of the coverage by The Hilltop and hope that I had a hand in preparing those who run the newsroom now.

A friend and fellow Hilltop alum, Tina Burton, produced a video of the protest.

In Local News: First Day of School

Yesterday marked my first day teaching at SABS. For the first month the school day is cut in half for a few reasons including the rainy season and the SABS' start date is nearly a month before other Senegalese schools open their doors.

One thing I noticed immediately was the attire of the students. Normally they wear uniforms but for the first few days they are permitted to wear what they choose. It was evident that American hip-hop culture has infiltrated the West African coast. The kids were adorned with western-influenced fashions from Yankees fitted caps atop their heads and designer specs to inordinate Air Yeezys and high heels on their feet. From first glance, school in Dakar seemed no different than an inner-city school Stateside.

That all changed in the classroom. The level of respect for instructors, passion for knowledge, and reverence for education puts American pupils to shame. These young people understand the eminence of education and viewed their opportunity at SABS as a privilege and not an obligation. I believe the difference in attitude is a major contributor to Americans falling so far behind ... and opposition to pro-education messages is a factor as well.

Unfortunately, school is cancelled until Friday due to heavy rains. Check back later in the week to see more about how the rains affect life here in Dakar.

Trust

On the bus today I saw the most interesting thing. A man with his young son boarded the very crowded bus and almost immediately the elderly man next to me reached out from his seat to grab the child. Th elder pulled him past the people in the way and sat him in his lap.

It took me a moment to understand what had just occurred because, for me, it was out of the norm. The elder noticed the boy, who would've had to stand, and gave him a seat in his lap and he stayed there as the father went to the back of the bus to pay the fare. He did not know the child, or the father, but just did what was best for the boy.

The reactions of the man and his son were far from the norm for me as well. The father did not question the elder. The boy did not look to his father for reassurance. All three accepted the event as just a part of everyday life and it completely blew my mind. In the States the whole thing would have happened differently.

First, the father would have flipped if a strange man grabbed at his child, the boy probably would have thrown a fit and onlookers would have demonized the elderly man who had nothing but good intentions. It just shows the difference in culture and how we lack the trust that they have here.

Just my observation.

Haiku #2 (Neighbor's Goat)

Loud goat lives next door

He bahs and bahs all night long

Makes me want goat stew

Wade In The Water

We begin our small trek from our domicile on the border of Ouakam. My new housemate Ahmadu leads the way through the area he has grown up in. The home of his childhood lies just across the street and the road is filled with his longtime friends and acquaintances.

Gary and I follow closely behind as we make our way through the dirt roads. People surround us on all sides chatting away in Wolof. I recognize a word there, a phrase here, but it’s mostly gibberish to me. Somehow, I still understand what they are saying. Maybe it is the tone in which they speak, the gestures they use, or some inexplicable human connection–whatever it is, it makes me feel like less of an outsider and more like I belong.

Our journey will be dim as we can only count on the sparse moonlight that escapes the cloudy night sky. Oddly enough, the dark brings me no fear. If I were somewhere in the States perhaps it would. Neighborhoods of northwest D.C. may instill a slight fear or even neighborhoods of my hometown of Lansing, Michigan become eerie in the darkness of night but not here. Ahmadu strides along with confidence so I follow suit.

Looking up I notice a structure that reminds me of the new condos on gentrifying U. Street in the district. It is funny how a world a part some things can be so familiar. Our path goes through a field where there is a big market on the weekend, Ahmadu tells us. The village of Ouakam is just across the field on the left and straight ahead is the distant glow of the lighthouse on the shore.

Small talk between English and French (I’m learning) accompanies our walk through the field as we approach the road. The occasional headlights of taxis and buses bring extra light to the hike. Looking ahead there is a dwarfing monument on the hill above. Masake (the daughter of Madame Kane and fellow HU grad) told us before about how the people of Senegal don’t like the monument because it’s expensive, depicts a woman with European features, shows the family of three dressed scantly clad almost as if they were savages, and the designer was foreigner. Ahmadu further went on to tell us that the statue cost the people of Senegal $13 billion! I would be upset too!

Now we have reached the Carnish, (forgive me, I may have spelled that incorrectly) which is the road that runs by the sea. As we travel along the shoulder cars whip by. Exhaust fumes from many of them remind me that the United States doesn’t have a monopoly on pollution. A cool breeze wisps by cutting through the exhaust, almost as if to tell me that nature will prevail.

At last we have arrived! Standing in the sand I gaze across the vast sea with a million thoughts whizzing through my mind. One realization takes precedence. Here I stand peering from the very same angle at the very same water that my ancestors gazed upon centuries ago. However as I look out I do so as a free man who has come back to this land of his own volition and the liberty to return or stay according to my prerogative. My ancestors, on they other hand, stared out into what must have appeared to be a watery abyss with no possible idea of what tremendous tribulation lie before them.

