Wakam et Mon Stage

Let's see, a re-cap of Tuesday and Wednesday and some thoughts...I'll try to make it interesting :). I'm sure you've guys figured out I'm writing every two days or at least that's how it's been working out so far since I won't have internet on the weekends and it gives me time to write my blogs at night (which is 5pm for you guys) and have it posted in the morning. By the way, when you're all snuggled in for bed dreaming I'll be studying Wolof—just thought you'd like to picture that.

Tuesday was the second day of school and I must say it was the first time I've ever had classes cancelled due to political uproar. Now, I don't want anyone worrying. The political manifestations are indeed a reality but I am hardly in any danger and am taking necessary precautions. I'm not sure if there is any coverage of Senegal/Dakar back at home but just understand that I am away from any rioting hot spots. Even though I have a secret desire to sneak out and see a political manifestation, I'm duly listening to other's cautionary statements and have opted for plain ol' news coverage. Unfortunately Senegalese news is done in a Wolof/French combination with riot coverage amounting only in replayed footage of the same scenes over and over again. Some of these scenes are gruesome, showing scenes of wounded rioters, but they mostly portray the struggle between the police and the opposing party (not Wade's party). So far there have been around 3 to 4 deaths due to the riots and although the police are blaming people like the Y'en a marre, I have good reason to believe (and sources to confirm) that the police and or pro-Wade infiltrators are really behind the incitement of violence. Just to be clear, all CIEE students are not allowed to participate in manifestations and we are strongly advised to stay away from danger zones which are clearly pointed out to us ahead of time. CIEE directors do a great job of protecting the students form any possible danger, as you can see—my class was cancelled due to the possibility of a riot occurring near the school which didn't even happen.

Here's a little more of Senegalese history that just enthralls me. It ties into the political situation here that I believe all of you should be aware of:

http://www.rfimusic.com/news-music/outraged-rappers

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/30/opinion/the-mixtape-of-the-revolution.html

I hope you don't mind me educated you a bit on my blog, but it is quite necessary if you truly want to comprehend what I'm going through over here in Dakar. At the moment I find myself quite fortunate to be witnessing a historical moment in Senegal's history—my only hope is that is turns out positively for the senegalese people.

Since classes were cancelled on Monday, I had some extra time to fill out internship applications which was good because the deadlines are all now. It has been terribly stressful trying to complete these applications while abroad and I definitely won't be repeating that mistake. I give a shout out to all of those who helped me make it possible, many thank yous. I'm almost done!

After completing applications I happened to be one of the few left in the center and I walked home with some of the girls from my program. It was about 3pm when I got home and I was dead-beat exhausted. I ate leftovers from the night before (which I had packed for lunch and didn't want to waste just because we technically didn't have a lunch) and took a 20min nap. I was awoken from my nap by a txt message from Hakima, a student who has been here since the Fall semester, which entailed directions to the naming party that was being held that evening. Earlier that day, Hakimah had shared with the CIEE students that her sister had recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy and that they would be having a party later on in order to give the baby a name, here they call it a baptism...even though there is no catholic or christian relation lol. So of course, I jumped out of bed, grabbed my camera, and headed downstairs. My cousin Gizele asked me where I was going and since I really had no idea, she offered to help me find the party. It wasn't too hard to find—senegalese parties can be spotted miles away. First of all, there was a tent set up in the middle of the street in the front of Hakima's homestay's house and second of all, surrounding the tent, coming from the house, and leading out into the streets, was...“the party.” Everyone was dressed up wearing beautiful Senegalese outfits, both traditional and modern, and the scene was coated with colors and elegant fabrics. I felt a bit out of place with my blue t-shirt, worn jeans, and bandana, but no one really noticed and I quickly began chatting it up with other CIEE students who were already at the party including Hakimah. Hakimah also introduced me to some of her family, including the new mother and father, and at one point I and about 4 other students were in her living room (very hot sticky living room) talking to some Senegalese our age. (Oh and btw, the reason why there are no pictures is because I forgot my camera cord...I've been meaning to ask my mom to send it to me here! Hopefully after that I can go back and add pictures but until then use your imagination :)!!)

The conversation was a bit interesting since they were trying to talk to us in Wolof, but we ended up taking pictures together and sharing jokes. I'm not sure what it is with Senegalese people but they're terribly forward haha, well at least with Americans. At one point one of the Senegalese girls told my friend Emily they liked her dress and then said to give it to them. Now, I want you to imagine a woman about...28ish, saying “I like your dress give it to me” in a completely monotone voice. Yup. We were told this was going to happen and in response a playful “I'll name it after you” is always welcomed.

