University Shenanigans

Good morning to all! Today is Thursday, and I'm taking it somewhat easy.. yesterday pooped me out. Yemi and I went to the University so I could hunt down some professors and schedule interviews. It was HOT, and we did a lot of walking. It's a huge campus. I was only able to find one professor. They're hard to get a hold of unless you call ahead, and I'd prefer to meet in person first, mostly because my french is shaky. They're busy right now, being the end of the semester, and their hours are different here. They usually work in the mornings, then take a 3 hour break during lunch (the hottest part of the day), and then they return to campus at around 3pm. I knew this, so yesterday we got to campus at about 3, and we went immediately to the Facultes de Lettres (which includes philosophy, history, and anthropology). I waited for the secretary to help me, but she stayed on the phone for a good 30 minutes while I stood outside her door. Then, when she hung up the phone, and I thought, "Yes, here's my chance," she packed up her stuff and began to leave. She asked me, in an annoyed sort of way, what I wanted. I asked if she could tell me where Mamousse Ndiaye was, and if she had his email address. She said he was in a meeting, and she led me down the hall. I didn't realize she was going to interrupt his meeting, which happened to be with 5 other professors, but she did! I kept telling her it was ok, that I would wait until he was finished or come back, but she insisted. I begged.. I pleaded.. but she looked at me like I was crazy, as if she couldn't understand why I felt so uncomfortable with the idea of interrupting a faculty meeting just so I could schedule a damn meeting. I felt a panic attack coming on, but after some prodding, Mamousse came out of his meeting, we shook hands, and I apologized profusely for interrupting his meeting. He assured me that it was ok, and that he would be happy to meet with me. Then he gave me his home phone number as well as his mobile phone and said to call him. If it weren't for his tranquility, and his overall Father of the Earth demeanor, I probably would have flipped out completely. Now, I have to laugh about it, because I realize it was only a cultural difference, and how funny it is that it affected me so strongly. Me, the social psychologist, someone who has studied the power of situations to affect thoughts, feelings, and behavior. HAH!

After this important, real-world application of my studies, we walked over to the library so we could check it out. The librarian signed us up so we could have access to their materials, and then he proceeded to help us in the same way that the librarian helped us at the West African Research Center. He took down our interests, and then brought us several books on those topics. Of course, they were all in French, and I sighed in despair, but we sat down nevertheless and started plowing through them. Yemi was lucky; she had some English ones. In general, it seems like she can always find an English text, and I think this is because her topic is so pervasive (Islam and Politics), whereas mine (traditional ways of peacemaking in West Africa), is a bit (or a lot) more obscure. On the other hand, this could be a blessing, as I have less to read! I think this is also why my interviews will be crucial, because that will be my primary source of information.

After the library, we caught a bus home. Yes, a bus! We've been using the bus system for the past few days, and it feels like quite an accomplishment! I think it has helped to feel more comfortable being here- as if it makes me more Senegalese. Although, ironically, I feel more like an outsider when I'm on the bus because it's jam-packed full of people, and I'm the only whitie, and I constantly worry about whether I'm breaking any social norms by standing too close to women, and men, and what they think if my arm or part of my body is touching theirs. I imagine it's ok, because there's no where else to go, but it still makes me self-conscious. It's probably my own comfort level, actually, that I'm feeling. I doubt they even give it a second thought. But for me, I've never been in such tight quarters, so I think I'm the one feeling uncomfortable with the personal space issue. Wow, that totally just got worked out, right here, for everyone to see! hah! See, this is why I like journaling- otherwise, I might never process this stuff.

When we got home, I think I took a nap- yes, I took a nap. I woke up when Sayda's nephew, Assane, came with dinner. Sayda couldn't come herself because she has a guest visiting from France. Assane usually comes with her anyway, so we've gotten to know him quite well. In fact, I would say we're good friends with him. He's come with us to the beach, to Goree, and to the markets. He's in a few photos from Goree, but I'll probably post more of him, as we have plans to do more activities together. Tomorrow night, for example, we're all going to the Sean Paul concert, which is conveniently just down the street from us! And, even better, it's only $9 for admission! You can google him if interested- he's popular in the U.S. I'm not a huge fan or anything, but I think it will be fun.

So Assane gave us our meals, and then he made us Ataya (the Senegalese tea). Then he proceeded to tell us all about his home town, Foundioune, and how wonderful it is and how much we'd love it there. We had talked about going this weekend, but it's a long trip (maybe 4 hours by car), and we decided that last weekend (to St. Louis) will hold us over for a few more weeks at least. It really does sound nice, though. It's near the Gambia, in the south of Senegal. I think it's also on or near the river there- which river, I'm not sure... perhaps the Senegal River? I'll confirm this later.

Later, after lunch today, Sayda and Assane are taking me and Yemi to the fabric market called, HLM. I want to buy some white fabric to make a bou-bou, and Yemi wants to buy some more fabric to make another dress. Did I tell you Sayda has a friend who's a tailor? Yes, he's already made a beautiful dress for Yemi, and I want him to make a bou-bou for me. I think total, including the cost of fabric, this should cost under $30. I may even have two made at that cost. But we'll see. It all depends on what kind of fabric they have and if I fall in love with it, although I have a sneaking suspicion I will.

Ok, I should probably go for now. I hope you're all well. Miss you, and look forward to being home in a month! I can't believe one month has already passed. Oy vey.. I really need to get down to work. Ok, bye for now.