It must be disease karma

Hello all. I had a wonderful time being home for the holidays, and I am now back in Senegal. It’s been a while since I’ve last posted, just because my non-African life isn’t incredibly interesting. The holiday break was spent with family and friends, and I finished some applications for graduate school and for work when I return to the US for good. Going home was definitely a culture shock, especially going from 80 degree weather in Dakar, to 20 degree weather at the New York airport. I spent the day in Dakar with another volunteer (Julie from Denmark) before my flight, and here are some pictures of Gorée Island, a location being famous for holding slaves in the 1800s. The island is incredibly small, and you can see everything there in about an hour.



It was also nice to eat a ton of American food again. I lost about 15 pounds during the past 4 months in Senegal, and I tried to get most of that back over the holidays, aided greatly by my grandmother’s supplying of food. As far as adjusting back to Africa, I’m doing well. It’s hard for it to really be a smooth transition. I’ve moved to different places in the states several times, and usually the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is figuring out a new set of tv channels. There’s that moment of panic when my favorite show is starting and I can’t find the channel it’s on. Frantically flipping around, tivo-less and confused. Here it’s a bit different, just because every single daily act is completely different. You almost feel like you are living someone else’s life. I am glad to be back though. I missed my Senegalese friends and some of the other volunteers. My Senegalese family also redecorated my room while I was gone, brightening it up with some festive blues. They are so sweet.

I also decided not to post the video of the sheep killing during Tabaski on the blog. I watched it after I got back to the states and thought it was a little grotesque to be put up.

During the time I was gone, there was a big turnover of volunteers. There are still a few oldies left, and my friends Delaney (Portland) and Sara (England) were here when I first arrived, and will be here for a while yet, so I hang with them mostly. Also while I was gone, Sara, who was the one to give me the nickname “Salmonella Steve” (which I am still struggling to shake) has herself contracted the same illness. A sweeter comeuppance I have not known. What’s perfect is that her name also begins with an “s” so I will be henceforth referring to her as “Salmonella Sara”. When I found out she had it, I tried my best to appear sympathetic, but inside I was doing jumping jacks. One can’t help but bask in the sweet irony.

Also a note. To those of you who sent me support money, you may have noticed that some checks have not yet been cashed. This is because I received some after I had left, so over the break I mailed them to Projects Abroad and they will be cashed soon. Sorry about the delay and thank you all so much!