Tàng=heat. It is hot! The temperature itself would be tolerable but the humidity is crazy. I’ve come to accept that I will never feel completely dry and that is ok. The biggest issue is the power cuts though. They happen throughout the day for hours at a time and I’ve woken up every night because my fan turns off and it’s unbearable but alas, c’est la vie! There are consistent riots because of it and people are not happy about the disruption it causes and the extreme price for electricity. Now, let’s see about recent happenings…

Yesterday we went to the beach! It was pretty small and we quickly became a spectacle for indiscreet viewers observing the Toubabs frolicking in the waves but, ‘twas enjoyable nonetheless.  

Home is getting more comfortable, I have my own key so I can come and go without feeling like a burden and feel quite welcome. Until now, dinners have been silent besides Ibou’s (my host Father) constant “manger! manger!” insisting I eat my own entire baguette it seems. They don’t understand when I tell them that is not normal for us in the US but in fact quite a few too many carbs. Amina is still the most well behaved baby, she’s probably only cried twice that I’ve seen.

Two nights ago my parents and I had a 3 hour conversation following dinner about US culture and then religion and theology which I was totally into. They seemed very surprised at every aspect of our culture that I explained to them, ie; Telling a woman she’s fat is NOT a compliment. Ibou had no idea there were more Christians aside from Catholics since that is all they have here and asked me where the Protestants went on their pilgrimage. I explained about Martin Luther, the Reformation and even got on the topic of Mormonism? Which they have never heard of here. We talked about the Protestant and Muslim theology of God, Heaven and our “prophets” Jesus and Muhammed.  During this all, I realized I need to learn some french Theology vocabulary! Fun times.

Yesterday Megan and I went to the market in our neighborhood (Ouakam) and browsed stalls and shops and made small talk with the vendors. We got some digits and some sweet pants! We get invited to a lot of guys’ restaurants, which is less alarming than their houses I suppose and must be customary of a “friendly” invitation here. So far, 2 phone numbers and restaurants. On our market trip we even found my very own Pharmacy Khadidja! One of the many ways to spell my  Senegalese name.

My bangs are always poofy here with the humidity so I generally wear them back. They will probably be grown out by the end. I know you care. Anyway, our neighborhood soccer team played a big game last night and they’ve been decorating the streets for a couple days and there were so many people out dancing, celebrating and being merry before and after. Here’s a street of Ouakam.

I love this one of kids dancing on a car. Everyone was so excited about this game!

I’ve never had more rice, bread and onions in my life (apparently I love grilled onions? or maybe its the spice/sauce they use). I’m not complaining cause it’s delicious but there’s no such thing as whole wheat and my body may hate me soon. I was relieved the other night when we had a salad! The lettuce instead of rice was a good change of pace, check out those fish in there. mmmm(I still haven’t managed to stomach fish but I can navigate around it).

We’re visiting L’île de Gorée tomorrow which is an island right off the coast and used to be a major point for slave trade. Oh! Showering! It is such an ordeal. The water doesn’t really come out the shower head. At all. If I’m lucky I get three holes dripping. Mostly I fill up a little Chocopain (their Nutella) bucket in the sink and use about 3 or 4 of those to get me through. But, sometimes the sink also stops running all together as well, and then…I just wait all soapy until something gives. I have been showering every day though! yay Laurennnn! It’s way too hot not to. 

I hope you are all doing well and I miss you! Until next time.