Well, that was the nicest greeting I’ve ever heard! That’s not actually how I feel… Yesterday, when I went to pick up my custom made sandals at Demba’s (He is a very skilled leather worker in Mboro), I ran into a man who I’ve talked to on several occasions. Apparently, he didn’t remember me, so I tried to jog his memory about telling him at least 3 times we’ve talked. When he finally recognized me he said enthusiastically, “I didn’t recognize you! You got fat. Senegal must really agree with you!” The truth is I did not get fat, in fact, I have lost weight. However, it is a compliment to the host family and to Senegal if one does get fat, so saying such a thing is quite nice. But not so much for an American girl. Oh well…. At least I was invited to join them for some attaya (definition in next paragraph) My sandals are really nice! I can’t wait to place another order next month.
Yesterday, in Mboro, I had quite a lovely day, even though there weren’t any mail or packages for me to pick up. Sigh…. After the post office I went to visit my former host family there. The two year old, Adama Cheikh, flipped out when he saw me and ran to me to be picked up. In my arms, with his head resting on my shoulder, he stayed for a good 20 minutes. I loved every minute of that. The only folks home at the time were, little Adama Cheikh, the maid, Khadi and Regina (one of the language teachers for Peace Corps). We hung out for a bit, then my former host Dad, Adama Toure, arrived and we went through the lengthy greetings. My host mom and 3 other brothers were at the field planting some crops and would be home later. So, I waited for them, chatted with Regina and played with Adama Chiekh. Lunch was served. It was delicious. So many vegetables…still good even though they were boiled to almost unrecognizable…the Senegalese way. After that, my former host mom, Ramatoullai, and the other 3 brothers arrived. It was great. I stayed and chatted and played this slappy hand game with the boys. I was then fed mangoes, attaya and bissap. I was so full. Attaya is a really strong tea, steeped until it’s bitter and then a boatload of sugar is added to take off the edge. It is served piping hot in little glass shot glasses. The slurping technique is handy here, too. Bissap is hibiscus juice with mint, served so cold it’s slushy! Yum. After more visiting, I headed off to meet with Demba (above story) and then to meet with Jennie for “sort of cold” beers at the bar near her house.
It started to get dark and I realized that I should really get to the garage to find transport back to Tivaouane. When I arrived, I was teased in a nice way, by some guys who were trying to get me to get a private cab back. When they realized I was onto their scheme we all laughed and they pointed me to the car going to Tivaouane. I was the first one there…I had to wait for 6 more people before the driver would leave. Slowly people showed up….we still needed one more person. The other passengers started to get irritated and convinced the driver to leave anyway since we had been waiting so long already. We left and the driver picked up 2 more people in town. The 7 passenger car was now an 8 passenger car. This seems typical here. Yes, we were crowded, but at least it was a bit cooler since night had fallen.
I finally secured a French tutor at the Catholic school in town, his name is Alexandre. We begin lessons on Tuesday. His mom runs the school. They are related to Regina, who I mentioned earlier and she says they are wonderful. I’m excited to get to know them. My supervisor told me that they often need help at the school so I’m going to let them know I am available. This is a catholic family….if I get in good; maybe I can join them for Christian holidays. I hear there is a very small Catholic community in Tivaouane, I’m looking forward to getting to know them.
Speaking of Catholics…I am going to mass tomorrow at a Monastery. Yes, I am actually going to Catholic Mass, which will be in French, Wolof or both. I’m looking forward to going, mostly because afterwards, they open the shop there and sell goat cheeses, fruits, veggies and jams that are all made at the monastery by the monks. I heard a rumor that there is wine there, too. I’ll report back.
The saga of the electric company continues. More on that later…
I brought out some water colors and paper for my host brothers to play with the other night. The 4 year old, Ahmadou, just about launched into space with excitement. It was great to see. He was occupied for a long time. The 11 year old, Seydina, was more interested in watching movies on the laptop. Since there is only one paintbrush, that made Ahmadou very happy!
Shout outs!!!! Thanks to Ed Lakjer for the many and ongoing letters, to Mom and Dad for the laminated pics of my nephew (They are on the wall), to Sarah Howard for the letter chock full of news, to Grant Butterfield for the week long letter! I love getting mail, it really makes my day! I know there are some things still in transit. I anxiously await their arrival.
No comments:
Post a Comment