Day 17: Woosh. Another day gone

Yes, the day really did go by that quickly. As I sit here at 2200, ready to go to sleep, I only realize it now. Somehow, I feel that the night of December 10^th (our last day) will feel the exact same way. Nonetheless, I will try to recount all that I remember from the day’s events.

Woke up, ate breakfast alone (Rich had slept at Cresp, due to illness) and set off to Cresp myself. I arrived 10 minutes late; not surprising really, seeing that Rich is the one who wakes me up every morning…forcefully I might add. Anyway, quick French class with lots of paperwork, a break, then a great lecture (yes I said great) on US funded food aid programs in West Africa. The lecture was given by Kevin Sturr, an American who spoke almost completely in English, which was very relieving. It was nice not to have to listen hard to translate everything he was saying. It was easier to stay focused and engaged etc.

We went home for lunch, and came back for an interesting gender role discussion. We split up into groups of Americans and Senegalese to define the gender roles in our own societies, then came together, shared, compared, etc. The discussion revealed the stark contrast between gender roles in our two cultures. Some of the Senegalese students couldn’t control their laughter when we explained to them that some men help cook and clean the house. They couldn’t understand; it was just so foreign to them. Overall, it was quite an interesting lesson.

We hung out at Cresp for a while, a few of the girls went in to Dakar, and Rich and I went home for dinner. Dinner was large fish balls with hard boiled eggs, with kind of sautéed onions and French fries on the side. Very strange, you might think, but it was pretty decent. We’ve stopped questioning the food here, having found that the only thing you can do is just eat it and try to enjoy.

After dinner, they invited us down for more watermelon, which was once again, incredible. We all laughed while Rich and I ate as much as I could, and I coined the phrase which our family loved: “Jamais suur na!” It’s a French/Wolof combination that means “never full.” They were very happy to hear that I had bought into their philosophy of eating more than you’ve ever eaten, for every single meal. And so, Rich and I struggled up the stairs feeling quite heavy, yet very satisfied.

Tomorrow, the Americans are traveling to an area called “Toubab Diolo.” It’s a somewhat touristy location about an hour away, and is supposed to be really nice. We’ll be staying there for one night, and returning Sunday. Details to come (obviously.)