Senegal, je t'aime...

After much needed sleep, I had my first day to explore Senegalese culture. Lunch today was around 1:30; I had my first traditional Senegalese meal, which was a delicious beef curry. Nearing the end of the meal, we were each poured a delicious glass of bissap juice. Bissap juice is sometimes called the "National drink of Senegal," which is made from the dried red blossoms of a hibiscus plant. It can be served with many different flavors, from vanilla to pineapple juice or orange juice. We had it with a sprig of mint. Another member of the group described it as tasting like a thin mint. It was the best thin mint with juice I have ever tasted. At breakfast we were also given mango juice and supper we had had an orange-mango juice. I think that is one of the reasons the Senegalese are so healthy; they replace a fattening dessert with fruit or fruit juice.

One other note before I sign off to sleep off the rest of my jet-lag. Even though I have been here for a little less than a day, I have never felt more welcome in a culture than this. The moment I stepped on the bus this morning a member of the SIT staff, Bouna, was eagerly waiting to chat with us about Senegalese culture and history. His friendly conversation continued through breakfast. He even returned to keep us company during lunch, even though he could not eat with fasting for Ramadan. Even tonight just a few steps outside the hotel, there were people sitting, enjoying each others conversation and company. I couldn't contribute much to their conversation in French; however, the unmistakable strong community feeling was unlike anything I had ever felt before.

Assalamu alekum, nanga def!

Greetings from Senegal! Just wanted to note I got in safely. More updates later on cultural and interesting experiences.

See you in Dakar

So today is finally here. The day that I have been waiting for nearly two years. In a few short hours, I will be on a plane to Dakar. It seems almost like a dream.

Boul fale. Next time you hear from me, I will be in Africa. <3

My Life, the Rally to Dakar

So in less than 24 hours I will be on a plane to Senegal. Right now I still feel as though I have so much to do and less than enough time to do everything. Ever since I have been in college, I have lead a very type-A lifestyle. Always busy; always more than enough to do. I like it that way most of the time, except when I am tired. I am tired physically and mentally, but moreso, I am tired culturally. I am ready for a different paced life; an inner sense of peace and being happy with one's self rather than the American cultural norm of being dissatisfied with oneself.

So the rally is on; like the off-road automotive race used to be from Paris to Dakar, I am rallying staright from Hanover to Washington, D.C. to Dakar, Senegal with a car and then an airplane. Flying to find a new perspective on life, culture, language, and most importantly, music.

Going to miss the bullet

Just two days left until I board the plane and it seems like I have so much to do. The last two days I have spent rewriting writing samples for graduate school. My paper is about the influence of Public Enemy on Senegalese hip hop. While I have been writing the paper, it has been so strange to think me of being in the places that I am writing about so soon. Thankfully my advisor has guided me through the writing process. It has been a little stressful at times, but I really can't be more thankful than to have such a supportive group of faculty members from Gettysburg with support for what I am doing.

Every day it gets closer, I feel like I am really just going to be on vacation for 4 months instead of studying intensely. I really cannot wait.

The Countdown: 5 days

So the countdown is on...only 5 more days until I board a plane for Senegal. The challenge is to see if I can successfuly complete 6 graduate school applications, orchestral bowings for Tchaikovsky 5, and pack in a matter of 5 days. Can it be done? I'm not sure, but I most certainly am going to try. Boul fale.

In other news, it is currently 86 degrees in Dakar compared to a chilly 63 in Hanover. I am about to go rewrite my Senegalese hip hop paper once more. The connection between Public Enemy and Positive Black Soul continues to amaze me. "Boul fale" is Public Black Soul's best known hit. It is Wolof for "No worries." Boul fale. 5 days!