Just coming up to my second weekend in Saint Louis and I actually can't believe it. Whilst it does feel like I have been here forever it does still seem only two minutes sine I was stressing out about packing at home. Looking forward to the weekend if a little apprehensive about meeting ten new people tonight.

Its holy day today here so I was expecting lots of noise in the Mosque last night but thankfully it wasnt as bad as most other nights are, pleasantly surprised. Its not uncommon to be woken up at 3am to the sound of someone being murdered, until you realise its actually just someone just having a particularly spiritual moment outside the Mosque. What was different about today was that all the little kids came to school wearing Boubous and pointy shoes (Traditional African Islamic dress).

Simon came to Saint Louis yesterday and it was so reat to see him. I was worried it liht make me really miss home but actually seeing him juts put me in a really happy mood. I met him in the main square on the island at a hotel where there were about a dozen people from the raleigh. They were all staying at Zebra Bar, a campsite about twenty minutes away from me and popular with foreign students and staff (i.e. us... supposedly).

So after a trip to the very cultural Super-U (everything imported from France, ridiculously expensive and about ten years out of date) we went for lunch at Flamingo where I spend most of my life. I love it there because it looks over the huge bridge and is right on the sea. I bought Si lunch as I missed his borthday and it was nice to have another huge pizza. After this we found his friends as he was meant to go back by boat to the campsite at 4 but we both decided he should stay so we gave his friends the food we had bought and went on to the Projects Abroad office so he could meet some people. We saw the new guy and Kristina and Louise, the project directors, who are both lovely. Chatted for a bit and dropped off 100 pairs of kiddie sunglasses (courtesy of Fishponds Opticians).

Then we went to Hydrobase Plage, the lovely beach at lqngue de Barbarie. We got a very expensive private taxi at 50p and arrived ten ,inutes later where the beach was practically deserted. Despite only having GCSE french about ten years ago Si managed to talk to several different people about Senegalese football players and we also heard some really sweet uys life story (was tragic and slightly awkward trying to show sincere pity in French - "desolée was my most overused word that day).

Then we got a taxi all the way back to my house in Corniche and the guy tried to fleece us out of 50p but youll be pleased to know we didnt cave in - yes we Scots really are as stingy as they say. Si met Maman who was very very pleased to meet him and has mentioned him about ten hundred times since and invited him to stay. He even managed to get a smile out of Adama (the most unfriendly maid in the world). Sadly the rest of the family werent in so after having a look round we went on to Maddys where he chatted to her family for a bit (whilst she charged my iPod).

Unfortunately for me but fortunately for Si we passed a football game on the way into town and stayed there for a bit. Then we went to the market, I got a beach towel (which by the look of it has sat on that market stall for the past century) then we went again to Flamino to meet Lucy and Maddy for drinks. Kristina and Louise also came which was nice and then we had to go home for dinner and Si had to go back to the campsite. It was sad to say goodbye but Im so lucky to have seen him and very happy somebody got to see where Im living. And it sounds liek his raleigh has been an eye opener to say the least (who knew that hotels charing 2 euros a night existed, though by the sounds of it, it wouldnt be highly recommended).

Ive changed my stance on violence in schools and qfter the last 3 days can see why itsnecessary - those kids are monsters despite the cute faces. The teacher has been away for the past two days and the concept of supply teaching here is like the concept of a hot shower, i:e. non existant. Ive got about a million bruises from being whacked repeatedly by metal chairs (rusty nails and all) and all my clothes are covered in food and dribble residue - pleasant. As soon as the teacher with the cane leaves the room they all go absolutely crazy and no amount of shouting "non" will stop them. So I am learning some Wolof this weekend with my family as at the moment I am thinking another day in that place with no communication and I miht loose my sanity. Im so pleased Lucy starts there on Monday!

Ive still ot my favourite kids but it is these two girls that I never speak to cos they are s quiet and shy (this is why I appreciate them so much) and two really cheeky but cute little boys (one who wore a shell suit today and was so proud of it you just had to love him). One of the male teachers dressed up as a woman today which was entertaining (compared to paint drying). I think the kids genuinely thought he was female as there were some very confused looks when he took of the head scarf and dress.

Better go now as me and Lucy are cooking tonight and have invited Maddy over too. Ive told theparents that they should be careful and they laugh... unfortunately its not a joke. Weve opted for pasta with grated cheese on top and chocolate brownies for desert. I bought two fresh baguettes too but sadly I have just eaten one while writing this without even realising.

Must go as time running out and got to go straighten hair before dinner as out tonight to meet yet more new volunteers(everyone thinks I al really very vain hqving brought straighteners but I think of them as a necessity).

Going to Catholic Church tolorrow with Therese (maman) and the beach.

Lots of love to you all and hopefully heqr frol you soon

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

p.s. sorry for the awful typing, this keyboard is hellish.

p.p.s. sa a dead rat outside my house with its brain hanging out, was gross.