Thoughts Before Leaving Dakar, Senegal....

On my way to JFK and I must say it feels great to go back to my city even if it is just the airport. Overall the trip was definitely an experience to remmember. IT helped me manage my time even more and ask the right questions. It also helped me to open my eyes and appreciate everything I have even if it doesn't seem like much. Today I ate a meal, but how many people- men, women and children got to eat a meal today? When I get back to school for the summer session, I will be able to take a hot shoer with the lights on (hopefully). Electricity is something we take so lightly at least until the bill comes. however, lets continue to talk abotu school. We are going back to or have recently graduated rom a place where we can buy books from the bookstore. Those books are expensive, but imagine having to share that one book with 699 other people. 700 people to one book? I cannot imagine. I don't want to and nine times out of ten I will not have to. I think JCSU should have a book drive for the students at that University. We as people take so much time to complain about what we don't have and what we could have and we do not realize how much we do have. Those students love to go to school and continue to go simply because knowledge is power. Many people do not understand the meaning behind that phrase, but it means so much more now that I have gotten to experience Africa. -Portia S. Rouse

Goree Island in Senegal

Dr. Hemmy asked the student’s in the Study Abroad Program to expound on what we know about slavery via what we’ve learned through history, school, and our perceptions. My personal view of slavery is that it was an inhumane, hateful, and exploitive series of events that occurred in our history, resulting in psychological and mental damage can still be seen in people of African descent. Hundreds of thousands of people were taken from their families¸ and homes and forced into servitude. The rest is history I don't think I need to repeat known knowledge, no one group of people has the right to enslave and or force their opinions on another group of people. As a child my parents always enforced the importance of being proud of the fact that I ‘am a descendant of Africa (I don't like using the term "African American" because Africa is a continent and not a country). I grew up in South Carolina and I remember visiting the slave markets in Charleston and feeling a connection and a sense of sadness, I would hear stories about Goree Island but I never thought I would ever get the opportunity to visit there. Once in Africa when my group and I were on the boat I remember telling Dr. Hemmy "This is such a beautiful island! I would never want to leave." and Dr. Hemmy said she wanted to know how I would feel at the end of the day after the tour. When we toured the slave house I did not expect myself to get as emotional as I did (I'm a cry baby)¸ as we toured the small impersonal stone holding cells the reality of what some of the inhumane conditions that my ancestors had to endure set in mentally. Standing in the door way of no return was honestly the most haunting experience. The island is beautiful, the people there are nice and hard working and I feel as if that experience has changed my thought process and I have a deeper connection to my heritage. 
Asya

Bittersweet

Little by little the room begins to empty out
my heart is filled with joy and yet so much doubt
of weather I truely wish to leave is land
for I have come to love it and for all it stands
for its people who skin is dark as oil
for its planes so rich on which they toil
for the friendships that I have come to form
in this small room now so empty and forlorn.
-Nawal Bakheit

Thoughts (of POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE) on slavery: visit to Goree Isalnd

(Assignment: write our thoughts on slavery-anything in parenthesis is to create context)
I had asked Dr. Sy(our guide) how he felt about the Chinese being in Senegal and what that would mean

He replied that they were here for business and that at the end of the day

There was still corruption in Le Government Senegalé

We came to the conclusion that authority was the issue

(I later realized)

Authority can only be so if it is legitimized and supported 

How can a small few control the masses if not by control of the resources?

(what we should all realize)

We are the laborers with the harvesting capacity

1st contact

We can only allow some to control the resources if they control humanity

US

We are the most powerful, competent, and capable resource available

That is slavery

(how is this possible you ask?)

Greed is the root of all evil, the desire to possess more than the basic necessities for a comfortable life

We are willing to kill, cheat, and lie

Just so that we can get by

And look better then the next fly guy

Some may say that i sound like a communist

But how can that be

When all I speak to is equality?
-Nawal Bakheit

The University of Cheik Anta Diop, May 12

We headed to the University of Chiek Anta Diop to be matched with our mentors/partners to escort us througout Senegal as we set out upon our reserach for our projects. I am researching the cultural and historical differences between African Literature and American Literature, as well as the differences between Africans and Black Americans. While we were thier, we listend to various presentations of the make-up of Senegal and its cultural backrounds, We also listened to some presentations that answered our questions for our research project. A professor by the name of Ibrahima Wane was a source for my topic; he specializes in African Literature and African History. He discussed literary eras in Africa, he talked about Griots, the Negritude Movement, as well as the mindstate of the African writer becasue of colonialism. This day was long and busy, yet very informative.

