My daughter just completed her 2nd week of semester-abroad in Senegal, W. Africa.

[J-rap]

It is extremely hot and muggy, she sleeps under a mosquito net, washes her clothes by hand, sleeps in 90 degree heat with her long pants on -- otherwise it would be considered indecent (as opposed to thin summer pajamas), and eats fish and rice every meal. AC is unheard of, and fans only run part of the time because electricity is off half of every day. She takes a hot, crowded city bus 1/2 hour to school every day where people are hanging out the windows and off the roof in order to fit. All of her courses are in French. The bathroom has no light, the Turkish toilet doubles as the shower, a goat bleats next to her while she washes up, and the mosque next-door plays prayers over the loudspeaker off and on 24 hours/day. She thoroughly enjoys it. (I hope her attitude keeps up! :))

[Jane in NC]

How interesting! Please keep us posted.

 

Jane

[stripe]

I'd invest in thin cotton/rayon dresses, if I were her. I can't stand wearing pants in hot, humid weather.

 

Also I am sure she's been hearing a lot of prayers because it's been Ramadan. Things are likely to get a bit quieter now.

[Photo Ninja]

It sounds like she is enjoying the adventure!

[Miss Marple]

It is extremely hot and muggy, she sleeps under a mosquito net, washes her clothes by hand, sleeps in 90 degree heat with her long pants on -- otherwise it would be considered indecent (as opposed to thin summer pajamas), and eats fish and rice every meal. AC is unheard of, and fans only run part of the time because electricity is off half of every day. She takes a hot, crowded city bus 1/2 hour to school every day where people are hanging out the windows and off the roof in order to fit. All of her courses are in French. The bathroom has no light, the Turkish toilet doubles as the shower, a goat bleats next to her while she washes up, and the mosque next-door plays prayers over the loudspeaker off and on 24 hours/day. She thoroughly enjoys it. (I hope her attitude keeps up! :))

 

Oh, how exciting! It always amazes me what youth will endure for an adventure. This is one of the reasons I'm trying to encourage my boys to do things of this sort while they are young - they may never have another chance. I'm such a wimp now that I'm older. I remember the days, though, when heat didn't bother me and food was really just something that I needed (rather than wanted). . So glad your daughter has a good attitude and is having fun. She's making memories :D

[Harriet Vane]

Wow! Where is she? I have friends at Dakar Academy, and other friends about 45 minutes from Dakar.

[J-rap]

Yes, she is certainly making amazing memories! I'm really excited for her. Strider, she is in Dakar, with the study abroad program called CIEE. They share facilities with another school called L’Insitut Supérieur de Droit de Dakar. And Stripe -- you're right about Ramadan. Things should be a little quieter now that Ramadan has ended. :)

[Beth in OH]

Jjhat7--

 

Reading your siggy tells me that I would love meeting you and your family. Congratulations on instilling a love of the big, wide world in your children!

[Nan in Mass]

Wow! Thank you! Please keep posting about her, if it wouldn't be too much bother. It is so much fun to hear about such adventures.

Nan