So much has happened in only five days here in Dakar, Senegal. I eagerly await the experiences of tomorrow!

This Too Shall Pass

Last night my roommate Gary and I moved to our place of residence for the next ten months only to find that living with the Kane's was a cakewalk. We walked into a place with concrete floors, no air conditioning, an open-air hallway, no generator if the power goes out, loud noises from the street and we are currently sleeping in the living room because the rainy season precipitation is too much for the roofs in what will be our bedrooms. I don't say all this to complain but just to give you an idea of the awakening that we had.

However, when examining these matters we came to the conclusion that many were tolerable and merely annoyances. Most importantly, we realized that many of our issues would lessen or disappear entirely in time. We can get rugs for the floors, the fans work just fine to keep us cool, once the rains stop the outdoor corridor will cease to be an issue, and when we move into our bedrooms we will be farther removed from the clatter of the street.

We've decided to take all of this in stride and look forward to tomorrow. Honestly, why complain about a once in a lifetime experience?

In The Morning - Mary Mary

Haiku #1 (Mosquito Net)

My mosquito net

Rubs my face, irritating

Must get used to it

T.I.A. ...

... means this is Africa!

Day #4 has begun and it's finally starting to kick in that I am actually in Africa. I have experienced a lot within the last few days – where to begin? Since I arrived in Dakar I, along with the rest of the SABS fellows, have been staying with the SABS director, Madame Kane, and her family. They have truly been great hosts in welcoming us and preparing us for the upcoming year. They have introduced us to a lot of Senegalese and general African culture that has shaped my time here thus far.

One aspect has been the language. It's amazing to see how many people here can switch so effortlessly among Enlgish, French, and Wolof within the same conversation. In fact yesterday we had some young visitors, toddlers, who went back and forth between English and French with incredible ease. In America children with these skills may be seen as prodigies but here it is not uncommon. It is a bit intimidating but I am sure that I will pick up the lan

guage soon enough and by the time I leave I will have a vital skill I can carry with me the rest of my life. The other day Monsieur Kane told a joke that reminds me of this topic.

What do you call a person who speaks three languages? A polyglot.

What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual.

What do you call a person who speaks one language? ... wait for it ... wait for it ...

An American!

Another important aspect has been the food! Senegal is an Islamic country which means that many of the people fast during daylight hours for Ramadan. In my quest to get the full cultural experience I, too, have decided to fast for Ramadan. Surprisingly, it has not been that difficult to give up food and water during the day. Of course there are times when I get hungry and thirsty but with a little patience the urges pass and I soon forget about them. But when we do eat it has been great! There's nothing better than breaking the fast with such fantastic food.

This image is similar to a dish we had last night for dinner. The dinners have consisted of fish or chicken with vegetables all over rice served in a big communal bowl that everyone eats from. The food has been delicious and it also provides an opportunity for everyone to gather together to talk about the events of the day, politics, or just to share whatever is on ones' mind.

Lastly, I think K'naan said it best in his song T.I.A. (This Is Africa) "you don't know how hot it gets here!" It is HOT! Now I'm not saying that it's an unbearable hades here but this heat is definitely something else. Here in Senegal we are currently in the time of year called the rainy season which is the hottest period. Coupled with fasting the heat can be quite an issue at times. I have been fortunate because the Kane's have air conditioning and ceiling fans in every room. Without those luxuries it is a different story entirely. Sunday the power went out for most of the day and the generator was not working so it was not long before the sweltering heat reminded me that "This is Africa!" Lol!

T.I.A - Knaan

All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying my time here and I eagerly look forward to what tomorrow will bring. Thanks for stopping by to share this experience with me and I hope that you continue to walk this journey with me. (Please leave comments or send questions to me at JoshThomas2@gmail.com or http://twitter.com/Ides9 )

Hello ... Goodbye

I say "hello" because this is my first post, the first installment of my Senegalese Tomes. For those of you who may not know, I will be living and teaching in Dakar, Senegal at SABS for the next ten months. I have the incredible opportunity to experience the motherland not as a visitor but as a resident. In a sense, I am going home.

I say "goodbye" because I am leaving behind what has been my home for almost 23 years of my life. I leave behind the culture that I know, the language I speak, my way of life ... but I am not leaving behind what's most important–the people. You are the reason for this blog. This is my way of bringing each and everyone of you on this journey with me so that you may experience it as I do.

I'm glad you've taken this first step with me and I hope to see your footprints along side me as I continue this journey. Please subscribe or follow and pass on the word!