Touba May 14

We set of for Touba early in the morning to visit the Mosque, which was very beautiful. Not only did I find this interesting but i really liked how the Mosque had three of their leaders--who added onto the Mosque over the years--burial sites within the Mosque itself. Each chamber was a different color: green, purple, and blue. It is tradition that women do not wear pants only skirts.We had to take our shoes off and OMG the marble floors were hot. When I looked around, I noticed that the people of Touba were used to the hot marble floors. I suppose it is not surprising because they are used to the weather, and all that comes with it, due to he fact that they were raised here. We visited a Marabout who, religious wise, is well respected in the Muslum community and in the works of the Qur'an. Men walked in, got on one knee and kissed his hand; this man has so much respect. I only see things like this in movies.

--Asia Mapp

First Time For Everything ; Tijani

Yesterday we visited the head leader of Tijani, Sheikh Mouahamadou Mahy Cisse’s home. Tijani is a group of brotherhood. Before entering the Tijani’s home a custom was to remove shoes before entry. We were greeted and by the brothers and given drinks as a sign of welcoming. Sheikh Mouahamadou Mahy Cisse explained how Tijanian brotherhood played a significant role after independence. In Kaolack, the Magrabou plays the role of social services to the community as helping people with personal, family, community, and financial needs. The Tijani have a school, in which have 400 students. The school has boarding as an option for parents to choose for student to reside at the school. The school teaches K5-12th grade. The Tijani brotherhood also feed us lunch before we left. During lunch there were four platters, where 15 people shared off the SAME platters.

- Laquilla Smith

Leye

While with our student partners, we met up with Omar's cousin who worked in a police station. He mentioned that there were problems within marriages because of the lack of traditions. He believed personally that there would be better communication within marriages if people were less materialistic and more traditional. It is more common for domestic violence to occur in newer marriages because they do not have as much experience as older adults do. Young marriage do not know how to sit around the table and discuss their issues. Many divorces occur now, but they did not occur as much in the past. When a situation like this occurs it is first best to try to solve the issue within the family and with neighbors. The last result would be to include police officials. That is only if it cannot be solved any other way.

Kaolack (Cultural Center)

Yesterday, we traveled to Kaolack, which is known as the cultural center of Senegal. We met someone named Amad who is a coordinator of a NGO by the name of IFA. IFA is an internship project of financial development for the fight against poverty, only in rural areas. This project even allow training and give finance support, especially to businesses in the rural area. IFA was donated 1 billion cfes by Banks in Africa to proceed with there project. By doing this, they help to transform agriculture and to help people in the community, mainly women and young children to give them a "push" to help fight poverty. The biggest challenge is FAILURE among this project. Then we visited another NGO, International Federation of Family Planning (IPPF) which started in 1994 and helps women and their children as well in rural areas. After we left those two NGOs, we visit the head master of Tjonia which is a group of brotherhood.Their main role is to teach, work, and basically bring people together. It's like a school. While talking to the head of the brotherhood group, Tjonia, I realized that these brotherhood groups throughout Africa are just like fraternities and sororities which are in the United States. They're groups which come together as one and help each other who is affiliated with that particular organization as a sense of motivation and support for themselves, others, and even their communities. This was a very interesting socialization as a group, that took part on this Wednesday in Kaolack.
   -Levi Williams

Senegal Part II.... reflections from the day's activities by. Z. Bakheit

May 9, 2011: 5 hours to DAKAH! (Dakar)~ Ocean ATLANTIQUE

These people are gorgeous! First observation at the terminal was that less than 4% of the populations entering the plane were African Senegalese. Several folks looked great, on straight business types.  Images of luscious sun skinned people surrounding the market place and every aspect of business and life in this country cloud my mind even though I know this is not the deal. A former French colony ad to an extent still is, will surly house plenty of ethnicities and perspectives.

