Senegal neex na, walla?

I’ve been keeping this list for a few months now, adding a little here and there depending on what has happened in my life and how I have reacted to it. It originated from the “dark days” of my time here, when I needed a place to vent and then have some way to remind myself why I am glad/fortunate to be in this country. It also illustrates dualism of life here. I am hoping that the fact that I have much more “loves” than “bads” reflects the fact that I have still retained being a positive person. It should reflect culture, lifestyle, personal experiences, and just random thoughts of mine while being here. It will always be shifting, adding and subtracting, but since I haven’t written in a while I figured now is as good a time as any to publish it. I will be interested to see how much sense it makes to anyone else besides me. Enjoy.

(*I’ll start with the frustrations/bad so that I can end on the good note with my loves)
Reasons Why Senegal Isn’t Always the Best Place in the World.
Comparisons. Everything you do is compared to someone else who [usually] does it better. “Why don’t you speak Wolof as good as X?”
Sharing. There is no such thing as private property. If someone knows you have it, it is perfectly acceptable to demand it.
Men. Genuine - but not. The concept of love is so hard to believe in here.
Public Transportation. Never reliable. Sometimes it takes one hour, sometimes five…both are reasonable.
Family. Everyone else thinks they know best. If they are older, it is expected to do whatever they want you to do. They always have to know who, what, where, when, independence is a bizarre concept on this front.
Class. Since when is it acceptable to criticize someone else?
Romanticism is ridiculously cheesy.
Goals for yourself are always tied to your family. Individual plans and success don’t last long.
Racism. Good or bad it is there and you will never be able to get past it.
Wolofization. The forced culture of the “necessity” of speaking/learning Wolof. Yet no matter how good you get you can never be fully accepted.
Emotions. I feel like a pregnant woman because I am so all over the place.
People you don’t know think it is ok to interrupt you whenever they want.
The showy-ness of so many aspects of life. I.e. religion, teranga, personal vanities.
People always think you are rich.

Reasons Why I Love Senegal.
Greetings. You are always expected to acknowledge people when you enter a public place/see someone you know, but in return you receive the same respect.
Family. Everyone is Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, Sister, Yaay, Papa, no matter the relation.
Teranga. You are always welcome into a strangers home for food or lodging or conversation.
Sharing. Selfishness is not acceptable. If you have wealth, share your good fortune.
Men. I have never gotten so many compliments consistently in my life.
Public Transportation. Always available and usually cheap.
Humility. “C’est la vie” attitude. Hardship is dealt with and moved on-self pity is non-existent.
Mediation. If you have a problem/argument with someone your mutual friend comes in and smoothes over both sides. It is rare to have a face to face confrontation.
Emotions. I feel every emotion here so much more intensely than I have ever had.
Ataaya. It fosters a “sit back and relax” atmosphere.
Discussions. Often revolve around religion, family/marriage, or dreams of a better life.
Not taboo to be romantic.
Sense of duty to help the family and support and care for them.
Contact. Boys who are friends hold hands.
Sante Yallah. You thank God for your health every day.
Jamm. You wish peace upon others.
Inch’allah. Don’t take life for granted.
Kids can be kids. Parents leave kids to learn things for themselves.
It takes a village to raise a child. Everyone takes care of other children, even if they don’t know them.
I have realized my closet dream of becoming a fashion designer.
The mix of old beliefs/practices and new.
Languages. Countless=richness.
The DANCE CULTURE.