Holy Crap, I'm going to West Africa!!

Hello again,
My biggest concerns were over what to pack and what I was going to eat. Hello! Unless you're new to Mai Musings, you already know that my biggest, almost daily concerns are what I'm going to eat, and what I'm going to wear. Yes, shallow I know but we all have our vices and mine are pretty harmless, for now. The clothing concerns surrounded both the weather and the culture of Senegal and the different regions that we would visit. Although Dakar, the capital is a major bustling city; Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. I worried that I didn't own anything that was conservative, cute and comfortable. I didn't want to offend anyone's sensibilities but at the same time I didn't want to wear an overgarment/hijab/abaya/chador/burqa/jilbab just to travel without fear of harassment. This may sound silly to those who are familiar with Senegal, but as someone who didn't know more than 6 facts about Senegal. Yes, I counted. It really is 6:

1. They have a lake where the water is pink; Le Lac Rose
2. Dakar is the capital
3. It's in West Africa
4. French is the official language
5. It's a predominately Muslim country
6. Wolof is both an ethnic group (one of the largest I believe) and a language

My second concern was over food. I've eaten Senegalese food twice, count them 1 & 2. Once from a coworker's wife. I remember the meat being delicious and I attributed it not to the spices she used, but to it's halal state. Sidebar; when I become rich and famous am financially able I am going to only purchase halal/kosher meat. It is just so delicious. My second foray into Senegalese food was at a Senegalese restaurant in Boston, called Teranga, it wasn't the most pleasant. Although it's been almost two years, I distinctly remember not liking the flavors that assaulted my tongue. So back to the present day, can you understand my concerns? Thank goodness, the third time was really the charm. Stay tuned to see all of the delicious treats that tantalized my appetite for two weeks.

Wait, Why Are You Going To West Africa?

Hiya,
So as you may have already read from my previous post, I'm going to Senegal, by way of Cape Verde. I have been interested in Africa, specifically West Africa for many years. The first country that I really wanted to visit was Ghana. Then I became interested in Benin, because of the connection with Haitians. Most slaves that became known as Haitians were purchased in Benin. I've been told that many of our traditions, particularly our Vodoun practices are derivatives of Beninese vodoun culture. There's also a town in Benin called Ayitine (sp?) which some believe is why Haiti claims that name. I was determined to make it to Africa, it was just a matter of picking a specific country and going with a specific purpose. I figured a francophone country would be the best introduction as I have a francophone background (Haiti is a former French colony), and I reasoned that it would be a great way for me to be forced to practice my elementary French. When I realized that the African Studies department at UMass Boston was hosting a two part conference in Cape Verde and Senegal, I knew that it was now or never. The conference in Senegal was on Leopold Senghor and his legacy. Senghor was the first president of Senegal and he was also a renowned poet. Cape Verde's conference would focus on Amilcar Cabral, a freedom fighter who led the fight to liberate his African country people from the clutches of Portuguese imperialism. Today marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination. I didn't know a thing about either man prior to the trip and I was excited and eager to learn about these two great thinkers who sacrificed so much for the betterment of their respective people and countries.

West Africa? Well Don't Mind If I Do!

Hello (waves ecstatically),
I am back and settled in. From where you ask? From West Africa, specifically Senegal and I spent about 2.5 minutes in Praia, Cape Verde. I had an awesome time. Praia was beautiful, the people were nice, the food was yummy and I was cold. Hehehe. Sounds weird that the Bostonian who left the States at the end of December is complaining about the weather in West Africa, but I really was cold. The sweaters that you will see in upcoming posts are not for show my friends. I had many interesting experiences in Senegal. Some awesome and some not so awesome. My trip was not life changing in the least bit, nor did I expect it to be. I met many wonderful people that I hope to stay connected with. My taste buds are still singing the praises of Senegalese food. I have so many beautiful souvenirs to remind me of the culture, people and teranga (hospitality/generosity) of Senegal. Come join me on this adventurous trip from the coast of West Africa to the former capital of French West Africa.