Overstimulation

I've been having a hard time describing exactly how I'm feeling about my time in Dakar so far and after this weekend I was finally able to put my finger on it. The word is OVERSTIMULATED. Everywhere I look there is something new to see, hear, and smell. Everything I eat has a new taste and sometimes a new texture (stories of the dreaded supakanja to come) And as if eight hours of class aren't enough to get me thinking, I go home and attempt to decipher the melange of Wolof and French being spoken by my family. Even playing a card game as simple as Crazy 8's (known as American 8 or 151 here) with Grace's family takes some thought.

Not that I'm not complaining. I didn't travel 4,500 miles to have the same experiences I do in the States.  This weekend however was a nice repose from the hustle and bustle of the city and gave me some time to process all that has happened in my first month here. Yes, its already been a month!

Outside the cafe at the French Institute, looking like Grace's twin.

The first break for my senses came Friday night when we headed downtown to L'Institute Francaise to watch a documentary on the independence of Senegal. After the film we had dinner at The Institutes cafe, where they serve salad! Fresh vegetables are somewhat of a commodity here. My salad consisted of fresh greens, tomato, cantaloupe, grapefruit, orange, apple, and sauteed mushrooms and beef with a citrus vinaigrette. Lauren, on the other hand, was slightly adventurous and decided to order a salad with gésiers, not knowing what they were at the time. Turns out they're gizzards, which are a bit chewy but quite tasty.

Picnicking on Ile de Madeleine

Saturday we decided to get up early, grab a few snacks at the Casino (local supermarket) and spend the day on L'Ile de Madeleine. Naturally, having adjusted to Senegalese time, it was close to 2 by the time we made it to the fish market, where you can catch a ride to the island. After bargaining a bit with 'the captain' we settled on a price of 5,000 CFA ($10).  The boat ride to the island took about 15 minutes in a pirogue, which is a fishing boat similar to a rowboat/canoe with a small motor. The island itself is made out of volcanic rock, covered in tall grasses and dwarf baobabs.  As we approached the island, our captain navigated his way to a small alcove were we found beautiful shell beaches, a clear swimming hole, and the only five other people on the island.  We ate our snacks on a small grassy plateau at the top of the island with a great view of the city and spent the day exploring the island and swimming. At one point our captain, who remained on the island with us, showed an alcove that was beautiful but not too different from others we had seen, apart from the fact that it was a bit of a hike away. Only after we had returned did he tell us he took us there because it is know as the cove of serpants...

Our captain with the 'pirogue' we took to the island

I could have spent a few more hours on the island but our captain said it was time to head back around 6. After the ride back I can see why. The tide was coming in and the waves getting bigger sending a continuous spray of saltwater my way. The sun was setting and I was wearing sunglasses simply to keep the water our of my eyes. I was sufficiently dry be the time we walked home and probably could have salted a years worth of the country's peanut crops with what salt was left on me, my hair, and my bag.

That was about it for my little break from mental stimulation. We jumped right back into things when one of my professors took us on a tour of Dakar on Sunday...and that's why i want to go see the goat cheese monks!!!!!*


       *I thought I'd leave that last little line from Grace who's wanting to go see the Abbey of Keur Moussa, where they are known for their goat cheese and mix of Wolof and Gregorian Chant. 

At the lighthouse during our tour of Dakar.
 My professor with a small child who attached herself to Grace's finger and
proceeded to tour the lighthouse with us. Don't worry we gave her back before leaving.

The rest of the week's been filled with academics and family time, though I think we're having another go at HLM market tomorrow and working on some plans for this weekend. Hopefully I'll get to write once more before heading to St. Louis on Tuesday.

Oh, and Happy 18th Birthday to Dylan! Sorry I don't have a better way of being in touch, but I hope you had a great day and all is going well with the college search.