After 5 months (!) here, I've hardly mastered the Senegalese culture, not that I ever thought that would be possible. There are, however, a few lessons I've managed to glean from my experiences. Here are a few things I've learned so far.
If a guest comes over, quick grab a chair! Or a box or a tub, good God get something!
Corollary: If 1000 people showed up unexpectedly to a Senegalese household, there would be no problem finding everyone a seat.
The fine art of sitting quietly for hours doing basically nothing, content with one's own thoughts
The equally fine art of showering in a half bucket of water.
It's not broken, it's just sort of broken. Continue using it and adjust your behavior to it's new state of functioning.
Relying on the kindness and trustworthiness of strangers is a viable travel strategy. They tend to be more reliable than the guidebooks anyway.
Dinner is the twilight zone. No matter how much you eat you didn't eat anything and Maman is worried.
I am pocket sized for easy travel (thank goodness).
People are people's medicine.
Goats are smart; sheep are dumb.
Only having a 10,000 CFA bill ($20 USD) in a country that hates making change is the same as not having any money at all.
Everything is better with a half pound of sugar stirred in.
Oh, have you got a little trash to get rid of? BURN IT WITH FIRE! SO MUCH FIRE!
It is important to stop and talk with people. You'll get where you're going eventually, make time for human connections.
Napping is always a good idea. Exception: at dusk. Keep the lights on or the spirits will get you.
If you can still breath, the bus/van/car rapide is still not full.
If you can, make 'em laugh. The best conversations are mostly banter.
Six year old girls are the bravest when it comes to needles.
All plans are subject to change at any time without notice. This goes doubly for travel plans.
Teranga means a soon as you cross that threshold you are a member of the family. You are welcomed, you are loved, you are fed, you are expected back soon.
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