Fêtes and Farewells

It has now been more than three weeks since arrival.  Senegal has started to feel very much like home as I really begin to settle in (I suppose it helps that as I sit writing, the rain is pouring down outside and the sound of thunder rages in the distance… not too different from the weather I left behind!).  Sadly, this milestone also signifies the end of our stay in the village of Yene.

 Our last week in the village saw many events take place.  The summer school at which we were giving English classes finished last Friday.  We gave our final lesson to the beginners, teaching them the chorus of We Will Rock You.  This was received well, despite the fact that the clapping remained slightly out of time throughout.  Singing was strong and the boys in the class really showed enthusiasm when they decided to take on the guitar solo at the end with random objects found in the classroom.  All I can say is that I’ve never seen a better guitar rendition performed with a giant protractor!

 At the weekend, there really was cause for celebration as we attended our very first Senegalese wedding.  Earlier the previous week, Lauren and I had visited the tailor with our host mother to get boubous fitted ready for Tabaski.  A ‘boubou’ is the form of attire worn by the Senegalese, with varying styles created in beautiful fabrics.  Luckily, these were ready for us by Saturday and so the two of us were able to attend the wedding wearing our brand new and, as described by the guests, very ‘à la mode’ ‘Taille Basses’.  The wedding itself was a spectacular event.  All who attended were dressed in such lovely clothes, filling the area with a whole spectrum of colour.

 Our invitation had come from the host father of the volunteers situated in Joal, so we did not actually know a single guest, let alone who the bride and groom were.  Despite this, we were welcomed warmly.  All were keen to greet us and we were given very good seats at the reception.  After watching some emotional speeches made by family members and friends and the cutting of an exquisitely decorated cake, the dancing began.  And what dancing it was!  The day taught me two things:

1)      The Senegalese can really throw a good party

2)      They would be able to own the dance floor absolutely anywhere.

 Lauren and I were very content to just sit and watch as shimmering outfits jumped and jived to the music. That is, until the bride herself came and pulled us out of our seats to dance with her!  Neither of us knew what we were doing and I think we provided more entertainment than perhaps we should have as we attempted to follow everyone else.  There is definitely an art to this dancing that I am yet to learn.  Luckily, we were saved by the DJ, who started playing ‘Gangnam Style’ and we finally had chance to impress with our PSY impersonations!

 As this week has drawn to its close, so too has our time in Yene.  Emotions ran high as we said farewell to our newly adopted brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and husbands.  It is not really until you have to say goodbye that you realise just how many people there are to say goodbye to.  We have encountered such kindness from so many here.  As the car pulled away from our hosts’ house, we found ourselves being waved off by a great crowd of locals, all of whom have added to our stay in some way or another.

 However, despite the sadness of leaving, there is also the thrill of that which lies ahead.  The next chapter is about to begin as we head for our main project… Ziguinchor here we come!