Sometimes words are not enough to express what I have been experiencing in Senegal. I call friends and family and try to explain however sometimes people just don't get it (a common feeling for travelers and Peace Corps volunteers). I have been covered in dirt, laughed or cried all day, had my FOMO moments from missing home, been forced to hold random babies or children while mothers just walk away, taught how to dance and cook, explored several bush paths in Tambacounda, and even got into an argument in a market over fabric prices even though in America the fabric would only be around 4 dollars.... it's the principle of it.
More importantly, I have been having an amazing time in Senegal.
To explain some of my experiences, here are are some pictures to show what I have done or seen so far in Botou and other locations around Tambacounda!
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| How do you travel around Senegal? In old Station Wagons with friends! The car usually fits around 7 people however Peace Corps bought the car for 3 of us and ALL of our luggage. |
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| Swear in outfit with my Alma Mater |
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| Welcome Home! My host father Bouna, my counterpart Tening (holding my favorite food that was just for me!), and my little sister in front of my hut! |
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| The welcoming committee of women and children who came to dance and welcome me to the village. |
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| School let out so the party grew! |
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| Speaking of school, one morning I was joined by the local schools 3rd grade class who were learning the French words for farm animals. What better way to learn than by going on a field trip to look at some?! |
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| According to my Senegalese sister, I am going to make a fantastic wife. |
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| My beautiful sister and Tamba! Sokanah is always patient with me and my terrible Bambara! |
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| My adorable brother and sister Fili and Tene (left to right). They both love to constantly follow me everywhere I go and always beg to be tickled. |
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| My daily dancing lessons in front of my hut. |
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| Meet Tamba! I was presented with this cutie when I told my friends counterpart that I loved dogs! |
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| Peanut harvest is always a long day. My mom and sister work all day shaking peanuts to separate the peanuts and the plant material. |
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| First murals completed in Thiawor! My friends and I painted the Case de Sante! |
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| My amazing counterpart Tening Konte. She makes me my second breakfast everyday, takes me on walks to meet people in town, and always makes me feel at home in Botou. |
More pictures are to come but for now these are it! So many fun things and experiences are to come soon.
As always, Herra Doron .
These pictures are priceless!
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