Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Traveling!

So things here have been pretty unpredictable lately. We've had several power outages (including the past two days, which meant no internet). And it's been hard living in a host family. Hopefully all will be resolved soon (I think it will be). But in any case, this is quite a mobile study abroad program, and we're leaving on Saturday for a 10-day trip to Thies, our first village homestays, the Grande Mosque at Touba, and Saint Louis. I'm excited to get out of Dakar and into a more rural, less frantic setting. That said, there are things I like about Dakar. But I don't like the pollution, getting stared at/yelled at in the street, and feeling perpetually lost when I'm trying to get somewhere.

We have something like a 12 hour bus ride. I'm looking forward to reading, listening to music, and looking out the window.

I also really miss Smith, Seattle, and the United States in general.

This is what I miss:
1. people, of course - family and friends.
2. knowing where to find everything I need - here it's either markets (really busy, you need to bargain, and people will try to sell you stuff) or gas stations with a more "western" setup.
3. having a waste/trash management system.
4. American movies and TV.

1 comment:

Katie said...

I had forgotten about being appreciative of waste management!! It's so true -- it's one of those things that you take for granted until it's not there, and then you realize how crucial it is...

I hope you're doing well and having an incredible experience -- I'm sure you are, even if it's not always easy. I miss you!