Wednesday, September 14, 2011

des photos

I've included several photos here to help illuminate the past days over here in Senegal. I have been very busy, and this post has been postponed a few times due to power outages.  Power outages (and water) are real issues here.  There has been at least one power outage (panne d'électricite) every day, and it doesn't phase anyone. It's just part of Senegalese life.

This is a photo of a group of accomplished Senegalese musicians who came during my Arts and Culture Seminar to open our eyes and ears to the "rhythms of Senegal".  The man on the far left is playing the kora, a cross between a guitar and a harp.  Moving to the right, there is a man playing the djembe, then some bongo-esce drums played with drum sticks, another djembe (2nd from right)...this man is actually an incredibly famous djembe drummer and teacher.  According to his jam sess-mates, he taught every young djembe drummer everything he/she knows.  Last, on the far right is a tama, or talking drum, player.  This drum is played with a form of mallet, and the sound changes as the player moves his elbow up or down--like an armpit accordion.  They sounded amazing, and we were all dancing by the end.

This photo was taken at La Village des Arts, an artist colony supported and promoted by the government! There are probably 20 artists who have their studios here. There is also an amazing gallery. We met a glass painter, a ceramicist, a batik artist, and a few bronze sculptors.  Batik is the Senegalese art of making designs on fabric with wax, and dying the fabric.  Wherever there is wax, the fabric will not dye.  I will be doing batik myself in a few weeks!


This is Séa Diallo, a famous glass painter (and regular painter), in his studio.

Here are some cows on the highway.  They cross at their leisure. They are everywhere, along with horses, dogs, and cats.  You can also see the trash in this picture.  Waste management is a problem here.  There are usually trash piles burning on the sidewalks.

Below is a picture of the National Monument of Senegal: L'essence du Senegal. Not only is the biggest monument in the world, but it cost the country a fortune, and it has stirred up much controversy.  It depicts a father, mother, and child pointing and looking into the distance--toward a hopeful future.  The people who denounce the monument believe it represents President Abdoulye Wade (who funded it), and I have learned there is much resentment of the current president.  He is getting very old, and he just decided to run for a 3rd term.  We will see what happens in the coming election, but right now, the country is polarized regarding his reelection.

I am proud of this next photo.  You can see some classic wooden Senegalese boats.  They are painted with very colorful designs, and they are primarily used for fishing.  The beaches here are gorgeous, and the surf is huge (very hard to swim in, I have found out!).  There are some spots where swimming is prohibited due to strong rip tides.

I took this photo last Sunday at the Parc Forstier de Hahn, a HUGE park right in the city with lush forests, ponds, and miles and miles of trails like this.  There is also a small petting zoo, which I did not go to.  It is absolutely beautiful, and so serene and quite despite being surrounded by a bustling city.  So unlike parks in the U.S.

Here is my Senegalese family (minus my brother Cheikh, pronounced Cher, 19)! From left to right is Mari (9), Aida (21), my father Babou, Fabintu (15), and Mama.  They are all wonderful!


Last but not least, a picture of Aida and me.  We get along really well.  She helps me with French and Wolof, and I help her with English.


À bientot!









1 comment:

  1. Wonderful to see so many great photos. All the the colors are so vibrant, which I bet is influenced by the light and reflections from the sea, the sandy soil and the landscape.

    What do they call the Senegalese fishing boats? I'd love to see more close-up photos of the colorful painting and details.

    Love your host family. You are a perfect fit for each other.
    Enjoy, and keep sharing !

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