Fourth of July
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
I just wanted to wish everyone a great Fourth of July. Hopefully everyone is having a good one and enjoying the festivities that surround the day. If you are having a hamburger or hot dog, at a baseball game, or watching fireworks, I am quite jealous.
I’ve gotten this question from a few people, so I felt it would be appropriate to answer here. The questions have surrounded what I will be doing this Fourth of July, other holidays (American and Senegalese), and birthdays.
First, my Fourth of July celebrating here in Dakar has so far included a busy day at work, which was quite productive and good, and typing up this. For lunch, we are having maffe, which is my favorite Senegalese dish, so I suppose, you could compare that to hamburgers or hot dogs. After lunch, I intend to head to the regional house to do some laundry and use the Internet. That really is my day.
As for other American holidays, there will be little celebrating here, unless I’m with other volunteers. There is a party at the Kedougou regional house, but I am unable to attend the festivities. Also, there was a big Fourth of July party at the American Club this past weekend, but I was at the beach.
Regarding Senegalese holidays, I really couldn’t tell you when they are. A lot of them are based around Islam. Some require fasting. Some last for days. I am looking forward to learning more about them, but I’m sure I will still go to work, by choice though.
If I were reading this, I might feel as I am being negative on the situation and want sympathy. That isn’t what I am shooting for or what I want. While there are things I miss/will miss about American holidays, especially Thanksgiving, they aren’t going anywhere, and 2008/2009 will be a big year of celebrating hopefully.
As for birthdays, I am taking, and want the same approach. Every day here, you get unwanted attention and are in the spotlight all the time. By celebrating your birthday in an American fashion here, you are only putting more attention on yourself and that really isn’t something I want. I didn’t come here to be different. There is a good chance though that I might splurge and go buy a Corona and quietly celebrate.
So, to everyone…HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!
1 comment:
We ate at a place called "The Breakfast Klub". It's an African place here in Hosuton and like you in Dakar we were the only "toubabs" there. I had wings and waffle, dad had wings and grits. It was a great place with a long line outside to get in but it moved quickly. Once inside you placed your order at a counter, paid, sat down and your food was delivered to your table in no time. The owner walked around greeting everyone...jazz music played in the background. It was a great way to spend the 4th...still no hot dog...but we found a great new place to eat!
Love,
MOM
Post a Comment