It’s crazy that I haven’t written in this blog for close to two years! It took me awhile but I eventually adapted to the pace of life in Toronto. It was a good two years – not always the most exciting but definitely more balanced than my life abroad. And at the end of the day, exactly what I needed after 14 months in Haiti. That said, I was ready to go at least six months before I left – it’s funny once you start to live a “normal” life you get attached to that normalcy and leaving seems like such an effort. But, at the end of the day your spirit won’t let you stay in a situation that isn’t right for you. It took four months but eventually I found a job! And here I am. Dakar, Senegal.
I’ve never lived in West Africa and in fact, have never really thought much of it. I had my impressions of course – great music, nice beaches, boisterous people, good food, colourful clothing, crazy drivers, intense insanity, french speaking. I guess as a half Jamaican, I’ve always felt like I could “do” West Africa fairly easily. My impression was that – we are of similar people, eat similar food, dance in similar styles etc. But man, while I recognize the roots of West Indian culture in Senegal (and probably more likely in Nigeria – haven’t been there yet – but will be going). This place has a distinctive and lovely character of its own.
And the people are ginormous. Like really tall. And I’m 5’4 so I notice tall. THe men. The women. Stunning and tall. I don’t know what’s going on over here but damn.
Dakar is a special city. It feels extremely peaceful – which is a strange thing to say about a city. I remember arriving at the airport and feeling light. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s a peninsula…Sandy roads, breezy lanes, nice weather (in the summer), palm trees. I also live on the outskirts of the city. Most NGO offices and some great restos/bars/hang out spots are on the outskirts as well (in Almadies/Ngor neightborhoods). And so are the beaches!
OK – that’s it for now. Getting back into the flow of writing so will update soon. Hopefully, with much more interesting reflections 😉
Some pics:
Voyageuse Mondiale 