The end of my Peace Corps life

Scared to death… no that is too strong

Caught in the rip tide of my future… no that is too dramatic

Totally overwhelmed by my life changes…. Yes that is just right.

I am leaving Senegal tomorrow for New York City after two years of Peace Corps service. When I first came here I was scared to death of the future, horrified by the present, and running from the past. Who knew the torrent of emotions could culminate into a life changing experience, one that carried me from a girl to a woman. I am now afraid of nothing but myself, only limited by my own fear of failure. What a beautiful way to start a new chapter in my life. I am cavalier by nature and let my acute senses carry my through the darkness.

Yet for the acuteness of my senses I am totally numb. The same scenes of Dakar and Senegalese life pass before my eyes and I make no effort to hold them close, to memorize them, to immortalize them. Instead I go to bed when I am tired, eat when I am hungry, and do what I feel like doing. No last good byes, only life as normal.

So au revoir Peace Corps life, you mix of college and career. Adieu poverty, may we never meet again. Ciao parasites, may you enjoy your lives in someone else’s gut. Happy trails to all and to all a good life.

A note on my blog, expect to see major changes in the next week. I will be changing the look and the title to fit my new life in the big city. I hope you all still find the time to check in with me and sit shot gun on my crazy ride.

Bandia Nature Reserve

I have had the great fortune in my life to be close to many exotic and endangered animals. In Thailand I petted tigers, in Belize I swam with sharks, and in Senegal I have seen more animals than would be couth to print. Last week I had the privilege of visiting the Bandia Nature Reserve just outside of Dakar. I was thrilled by the close encounters with giraffes, hippos, gazelles, and all sorts of other four legged creatures.

A giraffe drinks water, it's most vulnerable position.



Zebra butts, the stripes are not slimming.



Notice the great interest the giraffes have in the one's poop/pee. I can only hope the excrement is sending an important message from beyond, otherwise that is just gross.



Up close and personal



Giraffes lovers



Yes that is a rhino in the background



The rhinos were pretty sleepy this time of day



Many gazelles ran away from our car



All I can say as a lasting message is go out and see the world while there is still world to see.

Get your hair did

I was in the market in Kedougou with my best friend Fanta when she dragged me to the salon to get her hair done. I had no idea what she was getting done, but it turns out I watched her get her hair relaxed. This is a method of straightening the hair by combing lye through it. It burns, it stinks, and it costs less than a dollar. I was reminded of a passage I read by Malcolm X where he rails against the practice as cruel and racist, among other things.

Before



The lye being combed thru the hair, all being careful not to touch it



A little boy getting his head shaved



Take your pick of styles off the wall, ou bien, off the wall styles



And after, I think Fanta looks gorgeous either way.

Can't Idealize it Quite Yet

I'm photo happy and at a loss for words. I am in the midst of my Close of Service conference lost in the possibilities of my future. Visuals must suffice.

The massive bug that was in the shower with me was as big as a pair of scissors. I just threw a cup over him till I was done bathing, all the while he was bumping up against the side and trying to get out. In America I think I would have killed it. For some reason here it just doesn't seem worth it.



This gargantuan moth was decapitated by a Praying Mantis. Pretty intense.



Good bye Warthog sandwiches!! Pumba, you taste so good.



My last radio was my best. As soon as I signed off I felt my heart sink a little. Will I ever DJ again?



The passion fruit in my backyard is kicking! It has overtaken my shade structure and will give a lot of fruit this year. I hope the next volunteer enjoys it.



The last view of my village. The mysterious beauty of walking on.



These little boys begged me to take their pic. Of course I obliged because they were so cute.



Oh birds, how do I love thee? A red bishop and some other bird chill on a branch. Ahhh........



Flower and Bug



The night sky as seen from my backyard in my village, Sinthiouroudji.