Another example, and a more personal one, was when one of the senegalese women asked me if I thought her cousin was cute/nice. He was holding a baby at the time so I said, “who the baby, yes the baby is very cute!” trying to play it off but after laughing she insisted again. The guy was terribly embarrassed by her and was apologizing with his eyes, so this time I said, “I have a boyfriend already but I think he's a great friend and a good person,” they let off then but jeez senegalese women! Way to throw your friends under the bus!

After food and drink, the night came, and with it heavy drum beats, clapping, and laughter. The night was reserved for the ladies, as typically in baptisms men take part only in the daytime celebration. I only saw a bit of the festivities as I had to return home for dinner, but I quite enjoyed the drummers and the vivacious ladies who danced together in the center of the tent. I had an urge to dance as well and Rosie's mom saw me busting a move a couple of times. She was pretty amused by my attempts and still won't let me live it down lol. I really did enjoy the night and later on Hakimah walked me home (which is really close) and I ate dinner with my family.

Today, Wednesday was definitely filled with new experiences. I had my first public health class, even though my professor still didn't show up... His assistant was present though and carried on an introduction to the class. I liked him because after the explanation of the syllabus we had a discussion on the public health system in Senegal in comparison to the USA, etc. I'm looking forward to this class (even though the professor seems to be quite a flake) because we are planning to visit some villages and do a public health analysis. We are also planning to visit a public and private hospital here in Senegal. Experiences that I don't want to miss out on. The most exciting part of my day was marked by two events: Meeting the organization of which I'm going to do an internship with and visiting Wakam for the first time. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of either of these events because I had forgotten my camera at home, but I'm going again tomorrow (thursday) and will snap away at the scene.

The name of the organization with which I will do my internship is “RADDHO” or “Rencontre africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme.” Here is there website for further information: http://www.raddho.org/

I, along with one other student named Miriam, met with one of the directors who explained to us a litle about the organization and asked us of our interests. It seems that I will be placed with monitoring the events here in Senegal, and thus, will be quite knowledgeable about the human rights violations of the senegalese situation by the end of my stay here. Don't be surprised if I'm commenting on the situation several times throughout my blog as I will be preoccupying much of my time with this internship. The actual building was situated within walking distance from my school and had a very nice garden and patio-like setup. Inside it seemed used, old, and small. I'm hoping to do good work here, and I plan on working hard so that I can make a difference during my stay.

Later on in the day Rosie, Tasha, Miriam, and I went to the bookstore to pick up some books for my french class (a total of $12). They actually didn't have enough and the guy said that he would call in an order for tomorrow. He asked us if we could go downtown (where all the riots have been) to pick up the books and my response was (mind you in a joking tone), “What with all the manifestations? Surely my books will be on fire!” The girls laughed but he merely chuckled...I have to get a hand on senegalese humor...maybe I'll just start dancing everywhere that usually does the trick lol. Afterwards the girls and I quite literally hopped on to a car rapid (fast car in english) and held on tight in the direction of Wakam. It was my first time riding the car rapide with friends and it was definitely a memorable experience. At the beginning there were several people already in the car and we were crammed up like sardines. Smelly sticky sardines hehe. Either way, the woman next to me was kind enough to scoot over and let me sit down because I was hanging out of the back of the car clutching my backpack for dear life. (which btw has an open backdoor). After that it was smooth riding and when we reached our destination, the guy who collected my money shooed me off the car rapide... well at least I never have to worry about missing my stop haha.

Wakam was bustilng. The general environment was the same as Sacre Coure, worn buildings, chipping paint, lots and lots of sand, but the personality was much different. The mintue we got off the car rapide, several Senegalese friends of Tasha called us over to chat—something that has yet to happen in Sacre Coeur! There were children everywhere, a very youthful place, and toys were sprawled in every direction. There were also lots of cars and motos so I cringed a couple of times when I saw a baby stumble in to the street. There is no right of way here, for baby, elder, or youth—cars are king in Senegal. Either way, I got to visit Tasha and Miriam's home and meet some of their family. Later Tasha, Rosie, and I went out for a drink but I ended up just getting some orange juice to quench my thirst and calm my fatigue from the day. We had a long political conversation with some american topics thrown in including the election back at home (which I had...completely forgotten about). I talked about how odd it would be to call someone else president besides Obama, as I have grown quite fond of him despite some terrible decisions. The girls agreed and we sat back and let the sound of senegalese men cheering to a football game drown our conversation out. After that Rosie and I took a bus home (the first time!) and a senegalese woman kindly told us we had arrived at sacre coeur and stopped the bus for us. I walked Rosie home, greeted her family and was invited to her sister's birthday party and later went home to eat and sleep. I watched a bit of tv with the fam. I've been spending quite a bit of time out so perhaps I should spend more time with my Yaye!! It's hard though, since Yaye spends most of her day at home and I have the inclination to wander and to discover.