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Sandal Tan

Every morning my sandals trace a path from my family’s house in SICAP Baobab to ACI (Africa Consultants International) where we have language and cultural training. I breathe shallowly, my eyes focused on the ground in front of me, keen on avoiding eye contact with those I pass. Oddly enough I didn’t even realize that I walked this way until today. I only noticed today because the walk this morning felt different. Suddenly I breathed normally, gazed up, and walked with purpose. This morning I was comfortable and confident. I think I’m adjusting to Senegal. From now on I will always walk with my eyes up. But all is not as comfortable or easy as my “morning commute” has become.

For example, due to my lack of French skills, I have yet to discover when my host famliy does laundry, meaning I have taken to washing my clothes in a bucket as I shower. Also, I still don’t know where to find change for a 10,000 CFA (20 dollar) note. If they’re in circulation, someone must accept them, right?? However, not all these challenges are “toubab (foreigner) specific.” For instance, right now I am sitting on my bed, writing by headlamp light due to yet another nightly power outage. This is clearly a lesser inconvenience for me than it is for the Senegalese, who have work to attend to, but from what I can tell, it has just become part of the rythm of life here. At home in the US, a power outage is a major event, but in my host family, it is expected — certainly a nightly occurance.

However, this first week has not only posed challenges. I can count a few victories. Firstly, I’m developing an excellent sandal tan. Also, I learned that I can bargain, an essential skill when purchasing anything in Senegal. The other day at the market other fellows bought fabric for 5000 CFA. I told the vendor I would pay 4000 CFA. When he told me that my friends all paid 5000 CFA, I (politely) declined his offer and left the shop. Later I bought some lovely fabric elsewhere for 3500 CFA. My frugality and stubborness have finally proven valuable skills!

 

Overall, day to day, I find a constant need to remind myself that I will be here for 7 more months, not just a matter of weeks. That thought both overwhelms and reassures me. I’m glad to be adjusting to Senegal, ever so slowly. Maybe by the time I depart in April I will be just as relaxed about power outages as the Senegalese. Oh, and I plan on sporting a permanant sandal tan.

 

Charlotte Benishek

About Charlotte Benishek


Charlotte’s intense curiosity about other countries and cultures has led her all over the world, and her time at the United World College in New Mexico has only intensified her interest in international issues. Charlotte has a passion for spending time in the wilderness and learning about nature, and she is excited to observe the native plant and animal life in her Global Citizen Year placement.

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