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Ciara and I managed to change in Mbour without much difficult, I spent the ride with my legs up at my chest thought because I was too tall for the back of the septplace. It was an internesting ride to say the least, everytime we went over a speed bump I had to duck my head down so it didn't smack off the roof. When we arrived in Joal we were standing there with our bags on not knowing where Amadou was. We waited about 5 minutes then gave him a call. He said he was on his way so we waited. People were giving us strange looks and kept asking us if we wanted a taxi. I'm getting used to people staring at us and shouting toubab now. In Joal all the children put out their hands and ask for cadeux (presents). Amadou told us that there was white people who used to come to Joal and hand out presents so now when the children see white people they demand them.
Joal seems to me to be a narrow long town. It has it's own market but we need to get a taxi to the other part of the market. I'm sure I'll get used to it. The taxi ride is really cheap only 100CFA which is about 12p. On the way to the market you can see the long fishing boats. They are all really colourful but it was too dark when we went to take a picture. I'm sure I'll have another opportunity to take some.
The day before yesterday we went to the lycee that we are going to be working in. We were introduced to some of the teachers and two of them decided that they wanted to marry me. I bet I could have a husband in every city/town I go to in Senegal. (I don't know if I mention the other marriage proposal I got? It was in Kaolack when I went to the sandwich shop with Richie and they asked me if we were married, he said no, so the guy was like well I marry you then! Thanks Richard…) The school looks good, it has airconditioning in most classrooms so hopefully it will be bearable for teaching in. School officially opened on Thursday but because this is Africa it means that really school isn't going to start for another while. It was strange to think that if the children are told then have 2 days off they just take a week of instead! The school is in the process of moving to a new building which is closer to our house (yay!) so things are taking even longer this year to get started. So far school is looking good but I bet I'll have some stories to tell once we get started.
Walking to the market this morning was a bit of an adventure. We were walking along the road when out of nowhere (I say that but I was to busy talking) 3 horse carts came up behind us. There was a psst from the guy on the first cart and I had to jump out of the way. (In Senegal, when they want to get your attention they say psssst). They are crazy drivers over here whether it is in a car (that would never pass any kind of MOT test back home) or it is a horse and donkey cart, walking along the roads is always a challenge. We went to the tailor as well to get our boubous made in time for Tabaski. Tabaski is the biggest festival in Senegal. We'll be going to Dakar with the host family to celebrate with the rest of the Wane family. The Senegalise love their festivals.
The host family are lovely. They have two children, one boy and one girl,. and this year Amadou's nephew is living with them as well. That is common over here, supposedly, people send their children to live with their sisters and brother's familys all the time. I've been having a lot of fun playing with the children and even dancing along to music from the TV with them. I have yet to explore the rest of the neighborhood but apparently there are 4 peace core people in our neighborhood. I think I'll explore some more this afternoon depending how hot it is… I finally took out my good camera so I am excited to take lots of photos. I'm having a little trouble uploading them though because the internet connection isn't all that fast.
I think that is all for now, I'll be able to write more once I start teaching whenever that might be…
- comments
Helene Gleizes Julia it sounds like you are having an incredible time!!! Keep the posts coming! and i've already started on your CD but unfortunately it doesnt have anything amazing on it yet :( music standards have really gone down. Stay safe!! miss you xxx Helene
Gwen Hey toubab! ;) I am so excited for you m'love! Missing you heaps... Mucho love! xx
Nick Fraser Wow - Senegal sounds great! Nice blog, keep it coming! Africa always sounds so full of discovery, i think i'll have to pay a visit someday! Keep up the good work! All the best.
Stephanie Lear Sounds amazing! I can't wait to hear about the teaching and everything! I love and miss you!