Tales of a Thirty-Something

THE RAINS HAVE COME!!!   The start of the World Cup has also marked the coming of the rains here in Senegal.   One night last week, a huge storm came through, and it rained for over an hour.   Unsurprisingly, that rain caused massive joy, gratefulness, and also chaos in and around my region.   On my way back to village the other week, there was one part that I was afraid we wouldn’t be able to cross, because it was like driving through a river.    That was last week, and it hasn’t rained since.   Now, all leaves of green that were springing have become leaves of brown, yet again.   It was nice while it lasted, though, except for all the bugs that came with it, but that’s another story. Today, I’d like to highlight the methods of public transportation here, specifically focusing on my trip into town yesterday.   First, in order to get to my regional house (Peace Corps has a house in a bigger city of each region of Senegal where we can access ...

So if you are at all curious as to what I've been doing in my village, above is a little video of all that I've done.  I'd have to say that this is my crowning achievement.  These are some of my favorite kids, and I actually I taught them to say "I have a snotty nose." Most of the time, though, it comes out sounding like, "I have a nasty nose" ...either way they do, and it works. Enjoy!

One of the reasons I'm still here...mangos at their finest.

So lately I’ve been the only twobaab within a 30-mile radius- a strange feeling indeed.    It’s pretty much celebrity status without all the red carpet.   My first three weeks within my village have been really great, but also really frustrating.   Sometimes, I swear the Senegalese culture was made to just piss off Americans.   They do this hissing noise whenever they want to get your attention that drives me nuts.   And also, they have no concept of line formation.   You could be standing, waiting your turn in a boutique (small shop) and someone will come up from behind you, start shouting at the keeper, throw him some money, and get exactly what he wants, when you’ve clearly been waiting your turn..   The kids, though, are Senegal’s saving grace sometimes.    They are the cutest, most helpful, happiest creatures I’ve ever come across.   Last week, I was battling my first African illness, and the thought of them put a smile on...