It's "Freezing Weather"

Asalaamaleukum! My trip to Dakar began with turbulence and concludes with sun. After two days of jetlag, bumpy plane rides, and impressive meals from AirFrance, I'm finally here in Senegal. My group and I are at a hotel right outside of Dakar proper. It's sunny, about 65 or 70 degrees, and the breeze smells like ocean. Despite the warmth, this is winter for the Senegalese; everyone here is walking around in leather jackets and calling this the "freezing weather."

My understanding of Dakar is still limited; in fact, my ability to wrap my mind around this place has really only decreased since my arrival. On the walk to lunch, I tried to gauge the neighborhood-- lots of nice looking businesses, sand and trash everywhere. A beat-up taxi will drive by, followed by a beautiful new Mercedez Benz, followed by a horse-pulled wooden cart. In my estimation, about half of the people wear modern, Western clothes, and the other half wear traditional Senegalese garb. Bright patterns and big colors vie for the eye's attention. I saw two young boys carrying a large, brightly-painted wooden crate full of dozens of tiny birds.

The Americans I've met so for are great, really open-hearted, good-humored, and my group is embracing each other. The Senegalese I've met have a similar disposition: warm, friendly, talkative, complimentary. Lunch was thieboudienne, the Senegalese national dish. It's delicious-- spicy, seasoned rice with several different kinds of fish, none of which we could identify, and an array of root vegetables and cabbage.

Earlier today, I discovered that my homestay address is in downtown Dakar, Point E, a short walking distance from the SIT villa, where my classes will be held. Lots of the other kids are in the suburbs and will have to take a taxi or bus to class everyday, so I feel really lucky. Yup, that's exactly how I feel to be here. Really lucky. Will write more later!