First Impressions

Now that I’ve been here for over two weeks I feel properly settled in. Even in Africa things become routine. The adjustment wasn’t as severe as I was led to believe; I continue to be surprised at how similar my life here is to my life in the states. Granted, I eat my meals with my family out of the same dish, sometimes on the floor and sometimes with my hands, but the food is delicious, and often consumed in front of the TV. I’m learning to live with frequent power cuts, occasional issues regarding running water, and bugs in the house. But life continues much as it did before.

Of course, differences make better blog material. The first is best demonstrated by the fact that there is no word for “please” in the Wolof language. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask for people’s belongings, and begging abounds. I stick out like a sore thumb, and am often approached by street venders bent on ripping me off. This contrasts starkly with the generosity I’ve encountered. My students showered me with beaded gifts they had made for me the other day, and my host mom spent a whopping ten hours braiding my hair this weekend.

Similarly, people here are openly friendly. When greeted you will often be asked “Ça va?” several times before the conversation begins in earnest. I still haven’t figured out the correct response because I feel pretty silly repeating myself over and over. Unfortunately strangers are likewise as affable. I’m refining my selective deafness as everyone feels the need to inquire after my well being, and then yell “Toubab!” (white person) or hiss (people hiss instead of whistling here) when I don’t respond. Again, not so different from home.

The bridge from the mainland to the island built by Eiffel himself

My street

Fantastically decorated fishing boats