Learning the ropes

Day 3 in Senegal!! So far we’ve been crazy busy. Every day is filled with lessons on etiquette, how to use the bathroom, Wolof, safety, health precautions and anything else you could possibly think of. Our first full day was a culture fair. At the best station we tried juices frequently served in Senegal. Baobab fruit juice is the best juice ever. This morning some of the girls and I managed to squeeze in a run before breakfast. We’re only allowed out of the compound between 7am and 7:30pm but since classes are from 9:15 to 6:15 and breakfast and dinner have to be squeezed in we have a very narrow time frame.

The dorms

Last night we got to go out in downtown Thies for the first time. The market there is the second biggest in the country! All the sights, smells, and sounds are overwhelming. People, cars, and livestock are everywhere and stands are overflowing with exotic fruit and fabrics. Senegal is so beautiful and so ugly at the same time. The tropical flora Arabic architecture is beautiful and the people are stunning but trash and standing water are everywhere. Many buildings are decrepit or completely vacant and the livestock is emaciated. We also got to go out to “the catholic bar.” It’s part of a family living compound so there were kids running around everywhere. I think I liked the set up better than bars at home. The ambiance was so relaxed- perfect for games and conversations. The tile patio is completely closed in by a high stone wall and tropical brushes. I’d take that in my house any day!

Training center garden

Finally, the food in the training center is amazing, although it’s all fats and carbs. Breakfast isn’t anything exciting- just baguettes with jam or nutella. For lunch everyone sits on mats around a big bowl of rice and beans covered in some sort of delicious sauce and seasonings. We eat only out of the section and only with our right hand because the left is only used to wipe your butt. It sucks being left-handed in Senegal. I can’t wait to be assigned a language (hopefully Wolof) and start practicing with my host family and instructor in our training community. Just two more days until we get our assignments!

Two years, two bags

I hate goodbyes. I’m so glad that part of the journey is over because next time I’ll get to say hello:)

The past couple days have been a whirlwind of amazing times with friends and family and many tears. It seems like I finally found a place at OSU- an amazing group of friends and an awesome student organization to be a part of. I’ll especially miss Cinna, my kitty cat. She turned up on our porch two years ago and the rest is history. She’s my first pet that I’ve taken care of all by myself. (Except the vet bills haha.)It’s not all bad though! My bags were both under 50 lbs and security didn’t strip-search me.  It’s also going to be amazing to make so many new friends and be part of another culture. Despite any recent misgivings or second thoughts, this is what I want. I couldn’t live with myself if I bailed now. Ever since I was little I didn’t want a “boring” life. Even if being an explorer and sailing around the world isn’t an option, this is even better. No regrets!

à plus, Ohio!

Love them!