Falling in Love All Over Again
I am a great lover of rereading good books. This first time I fall in love with a story I tumble through chapters too quickly. My eyes...


Life Unplugged
I uncrossed my legs as a squirming toddler was flung into my lap. She gave me the classic wide-eyed stare of both fear and intrigue at...


Welcome to Nioro!
I sat cross-legged on the mat, eight attentive, little faces looking at me wide-eyed. Glancing down at my notebook in my lap, I...


Waaw, Am Naa Jekker
“So, five people are ok? You are sure we are not going to get stopped?” Olivia spoke in slow and enunciated English to make sure our...
Friday Night at the Tailor's
I carefully sidestepped the potential attack zone of the ram, whose pawing hoof was tied up with only a ratty string. The horns gleamed...
The Music of Dakar
Each swerving turn and sudden brake causes our bodies to sway together with an intimacy usually reserved for lovers, a unison akin to a...
Teranga
I am writing this post from Dakar’s only fresh fruit and veggie juice bar. Yes, I did manage to track down a place where I could use the...


Valentine's Day at Lac Rose
What happens when five single girls go to Lac Rose on Valentine’s Day? The romantic, pinky hue turns blue from our lack of a relationship...


An Open Thank You Letter to My Host Family
Hosting an unknown college student in your house is not for the faint of heart. It is one thing to allow someone to occupy your spare...


Morning Commute
Every weekday morning, I head out into the dawning light of the new day to meet up with other students on our two-mile walk to the West...

