Back in Kaolack now in Diapolante's sparkling IT room. Things have changed a little here since November and now it's full of people, computers and English posters as well as pictures of the crew running it. Orlando is doing an English lesson on objects in the room at the moment and there's a lot of chanting and laughing going on, definitely enjoying it! Louise and I are here until Friday when I'm heading up to Dakar to collect my parents from the airport - very exciting. There's plenty of time to be lazy beforehand though and enjoy the holidays, such a relief to have a bit of a break.

We had a very busy week with the Connecting Classrooms visitors the week before so everything's been winding down a little. It was a success though and I'm sure I scoffed more than my fair share of begnets, chere ak mao and juices but I consider it deserved after making a massitve embarrassment of myself at a Thursday night Sere dance (Ngel) at the CEM. They thought they'd have a bit of fun and dedicate a song to the teachers which ended up turning into a manic serer version of youssa and getting crushed by many students. Not sure I'll live that one down for a while. There was also a morning of songs, dances and storytelling which was really, really good with excellent costumes and a morning of traditional sports which was even better. Amadou got into the spirit of things and defeated a strong Brit with his nifty moves in one of the best wrestling matches I've seen so far. The Wednesday night saw about 25 folk come round for Senegalese couscous so we had all the women in the neighbourhood round including Ami, Bousso, Francesca, Mariam Kane and the Diallo wives to cook for about 10 hours straight. Thankfully it turned out well and everyone had a great evening although it was exhausting.

Once that was over we had only one week of teaching before we left Joal straight after work on Saturday to make it in time to Dakar for the Senegal vs Cameroun match. Arrived to find the Diapolante crew plus Moussa sporting a range of very patriotic wear and blowing a horn enthusiastically, sitting right beside the tam tams and rainmakers. The match itself was alright, only picking up in the last few minutes for Senegal to WIN but the atmosphere was incredible. First time Senegal has beaten Cameroun in 20 years and the crowd was ecstatic. Had to chance to show off our Youssa dancing skills a little before heading off to celebrate with Babs' cousin. I got myself a very snazzy looking Senegalese sweatband, although clearly couldn't compete with the full green, yellow and red boubous.

On Sunday we went to visit Aicha's nieces and got a beautiful performance of backstreet boys from Mariam and Fadima. It's at times like these you wish you could sing... My latest attempt at that was a bit of S Club in class on the last day of term and let's just say my main role was children's entertainment. Not a good look. Whipped up a tasty salad for Sinead's family in the evening (buttering them up to prepare them for the 4 volunteers descending on them later this week) and some good old Scottish shortbread which went down a treat. I think it worked... we'll just have to wait and see to find out! Only arrived in Kaolack last night as we traipsed around the city yesterday and had a nosey around Oxfam GB, the British council and a dance school followed by taking money out in THE RADISSON. And A GELATO ICE CREAM. Now that was special. Luckily it was a nice big ice cream too as we got the 7places to Kaolack late and had to skip dinner. Still feeling a little hungry actually, now I mention it... lunch time! And it's theboudienne bouwher, my favourite, so I better go and tuck in.

Happy holidays everyone and hope everything is well,

Kirsty x