Friday, May 13^th, 2011:

Tour De Dakar

Today wasn’t completely so crazy. I woke up unpoco perazosa and happy to be present again…. The Little sisters prepared breakfast which was quite ready might I add. We were pumped and ready to go at 9:00 am! The first stop came at the sight of the American embassy, still in construction and progressing. Its funny how people toile with your emotions with beautiful things. Imagine that you are going down three steps… The arts complex was in the northern beach of Senegal, the first step. Beneath the arts factory is a restaurant, the second step, which serves as a pathway between the arts factory and the beach.  The beach was hidden behind the restaurant where I picked up several shells for décor. 

The living conditions were among the best in Senegal in this area. An average home purchased is $450,000 USD and the price increases from there. We drove by President Quadafi’s Senegalese estate. It was vibrant in white but can see that he only visits when is elegance is at its best. I can see respect in the people and they respect their urning for the unnecessary. Imagine a society where you can live once or twice a day. By this I mean people practice their religion and are wholly devoted to their families.  That is a beautiful commitment.

Other sites of visit include: University of Dakar, Senegal, the mountains, and the oceanfront.

Saturday May 14^th, 2011

Tour of Touba

6:00 AM: why am I getting up at 5 am!!! IM IN SENEGAL DUH!

We have to remind ourselves every now and then of what is going on. The bus arrive d and we are on our way out of Dakar. Even this early, the streets are moving with people getting to their respective places of employment. Within 30 minutes or so, we stop to have breakfast (cresaunts and juice) and continued on our way to Touba. The straw huts bright back vivid memories of North Sudan and the years my family spent in the village. The huts reminded me of little brother, Abdul Raheem’s birth in Al Zareeba.

We reached the mosque and met with the Khalifa. The Khalifa is a direct descendent of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, and is the keeper of the entire town. We had a great conversation through the interpreter.

History of Touba.

Touba in Arabic means "Felicity" or “bliss” and is a city in central Senegal. It is the holy city of Mouridism and the burial place of its founder,Shaikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke. Next to his tomb lies the largest mosque in West Africa and the largest to Muslim Africa which was completed in 1963.

Shaikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke, commonly known as "Cheikh Amadou Bamba" (1853-1927), is said to have founded Touba under a large tree when, in a moment of transcendence, he experienced a cosmic vision of light.

Every Thursday some 200 + women volunteers come to clean the mosque and 300+ men come to spread the mats for fajir prayer (5:15 am). The Mosque sees over 15 thousand visitors every Friday.

A M A Z I N G. MA’ SHALLAH

On the way back…

Our van pulls over to the right side of the street. The police/guard is on the left side, a little bit behind the van.

So the “city boarder control” officer stopped us! Shouldn’t be a big deal, they checked our driver’s paperwork as we came into the city, so this should be speedy.

BOY WERE WE WRONG!

Alla (driver’s name) is furiously arguing with the guard, index fingers leading the discussion and a cacophonous mix of French and Wolof in the air! This can’t be good. They are arguing in front of the van. Dear God, please let this man get out of the situation! We are too young to die in the desert!

I hope they don’t check the van because I definitely don’t have my passport on me. OMG!!!! None of us want to find out what Senegalese jail looks like!

So the guard is playing tough, walking back to his car and took his cuffs out! Oh S***, MY HEART IS OFFICIALLY IN MY PANTS…  Dr. E and Dr. N are asked to step out and speak to the officer…..

Apparently, public transportation cannot be rented to chuffer Americans around. Gee, why didn’t you stop us the first time we went through the checkpoint? Smart…

Oh the stipulation of foreign travel! Makes the whole trip so much more valuable.

So the officer said there is a “PRESIDENTIAL DECREE” that tourists can only use tourist transportation and cannot hire privately.

My reflection:

There was of course a lot of posturing and gesticulating on both parts. As a group, we really felt that we were somewhere else and it was the best time to use our wits. Dr. Sy (Senegalese counterpart) kept things together even though you could tell he was a but discombobulated. The true signs of trouble were if the patrol officer had asked us to turn off the van, asked us to exit the car or asked us to empty our pockets. 

