Eye Opening Experiences

Implicit in the decision to study in a place like Senegal is a willingness to learn about, witness, and experience aspects of life here that are either systematic of the country’s economic stress or clash with your beliefs and values. Senegal is full of both, although I’ve been fixated on a couple specific issues since I arrived.

Our group, sitting with the headmaster in front of the school's main classroom.

A chalkboard on the street used to teach adults to read and write each night.

The sign for Ecole de la Rue. The headmaster painted it with a girl to encourage parents to send their daughters to school.

The headmaster in front of the school's supply of books. He is standing in its main classroom, where they are currently sorting through the books.

Classroom #2 at Ecole de la Rue.

A Busy Beginning in Senegal

I’ve been in Senegal two weeks, and you’ve heard about my family, and you’ve heard about my experience with the Inauguration, but you haven’t really heard about what I’ve been up to while here. So let me fill you in.

Youssou N'Dour putting on a show at Just 4 U.

My Batik!

Salt -collecting boats at Lac Rose. Note the pink/red color.

The dunes with Lac Rose in the background. Difficult to see, but they are hilly and very steep.

An American Holiday in Senegal

While planning this blog, I assumed that I would be bringing you interesting stories about my experiences with the Senegalese culture and tidbits about my daily life here. I didn’t expect that any of my posts would be inspired by an American experience. After this past Tuesday’s inauguration, however, I’ve received so many e-mails asking whether I saw the ceremony and whether people here were aware of it that I felt inclined to share my story, as well as that of the Senegalese people.

The big screen at Club Atlantique.

The crowd, before it began to spill outside.

Everyone cheering as President Obama completes his oath.

We stand together to sing America's National Anthem.

The Teranga of Senegal

In this post, I talk about my family here in Senegal. It's a little bit longer, because as you'll discover, it takes some time to talk about a family of 14-16 members. Below are pictures of just a couple of my brothers. At the top is Facary (21), next is Cisko (23), and at the bottom is Mamadou (1 1/2). The Senegalese like to take photo-shoot style pictures of themselves, hence the head-shots.

A Bit of Background

Although not the most interesting post you'll ever listen to, this audio post will give you a little bit of information about Senegal and my schedule while there.

Starting Somewhere

Thanks for visiting my blog! "Starting Somewhere" is an audio post: click above to listen.