Day 46: My 18th Birthday

To fully describe my 18^th birthday here, I must begin at 12AM. We were down at the beach celebrating Sophie’s birthday (our program assistant) having a party. It involved cake (I mean good cake…and for those of you who don’t know me, I don’t even like cake) and a lot of dancing. The music was provided by some of Sophie’s Senegalese friends who played the drums. Overall, it was quite a cultural experience (duh).

I then went back to my house with a few other kids and I consented to opening the package I had received the day before from my mom (because it was actually my birthday at 3AM). We just hung out, ate candy, and watched an Ali G. episode (which was stellar of course; we’ve been doing impressions for a few weeks now, just waiting for the DVD to get here.) Finally, people left, and I went to sleep.

I woke up around 10 and began to sort through the entire contents of the package. I opened the cards. I inspected each bag of candy, each granola bar, each package of hot chocolate, and sealed everything in their Ziploc bags. It was like Christmas in October (and 90 degree weather.)

I left my house and went to Cresp, where I met up with the other kids. We got in taxis and went downtown to Dakar to visit the market which we had vistited previously. This time however, I was much more prepared for the craziness of the Sandaga Market. I got a nice jersey and a bracelet (the kind that most Senegalese men wear) for myself. However, the things I bought at the market were not the highlight of the trip.

After walking through the market, dealing with the oppressive heat and humidity, and being hassled by 1023938 people, we were ready for a break. We walked to the restaurant that I had visited with Fatou Lo the day before, and sat down at a table to eat. Everyone liked the restaurant, and the girls that were fasting all broke their fasts to eat falafel. Personally, I got the Tyson Burger (double burger, double cheese) and pretty much inhaled it. It was the best burger I’ve had in my entire life. I say that without doubt.

After that amazing meal, we walked around in Dakar for a while, and eventually stopped for ice cream. We ate sundaes and banana splits at this little place owned by Lebanese guys. Incredible. (while writing this, I realize how hard it is to accurately portray how amazing it was to have these foods. It’s funny how food has such a huge affect on me now…)

After banana splits, we decided it was finally time to get back to Yoff. We hailed cabs, bartered for our passage back and enjoyed the 30 minute cab ride home. Walking towards my house near the ocean, I felt a great feeling of satisfaction.

Because everyone was so tired from the days events, we just kind of hung out on my roof, and recovered from a hectic day in the market.

It was a great birthday.