Too brain dead for a title..

So, things are going here. Mungi dox (its walking).

Definitely been having some ups and downs. Currently feelin a little homesick, in need of some alone time, or just some time where there arent at least 10 people around in my house some of which are children constantly crying or getting yelled at. My family is great, but they can be a little much sometimes, as any family can. Im also in need of a moment where I dont feel like Im completely incompetent in speaking wolof. I have been improving, and my french is better but definitely still got some work to do.

THe other day we went in little groups of us each with a different professor to the market with all the fabrique to get clothes made. It was for us to learn how to buy fabric and then how to discuss with the tailor about what we wanted made. I ended up getting a taille basse made (well its not made yet, im picking it up thursday). This is one of the more common ensembles that women here wear. Its basically a form fitting shirt and skirt made of the same pattern, and usually made out of the fabric called wax. Im really excited to pick it up, its so fun getting your clothes tailor made. This whole idea of brand name clothing is not too present here-i love it.

On the topic of markets, itùs so great here this community of markets and vendors. If you need a peice of fruit, a pair of shoes, pack of kleenex, whatever, you can usually just walk around the corner and find someone selling it from their own little boutique or stand. And on most main roads there are people walking around seeling the same stuff so you can just go grocery shopping from your car essentially. Here, Ill illustrate exactly how this works with an example from the other day...

Just yesterday we went on a short safari about 2 hours out of dakar (we were almost attaked by an osterich on a side note). All 14 of us and 3 of our professors were in one big bus. On the way back, there were stretches of road where people would be walking around with bags of oranges on their heads, peanuts, etc.We would just be driving and then one of our professors would motion to the driver to pull over for a second. He would pull over; open the side door, and a flock of these people selling things would swarm the door. On the way back, we got two bags of green beans, kinkilaba leaves for tea, a bag of mint, two bags of oranges, some peanuts, and a couple cups of hot touba (the coffee here). It was quite entertaining. All I could think about was how wrong our idea of fast food is in the U.S., and how they really know how to do it here. You never feel bad about buying anything here, not only cause the nice fact that its cheaper than what im used to paying in the U.S. but more so because, if its food you know its been locally grown and in most cases you know exactly who your money is going to support- your fellow people and neighbors.

all for now.