What Worked:

Americans showed more respect to the officer than his Senegalese people, i.e. the driver. Most foreign police feel that they don’t have much clout to do anything to westerners so often they want money or respect. Thankfully respect helped us out in this situation…

Until next time!

Zubida Bakheit

Tuesday…already, smh!

As much as I do miss the states, I have to say that I cannot believe our time here is almost over already. It literally feels like we just got here, but we are already leaving in 5 days. So much has come out of this trip, I learn so many new things every single day; Sunday is really going to be a sad day. Yesterday, we visited the historic city of Thies (pronounced chez) and to me, this area was soooo different than Dakar. It was very urban and a lot poorer but it was interesting to see the differences in the two cities that were so close to each other.  Our computer at our beautiful villa doesn’t work very well so we come to WARC, the west African research center, to update blogs, check facebook, and anything else we need a computer for. That’s all for today guys!

-Tyeisha

Goree Island Weds. May 11

Goree Island was once a place where the Portugeese held slaves captive. We took a Fary across the Atlantic to get their and a man by the name of Mozambique was our tour guide. I will never forget when he said, ¨I was born and raised on Goree Island (Africa) and I will never die here.¨ That statement was beautiful. Throughout the Island he took us to the Museum where he showed us where the males, women and children stayed; there were markings and wittings on the walls since 1444. As I walked in the jail-like rooms, I felt nothing. There was not a soul or spirit there; no heavy weight was present. Throughout the captive area, it was peaceful despite the emotional moments that was shared by a few of my peers. We also saw preserved shackles and chains in the museum as well as full skeletons of of slaves that were dug up on the Island. It was a day full of  beautiful, yet a sad historical moment. 

--Asia Mapp

No Work No Food

The African prison system is fairly different from the American prison system. Both men and women live in one facility, but in different "apartments". While in prison they sleep on the floors aka the sand. However, there are NGO's that give televisions and radios to the prisoners. I may stand alone in this, but I personally believe that the issue lies there. Why are they given luxury items when a bed seems as if it would be more suitable. One hundred prisoners live in a cell that is equipped for twenty prisoners. The overpopulation of prisons is a problem in both Africa and America. The prisoners are only given one meal per day to eat which is rice cooked with no oil. Their families are given permission to bring food to them. What happens if their families cannot bring food or even visit? The prisoners do not wear uniforms and are not handcuffed unless they are going to the courthouse. That rule only applies to some of the rebellious prisoners at that. At night, women and men are allowed to visit each other...prisoners that is. If a woman becomes pregnant while incarcerated, she is taken to the health clinic to have her baby and then she is to go right back to prison. The baby is to be taken care of by one of her family members, which we hope she has. During the nine months of pregnancy, she is not treated any different. She is still only given one meal and is expected to work just like everyone else. No work No Food. Don't prisoners have rights to?? Are they not still human beings that made poor decisions?? Prison... A Life I don't want to live. Do you?

May 16m 2011- P.R.

Our trip yesterday consisted of stopping at many places. One of the places we stopped was Green. It was a non governmental organization (NGO). It focused on the agriculture and immigration. They had German students who were also study abroad students. However, they stayed a longer period of time than we are staying. They spoke German, French, English and some Wolof. We then traveled to a health center where we spoke to a midwife. The midwife talked mostly about delivering babies and what the center catered to. They handled mostly skin diseases, malaria and issues linked to the blood. Some professionals were not truly trained to do their line of work, but the midwife we met was. There are usually ten to fifteen births per month. It rises during raining season. The health center charged twenty united states currency to deliver a child. Though it wasn't a lot of money to Americans, it was a lot of money to Africans.

8 days down, 5 days to go

In a little more than a week, I've learned slot about Senegal and willing to increase my knowlege of leaning more. So far, I've learned that Senegal  is the 3rd of 16 states that consist of West Africa.  Some countries, like Senegal, are areas of compose but, the principle of these countries are there CULTURE. Men get marry to have children. That's why the population in West Africa is so young and that's a major problem. West Africa is in need of SCHOOLS for the young kids, which is a failure of education.

