Le Weekend

Yes I realize it's Thursday and a lil late to be writing about last weekend, but what with power outages and hours of class 3 days a week that's just how it is.

Friday night we were supposed to go to the club with Tolisto, Lauren's host brother, and some of his friends however, as it got to be about midnight, still TWO hours from going out time we decided it just wasn't going to happen. Instead we hung out on our street for the night, a very common thing for the Senegalese.

Ngor

Saturday afternoon we headed to Ngor, a beach in northern Dakar. We made it there only after being delayed by a sudden rainstorm. When it rains here, it pours. While waiting out the storm at Lauren's house we watched as buckets were lined up to catch excess rain falling in the courtyard. The buckets, each holding at least 5 gallons, were full in about 20-30 minutes. When we finally left the house the streets were so flooded, one step out the door and it seemed like we were already at the beach.

Preparing for the boat ride to Ngor

"Manageable Chaos"

         Then here was the boat ride out to the island, where the beaches are less crowded. 'Less' being the operative word here. You pay 250 CFA for the ride, about $0.50. After paying for your ride you are handed a lifejacket-the first security measure I've seen in Senegal. I wasn't sure if I should take that as a sign of assurance or worry they thought it necessary. The boat itself looked like a giant rowboat with a motor attached to the back. When it pulled up people began swarming toward it like bees on honey. I've started describing most situations here as 'managed chaos, and this was no exception. Everyone crammed  in, squashed side by side, knees to backs, feet in about 6 in. of water, the boat about 6 in above the water-at most! The ride back to the main land was no different-with the exception of a man pronouncing his love for Grace-apparently not that uncommon an occurrence here.

  Saturday night I am proud to say we made it out to the club but beforehand we met up with another ACI student named Mat who discovered this swanky lil restaurant/bar called Balajo.  There was an AMAZING reggae band playing. Sadly none of us can remember the name of the band. After the concert we met up with Grace's brother, two of Lauren's brothers, and one of their friends. Having five Senegalese men to three American women seems to be the way to go. Only one time did Tolisto have to step in and tell a man that I couldn't dance with him because I was married. And then that Lauren was married. And Grace. I don't think he really believed it, but it worked.

Sunday was a lazy day. I finally dragged myself our for a run with Grace after lunch. We've been running through Corniche, an area along the beach in Mermoz. It seems to be the safest place, even for two toubab women. There's a Radison, Sea Plaza-a fancy European style mall, and a number of embassies. The climate here is not ideal for running, but the view along Corniche more than makes up for it!