So weird fact: apparently Tabara (my eldest host sister) got mugged at Gamou too! I didn't find out until yesterday when she and the rest of the family got back but it turns out Tivaouane just didn't go too well for the Diops this year. Her story is way sadder than mine: she went out to buy gifts for the little kids, and got disoriented on her way. She was alone, and some guy there offered to help her find her way...after about 20 minutes of leading her around the city and chatting, he suddenly turns and says, "actually, I don't know where you want to go!" and takes off, leaving Tabara alone to realize taht her pocket is unzipped and all her money gone. Luckily, she could hear the mosque in the distance from where the man left her, so she found her way back by following the chants. We bonded over trading traumatic stories yesterday while running errands for Yaay (Maman)...which ended in Tabara promising to teach me how to cook on Sunday (after laundry, of course), so that I could be utile (useful) and therefore get a husband. Prefereably a Senegalese one, apparently.
Oh, and speaking of food, I solved the mystery of the milk-rice; apparently, it's called "laax," and it's served on special occasions (we had it this week because of the baby-namming ceremonies), because it's fast and easy to prepare, allowing the women to spend less time cooking, and more time celebrating! It's actually a great system.
Tonight, several of the students on the program have decided to explore the Dakar nightlife a little more and try out New Africa, a well-known salsa club in Sacré Coeur III. Dance clubs just seem to be a less threatening, more casual environment than bars here, because Senegalese men can't force you to give them your cell phone number if you're too busy dancing to talk.
Beyond that, nothing else is really going on...hope everyone has a great weekend!
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