Developed Perspective

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Today marks the 22nd day in country. To say a lot has happened so far would be a significant understatement. I've come a long way from the initial shock experienced when walking out of the Dakar Airport.

To understand, why I'll describe the scene. We arrived around 5:00am locale time and were greeted by dozens of locals from small tattered children to grown men approaching us wanting to carry our bags, beg for change or if nothing else barre our way of our entering the transport. All the while carrying on in conversations of which which we no idea the context. Remember now its 5:00 am. The drive out of Dakar was no less dramatic. The third world is a shock to the unaccustomed. Traffic patterns are optional and a flood of humanity, animals and garbage are everywhere. I didn't enjoy the drive but I will hopefully make amends with Route 1 in a few weeks as I travel back to Dakar equipped with a new mind set and perspective.

Since that initial day my hesitations have melted away. I have found the people here extremely open and kind. I have been accepted as family in the small village of Thiafiache outside of Thies and even been given the Senegalese name of Pate Faye. The name of my host family's patriarch. I've shared food bowls and been given the best cuts of meet. I've received the most considerate of greetings from complete strangers and the admiration of children. Places like this have gruff exteriors. They smell bad, they're dirty, and possibly dangerous. But the culture underneath is rich and warm and accommodating. I am happy to be here and Inshallah will be effective while I'm here.

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Photos

My brother serving Tea
Young Senegalese men often make a sweet tea as a social activity. The tea is brewed in three serving each more sweet then the last and it very sweet to start off.

Popenguine
A World War Two relic on the coast of Senegal south of Dakar. This area is ripe for ecotourism development.

Gathering Palm Fruit
Similar to coconuts in shape and size this palm bears fruit that has a jello like texture. The technique to eat it is to slice off the top of the fruit, press your thumb into the substance and slurp it out. By brother climbs the tree here using only a few palm leaves.

A village host
Mustapha, one of our gracious hosts.

Stares
We often get stares from small children. Some are even a little scared of us.

Soccer is life here in Senegal
Sometimes life has a few horses or goats wander into it.

Comments

[Jessica]

Ahhh Chris, we miss you in America! I'm pretty sure that our economic downfall has been a direct consequence of the fact that you are no longer in attendance to purchase paintball guns, yukeleles, and drum sets. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this blog. The pictures are awesome! I can't wait to see what comes of your venture into ecotourism!