Shelly's House in N'Gor Village

We ended up giving our colleague Shelly a ride home today. Shelly is a unique wonderful soul who loves to dance. She has met the Dalai Lama, lived in a Tee pee for ten years (in Vermont!), and is a mother and wife. Her husband is from Guinea as is her beautiful young son, both love to fish. Shelly has traded in the expat luxurious and sometime mundane lifestyle for the vibrant and friendly African village of N'Gor. Shelby, Gina, Gabbie and I were lucky enough to get invited into Shelly's home and neighborhood. We got to see baby goats, watch fisherman bring in fish, play a little soccer, and watch young boys get chased by a goose.

My Neighborhood

Gabbie and I live in N'Gor. It's near the airport, Virage beach, the casino (not the grocery store), and festival de glaces. I went walking around the other day and decided to take some photos.

What's New

Well besides working, I have been busy. Softball season has started and there are parties everywhere. This time around it is not so hard. I don't even notice the garbage anymore. Things make me laugh instead of angry. So, that's it, I'm okay. It's good.

This new signed popped up recently in my neighborhood. It doesn't make sense to me. An African product/billboard sign featuring a young Latino gangster. I am boggled and tickled.

The other image is me with our jarden'er Muhammed. He's kind and light hearted. Gabbie discovered today that he smokes and was surprised.

Live Music at ISD

Thanks to our director Wayne for setting this up. The Navy band played for our school on Friday. It was cool to hear some live music. They covered some well-known songs and played in fatigues. I took some pics and recorded a small bit, then listened to them from inside my classroom. Check out the guitarist playing and sucking on his camel back.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

I thought I would post what some of the billboards look like here. Which one is your favorite?

Our Commute to Work

Sure, if I was in Oregon this wouldn't be a big deal. I mean a whole blog on what our commute to work looks like. The pictures are a little dark because it's 7:30 am. It's not a bad drive, it only takes ten to fifteen minutes. Cycling is scary but we do it anyways and that takes about 30 minutes. Drivers here do what they want, when they want. That includes making three lanes when there are only two or passing on the sidewalks (I only did it once). Cops like to randomly pull you over but I ignore them when they wave to me and they haven't chased me yet. My neighborhood is called N'Gor (named after the island that we go to). Then we pass through Almadies which is posh. Then we drive up the green for now hill where the lighthouse is located. The Frenchies like to run there. We then pass down through the palm tree lined Corniche and that is where the school is located. The Corniche is nice because it runs alongside the ocean. It's a nice place to walk or ride your bike. Many Senegalese like to workout along this road. Lately though there have been attacks on expats and one of my colleagues and her husband were mugged. That sucked!

Who's who: That's Saun at the first gate, Cisse at the second with Gabbie, and Adams with a paycheck.

New Classroom

It's Sunday and I am at work getting some grading done. It's about 7pm. I really like my new classroom this year. I still have a smart board, Chantal gave me her couches, and I have plenty of boards and book shelves. Last year my room never felt complete. This year I even have two plants and brand new Mac (thank you Wayne and Board members!). I haven't blogged since I came back. I keep forgetting my camera. So, I promise friends/followers (if you are still out there) I will keep you updated.