Greetings from Linguere! Ethan here writing in the 105° F temperature which surprisingly feels good compared to the 117°F heat we faced earlier today. Although what makes all of us feel a little better is hearing the citizens of Linguere also dreading the temperatures due to May being the hottest month of the year. However while they are not excited about the blistering heat, these temperatures remind them that the rainy season is just around the corner. While sitting in church service last Sunday with the Linguere parish of the Lutheran Church the first rain shower since last October began falling. While six people from Iowa don’t find rain to be an odd occurrence, it was obvious that is not the case here as the faces of the children lit up with excitement as they become very restless.
While the most obvious difference between Dakar and Linguere may be the climate change, there are many other differences as well; some being blatant and some being subtle. Coming from a city with a population of approximately four million people to a city of around 12,000 people enables us to see the drastic difference between city life and rural life throughout Senegal. It started to become obvious around four hours into our five hour trip when the road changed from a smooth two lane road into a crack and pothole riddled path. Our trip consisted mainly of scenery which was stereotypical to Africa—large open stretches of land with short trees scattered throughout. It brought me back to my childhood days of watching Lion King, minus the lions and giraffes. To substitute for the wild animals, there were, and are in Linguere, an abundance of goats, sheep, and donkeys which brings me to another change in culture between the city and rural life.
While spending time in the city, we became immune to the sound of taxi horns attempting to lure us into their car. While we have yet to see a taxi traveling up and down the sand streets, there is no shortage of horse carts offering to deliver us to our destination which I had an opportunity to experience today with my host mom, Aminata Ba, on our way back from the market. Along with the taxis, we have traded our wakeup call of the numerous Mosques’ call to prayers for wakeup calls of roosters and donkeys beginning their day. Another change we are facing is the behavior of the people towards us. It is much more comforting being a member of the community in Linguere than being a “tourist” walking through Dakar. Being recognized by people who remember your name and being treated like a member of the family around the platter at supper makes it very easy to settle in and enjoy the life of a citizen of Linguere.
Although there are several differences between Dakar and Linguere, there are numerous similarities between the populations of both. Around every corner and in any open space available we still find children of all ages enjoying a game of soccer. The food is very similar, which is a good thing, although the fish isn’t quite so fresh. We have enjoyed the national dish of Senegal, cebujen, twice now which has been delicious both times. Women are still walking the streets in elaborate clothing and tea is still being served regularly despite the temperatures. The hospitality of everyone encountered throughout Senegal has been unlike anything I have experienced in America (in a very good way).
Despite my enjoyment living in a well furnished, comfortable guest house in Dakar, living in Linguere has been and will be a great learning experience which I have already been enjoying. It is a great lesson for which aspects in life are necessary and which are amenities as well as how to have just as much fun and enjoyment without them. But for now… I’m off to the Ba residence to enjoy another delicious meal. Ba suba!!
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