Solo work trip to coastal city of Mbour

My photos are not very telling, I'm really not doing the best job at taking pictures, but nevertheless, here is a glimpse at my work and play in Mbour. First photo, walking around a neighborhood in Mbour, recruiting youth to take a questionnaire. Public health evaluations in action. It was bloody hot.

More youth taking my questionnaire. Success.

Post-work, beach visit in Mbour. Beautiful!

Sitting under a palm tree, this man must of read my mind because he came behind me, grabbed a coconut, sliced is open and offered it to me and walked away. I was so grateful!

My view as I sat under a palm tree, hiding from the afternoon sun. It was so nice to step away from the crowded city. Beach, ocean and no crowds, so rejuvenating.

Ride back to Dakar, the car broke down, naturally, this is Africa. So we waited.

While the car was getting fixed,  I bought 7 large, ripe mangoes for $2. Unreal.

Also bought some coffee and chewed on a stick. These sticks are actually sold in the market and are used by everybody to clean their teeth. Everybody liked to inform me that the Prophet Mohammed used these after every meal. So I had to try it. I found it amusing, yet the taste of the sticks was not too pleasant and I'm not so sure cleaning teeth part was working for me.

First Rain

The first rain of the season has graced Dakar. I got to experience this element of mother nature while sitting at a plastic table on the beach, feet in the sand, eating fresh barbequed fish by candle light. The beach by my house turns into a restaurant after dark - all the fresh catch of the day is at your disposal. Pay no more than $2 and you got yourself a giant plate of fish, grilled onions and a bit of greens. I was trying to explain to my Senegalese friend that this same experience would be expensive and very sought after in California! Here in Senegal, fresh fish dinner by candle light with your feet in the sand is the food and ambiance of the lower class - that's fine, I'll take it. 
In addition to this ambiance was our conversation about the most pressing issues and barriers to health and health care in Senegal and the possible solutions. Hence I was incredibly content. The wind nor the rain could deter my probing to know more, to ask, to listen, and to understand the culture that is so inextricably connected to the decisions affecting the health of children, adolescents, and mothers. These days it is no secret that no health issue can be simplified, nor solution realized without the involvement of the people and a profound understanding of their individual and collective cultures, needs and wants, and the context in which they live in and in which the health system functions. That said, its much easier to acknowledge this approach rather than to practice and implement it.
Anyways, much to my dismay, we had to succumb to the rain and head for cover. And now here I am... writing this post with the sound of rain pounding against the roof of my room and wind blowing the bamboo and palm trees outside my door.
I do intend to write more about the health issues, my work and the wonderful people I am encountering, but its these day to day experiences and conversations that I am surprised by and grateful for that I can't help but share.

Ngor Island - where I'll be spending my weekends

A view from the island. This is a great right wave...looking forward to surfing it!

Tidiane made us some mint tea on the beach. All you need is some rocks, charcoal, mint and water. And boom, you got your tea on the beach.

Exploring the island.

The island passage ways.

50 cent boat ride to Ngor island. Packed. I thought the life vests were a nice touch.

Waiting for boat to take us to Ngor island. Ngor straight ahead.

Free HIV/AIDS testing... yes please.

"Voluntary HIV/Aids Testing"

Youth getting tested

Recording a Radio Info Ado show - Topic: Menstration.

The recording process. A group effort. We had an audience, it was great!

Recording the show!

Tidiane, my Senegalese colleague at RAES who manages the Radio Info Ado youth groups and does all the radio show editing. Tidiane's passion lies in using media to tell the stories of others. A hardworking guy.

One of the media professionals who assists the youth in creating their radio shows. He has given me the Senegalese name Aminata. Kind, kind man.

Walking to work - this dog accompanies us every morning

Across the street from RAES office

Hand made fishing boats. Cheap fresh fish for sale every evening at this beach!
Though the stench is quite poignant and not too appetizing, especially in this heat.   

Post 1.. its been two weeks!

I've been in Dakar for two weeks now. Already there is so much I could write about! Since arriving, my time, my thoughts, my curiosity have been filled, challenged, and expanded. Already I have done things I never thought I would. Yet out of fear of butchering these experiences, I will begin this blog from this moment - as I sit on the couch, below a fan, in a comfortable abode only 5 minutes from the Atlantic ocean, having only an hour ago swam her waters at the beach nearest my house. This beach is fantastic. Though she is not pristine and you would not find her listed in Travel Channel's list of best beaches, she is enhanced by vibrant activity and diversity every evening. Away from the waters edge are women preparing and cooking fish on the bbq's. Children run about, splashing in the shallow waters. Young men play a game of soccer on the sand. Others just sit and enjoy the view. A makeshift beach club, structured with what looks like driftwood, hosts a group of Senegalese men. Here they keep kayaks, paddle boards, and what nots. This is the group that has come to accept me and that has allowed me to fall in love with this beach.  Every evening this week I have taken part in their work out and swim. I  now get the head nods, the hand shakes, the "ca va?". During this time together we complete hundreds of sit ups and push-ups, and more... no exaggeration! They don't let me give up. They don't treat me any different. There is no talking. Its strict. Its focused, except for my occasional bursts of laughter as I struggle to lift myself off the sand. Only the one in command, a thick man with bulging muscles wearing a speedo and a baseball cap, gives orders and counts each set out loud. This man in command who appears so intimidating has an incredible smile, gentle eyes and is extremely welcoming. While he gets in my face if I lose my balance or let my feet touch the ground, its take all that I have to not to smile back a him, for I know his intensity means he respects me. Its dark by the time our exercise is over, we all jump in the ocean. I float and stare up at the mind boggling moon. Eventually we all slowly depart with the "A demain, insh'allah" (see ya tomorrow, god willing).  I walk home with Roch (my classmate), wet, sandy, and so soar but so happy. I take a much needed bucket shower. I attempt to wipe away the layer of sweat that has accumulated from the days unforgiving heat, to scrub away the sand that has wedged in those unpleasant crevices of my body, and to rinse away the not so clean ocean water that I throw caution to wind and swim in every evening.   
A demain, insh'allah