A glass painting artist showing us how he does his work in Thiés
We just had an excursion where we spent one day in Thiés, three days living in a small village (Mouit, in my case) with a family, and then several days in St. Louis. St. Louis is the old capitol of west Africa, so we did some historical research while we were here, as well as enjoy a new and different city! I am posting mainly photos, as describing the experience takes more than words alone. Enjoy!
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| Monastery outside of Thiés |
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| C'est Moi! At the largest Mosque in Touba,Senegal |
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| All of the girls in the group, wearing our head coverings while visiting the mosque! |
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My cousin Bintu and a friend in the village
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| This is the wall of the school in the village of Mouit |
After our first night with our new families in the Village, we on a boat tour that took us to an island where we could go swimming, it feels like here the water is always warm and a wonderful relief from the heat! My family was very welcoming to me, and immediately had me sweeping the floor and participating in daily life. It was nice to get a break from the hustle and bustle of Dakar, and experience life at a VERY slow pace. Time passed almost with my noticing, and despite the huge language barrier (most people only spoke Wolof there), I was able to communicate and have a good time!
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| My Aunt Fatu and her Daughter Bintu plucking the chicken for dinner, yum! |
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| Preparing lunch as a family!From left to right, my aunt (?) Rocaire, Mom, Aida, Bintu, my sister Aminta, and my brother Ossman |
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| Making lunch with the girls |
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| Lunch of Cebujen |
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| Practicing my Youssa before the Sabar |
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| My brother Niké, and Ossman |
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| The woman next door, preparing the traditional tea of Atieler, she also braided my hair |
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| At the Sabar with Awa (L-R), Rocaire and Abbé |
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| At the Sabar, someone's sister is dancing a traditional dance while we watch |
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| Toubabs join in and dance |
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| Mid-way through getting my henna done |
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| She puts the henna on my fingers, while at least 10 children watch |
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| A goat being skinned for dinner to celebrate my uncle's return from a 5 year stint in Italy |
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| My henna is finally completed after 3 hours |
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| Waiting for the bus to leave the Village, with my brother Niké, Ossman and another relative |
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| The lights on the Pond Faidherbe in Saint Louis |
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| A potty stop during the bus ride turns into playtime on an ancient Baobab |
My experience in the village was tough, but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I hope to see my family again, they made my stay as wonderful as it was!
After our first night with our new families in the Village, we on a boat tour that took us to an island where we could go swimming, it feels like here the water is always warm and a wonderful relief from the heat! My family was very welcoming to me, and immediately had me sweeping the floor and participating in daily life. It was nice to get a break from the hustle and bustle of Dakar, and experience life at a VERY slow pace. Time passed almost with my noticing, and despite the huge language barrier (most people only spoke Wolof there), I was able to communicate and have a good time!
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