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Ah, what ridiculous toubab optimism it was that allowed me to think that soon after writing that last blog we'd be starting teaching. Of course nothing of the sort has happened, our new starting date is Monday but…we'll see.
In the meantime we've only been enjoying the BIGGEST FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR - TABASKI!! The build-up has been immense, and by the time we were in the midst of the Dakar markets on Tabaski eve the hair-braiding, beautifying, buying of clothes, shoes, rams (for sacrifice) and food had grown to a feverish level. Staying at Amadou's family house, we woke on Tabaski morning to watch the cosy spectacle of the ram slaughter, done by almost all Senegalese families to remember the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his own son at God's command. Thankfully for the poor lad God allowed him to sacrifice a ram instead, hence tabaski = a truly ramtastic occasion! Once slaughtered and the blood drained into a hole in the ground, the three rams were carried inside the house, where they were swiftly disembowelled and dismembered, the meat barbecued, and served up for a hearty lunch accompanied by onions and Senegalese-style chips. What's more, the fun didn't stop there. By the evening we were all dressed to impress and spent a good amount of time visiting relatives and parading around the streets of Dakar. Feedback on my boubou (the wonderful orange number - see photo album) was ready, available and positive so I was a happy toubab.
The next day (not before the slaughter of an additional ram) the Wone family piled into yet another sept place to make our way to Thies, a city not too far from Dakar, to partake in celebrations with the other side of the family. Dressed to impress in boubou no. 2, we enjoyed a day and night of meeting relatives, much potato and onion chopping, dancing, singing, drinking ataya, discussing the various merits and downfalls of the English language, and of course the popular Senegalese pastime; chatting. Due to the rather large number of family members staying the night, Katie and I slept at a neighbour's, who turned out to be a fellow Bob Marley enthusiast. We rounded the evening off nicely with a video recording of one of his concerts at the Rainbow Theatre in London, before finally heading to bed.
After an additional night in Thies we crammed 10 of us into a sept (7)-place (I think someone might've failed year 2 maths there) and arrived back in a post-Tabaski stuporific Joal in a sniffly and exhausted heap. After some recuperation, I was up and running again back at the hospital where I'd started doing some work before Tabaski. Katie and I have been delighted to meet two other 18-year-olds here in Joal with an American gap year organisation Global Citizen Volunteers. I've been working with one of them at the paediatric clinic at the local medical centre, taking weights, sizes, names and ages of kids in preparation for seeing the doctor. It's been great for my Wolof and has also allowed me to meet some great people, including Madame Noel (a local activist who runs a feeding programme for malnutritioned kids at the hospital) who invited me to her house one afternoon to assist with an HIV/AIDs screening clinic. Most of the attendees were from outside Joal; once the clinic was finished Madame Noel then rationed out sums of what I was told was her own money, for them to be able to return home. I was not a recipient; having lost one contact lens I had a rather interesting journey wobbling home on my bicycle in the fading light, but made it safely in time for tea.
The more music-aware amongst you will be glad to know that Katie and I have now joined the church choir. We've attended two rousing rehearsals so far and have made plenty of friends in the process. I'm looking forward to singing/stumbling my way through at our first (Wolof) service on Saturday evening. Other activities coming up include starting school (maybe before Christmas…), attending a Wolof lesson or two and the potential of a batik workshop arranged by the local Peace Corps volunteers Connie and a local artiste. So keep reading folks!!
Amee
P.S. Having received some feedback on by blog, I've been told it's not the easiest task to locate the 'subscribe' so that you get an email every time I update (for you avid readers out there). Conveniently enough, it's small, grey, and has an ability to disappear just when you need it, however when visible it's located on the top right just above this body of writing. If any difficulty you can email me at [email protected] and I can provide a complimentary email-entering service.
- comments
Dad Amee Good to hear your spirits up great blog. A friend of mine is coming your way to visit the Equine Charity so I will be putting you in touch. Will write soon Dad xxxxx
Karen Love the update as ever Amee. I must confess this time, though, no green eyed envy from the faint of hearted, die heard vegetarians amongst us. Sorry, but glad I missed Tabaski. Maybe next time eh! Take care and keep up the good work. love Karenx
Looooosi Amee you're hilarious and so great. Love hearing about the adventures, and LOVE to hear you've joined the choir! Sing your heart out! Miss you loads, as ever. Love you lots xxxx
Beth Ayres amee it sounds incredible i'm so so jealous! i hope you're having an amazing time, a catch up soon is definitely necessary :) xxxx