This week, I cut off eight inches of hair. Preparations for travelling to a country in the developing world include the obvious—receiving shots, acquiring malaria medication, and packing a durable summer wardrobe—and the relatively unexpected—purchasing five months worth of toiletries, and finding a gift for a host family without being given any background. Some other preparations are voluntary and require initiative. I purchased guide books and researched travel spots from past participants. And I cut my hair.
Many Senegalese residences possess volatile electricity, but few have indoor plumbing. As such, visiting students must adapt to “bucket showers” and “board laundry” – the African B&B as termed by my wonderstruck relatives. I chose to get a rather drastic haircut to make my life easier in Senegal, but I can’t help continuing to feel unprepared.
After reading literature on Dakar and participating in several orientations, I have created a vivid picture in my mind of what my life will be like over the next five months. That picture, I have no doubt, will be largely inaccurate. It is impossible for a Westerner to conceive a sophisticated mega-city with few of the luxuries we take for granted, and in attempting to do so, I wonder how much of my self will change as my environment changes. I have already changed my hair; what other changes—superficial or otherwise—will occur in Dakar?
Our program coordinators encouraged us to create goals prior to travelling. My goals are mostly personal—to refine priorities in my daily life, to form close relationships with people from different backgrounds than my own, to improve my French language skills, and to potentially discover a career ambition based in the developing world. I have no doubt that my world outlook will be significantly expanded, but I can’t help but think about all that I may leave behind. In addition to my stiletto heels, long tresses, and thirty-minute hot showers, what else will I be removed from in Senegal? More importantly, what wonderful experiences will I gain?
11 Comments to "An African B&B"
Hi Jen, i’m sure u till look beautiful with short hair. scott is in Benin now. last week he want on a safari and saw lions, tigers, elephants, leopards etc. it was his first time off from peace corp duties so i’m glad he had fun.
Travis’ recording contract move along…..slowly. he has the entire cd recorded now but just the first time through. it’s not mixed yet. he is probably going to Prague to get some strings background on some songs because orchestras are no so expensive there.
Bob and i are in Mexico for the winter. I’m taking watercolor painting courses and loving it.
Africa will be an adventure, an eye opener and a life changer. how wonderful!
safe travels. we will be thinking of you.
hugs, ruby and bob
This is so exciting ~ I’m happy we’ll be able to follow your adventure. I never thought about the conditions you will be living in. This is an incredible experience, I hope Clark gets the chance to study abroad as well. I passed your blog onto him so hopefully he can follow your posting and see what fun you’re up to!
Can’t wait to see you in person again!
Good luck Jenny!
Hi Jenny its Morgan I read your blog and i realy liked its a saw your hair but it looked like more than 8 in. I will be reading you blog so look for me in your comments! see you soon!
Jenny,
Less about your doo and more about what you will do to save the world! Have fun and I hope your trip is rewarding for all you encounter.
Jim
Hi Jenny – it will all be over in a flash, take lots of photos, keep the memory cards safe so you can re-visit all your experiences over and over. It seems like a wonderful opportunity with many interesting challenges – many I think are not anticipated. My most sincere hope is that you find people across the world are not much different than those you already know back home once you embrace their surroundings. Not having western plumbing won’t make them different, really. Just more clever about how to solve the same old problems. Best to you. love, Paddy
“Il faut vivre comme on pense, sans quoi l’on finira par penser comme on a vécu.”
Have great journey! Small mission for you while you are there: this is the last year we use the WY Select uniforms…find a group of girls who need to wear orange and navy! We’ll ship them in June.
Go Illini!
Dear Jenny – Good luck in your new adventure! I see that you are already learning about the life in a different country and culture. Keep your mind open to new experiences and friends. Take a lot of pictures and have fun! Your hair will grow again very soon. I will be reading your blog! Take care, Brasi
How was the flight? What were your first reactions when you landed in Senegal? We found a Tastes of Sengeal cookbook at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge last week. We didn’t buy it because I don’t think we could find all the ingredients.
I hope your doing well, it all sounds great. thinking of you