Tobab! Tobab!

Today was another day with 2 classes in the morning and afternoon each. Our morning sessions were an intro to the SED program followed by an intro to the homestay program. Lunch followed with a long session on security in Thies and then a walking tour of the area we’re not supposed to go into. After that we had a quick session on bikes (luckily my dad taught me how to change a tire before so I wasn’t totally lost!). Then we got to actually leave the compound!!! For the first time in 3 days we were let out and led by a current volunteer. My group stopped in “Bon Marche” the western grocery store and bought some food. A few of us decided to go back tomorrow during one of our breaks to go out for lunch and get some fabric to get clothes made. We all agreed, we feel so under dressed here. Everyone is dressed up in completely matching outfits and, in comparison, we all look kind of messy. While we were walking through the market (more photos to come later) in a group of about 6, I got called a “tobab” for the first time. It basically means “stranger” but typically means “white person” and little kids just yell it when they see you. It doesn’t really bother me much yet, but from what other volunteers are saying, it starts to get annoying REALLY fast. I’m really trying just to ignore everything going on around me and everyone calling out to me. Once I get to my site that might be more hard as you’re expected to greet EVERYEONE you know, every time you see them (“hello how are you, how’s your family… etc”).

I think I’m going to start my weekly malaria pills tonight (be on the lookout for posts about crazy dreams as that’s one of the side effects). Other than that, I’m pretty tired from not getting the best sleep last night (it was HOT). Hopefully tonight will be cooler because it rained during the day and dropped to a really pleasant temperature. We also all stayed up last night putting on a little talent show (mostly a kid tap danced and another kid played his guitar).

K, the drums being hit for dinner!
KO

PS, I forgot to mention it but we're having 3 Mauritania volunteers join us. 2 came today and 1's coming tomorrow.