Journal of a PCV parent cont.

On to Saint Louis:
Saint Louis as explained in the Lonely Planet: “The Senegal River flows westward towards the Atlantic Ocean, but currents and winds have pushed sand across its mouth for thousands of years, changing it’s course. Now the final section of the river runs south, separated from the ocean by a long narrow peninsula – the Langue de Barbarie. The original city of Saint Louis was the first French settlement in West Africa (and maintains much of it’s French flavor.)” Zach loves this city and in retrospect, I do too but it took a while to get that perspective. (Many of the things I first experienced in West Africa became much better in my mind as we traveled on and got more experiences and perspective. The little Pelican hotel with thatched hut rooms by the sea, I now look back at fondly. We had a charming meal at this hotel our last night and met the artist who had done the colorful, figurative murals. Some thoughts, sights and perspectives from my journal will help you see my deliema.
- Watching horses, goats and people being washed in the river along with dishes
- Huge amounts of garbage dumped along the sides of the river
- A street cleaner with a wheel barrow attempting the impossible
- The children begging (Koranic students spend a period of time on the street practicing the humble art of begging)
- American, Senegalese, French and British aide workers providing health care for the above mentioned beggars (“Tali Bay” or “Can kids” spelling probably not correct)
- A huge beautiful beach strewn with garbage
- Friendly greetings
- Beautiful women (and men)
- Helpful assistance
- French food
- Senegalese food at it’s best
- An air conditioned Patisserie ☺
- Good natured joking
- Terrific new PCV friends (Bernard, Richard and Nick)
- Warthog sandwiches MMMMM
- Great scenery

So you can see my perspective changing even while I was there!