All the young people in Senegal dreams are to STUDY ABROAD. The way people dress, jewelry, listening of music, etc.  is to be able to experience life in USA, define leadership, and to be able to help, change, and even benefit Senegalese people. The people of Senegal always believe in our culture and will never forget where they came, but people of Senegal like the USA, mainly because of it's OPPORTUNITY and by this statement from Senegalese people, means a lot to us Americans and we as an whole should take in consideration and become more appreciative about living in the United States due to the fact that there are other people across the world who would like to experience the life of the USA.

-Levi Williams

Mosque

So far, my experience in Senegal has been amazing. Yesterday, we took a trip to Touba (Holy City) to visit a Mosque and while there, we meet....While at the mosque, there were s much to learn and to actually see. This was my first time ever being or seeing a mosque. The colors, the details of sculptures, etc. were so beautiful. You know, when you go visit other churches or holy places, there would be a picture of the high almighty of whom that particular person or group worships, but at the mosque, their weren't any picture of that particular form and reason was, why have a picture of someone you worship whereas you never seen how that person look physically insight of your own eyes. This was a once in a lifetime experience and was worth seeing and knowing more knowledge about and at one time of your life, I recommend that you should go visit a mosque such as the one in Touba to learn more about the Muslim religion. Even though I'm a Christian, it's still not that bad to learn and seek new information about different religions around the WORLD.

-Levi Williams

Knowledge= Wisdom

On Wednesday I visit Goree Island which is most famous for Maison des Esclaves (slave house). Built by the Dutch in 1776, the slave house has been preserved in its original state. The tour guide explained the reasoning of the slave houses being built facing the ocean symbolizing slaves’ ¨farewell¨ to family after being sold. Goree Island also was explained as playing a significant role in the history of Africa, particularly in the development of the slave trade. Men, women, and children all had different designated holdings which they where placed up until three months. Learning the history of the slave trade and visiting Goree Island is an experience that will always remain with me.

On Thursday I had the opportunity to hear experts lecture on varies topics. From the lectures I learned abortion is a crime in Senegal, 45% of Senegal population is less than 25 years old and 58% of Senegal population is less than 20 years old, and 78% of Senegal population is poor. I later was honored to interview   M. Daha Cherif Ba from the Department of History. From Cherif Ba I learned most crime in Senegal is from poverty. Daha Cherif Ba states “Senegal wants to become rich without doing anything.” 95% of crime in Senegal is caused by money.       


-Laquilla Smith                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

1 Week Down, 1 To Go

Bonjour,

This past week has just been absolutely amazing. With visiting Goree’ Island, getting to meet very successful Senegalese men and women to having a tour of this city; I am just completely overwhelmed with joy and excitement from all that last week brought. Goree’ Island was definitely the highlight of my week. Getting the privilege to stand on the very ground that my ancestors did, and seeing how they were bound in the tiny rooms in the tiny houses was just an experience that overtakes you. Then actually standing in the “doorway of no return” (which is the doorway all slaves would go through to get on the ships to head to America after being locked in rooms for months) put me in the mindset of a slave and it is an experience that I feel every African-America should have. Our tour guide told us that after being locked up for months, when it was actually time to go through the doorway of no return, a lot of them would jump in the water because they had no clue what was about to happen to them. But most of them would even make it to the water because once you go through the door, there were guards on both sides with guns ready to shoot. Our tour guide also said that around slavery times, the Atlantic Ocean was full of sharks because so many people jumped and died in those waters. But now that slavery is over, all the sharks have died off because they no longer have food. It was truly amazing walking on the same ground that all Africans in the Atlantic slave trade walked on and its an experience I will never forget!

I am soooo excited about the upcoming week and what it is about to bring. I intend on making the most out of my last week here in Africa.

-Tyeisha C.

Another Talk About My Experience .... PR

While here, I've written everyday about the happenings of Senegal, but I am sure everyone has seen that. There are many different moments I have recorded on paper and in memory. One of the experiences I am sure everyone will be discussing is yesterdays trip. We were stopped by some army men. I personally thought the incident was interesting because don't you think that would have occurred in America? Many times people who are considered outsiders will be stopped because of the appearance. I also think that the driver had every right to become so angry. Wouldn't we have done the same thing if a police officer stopped us for no reason if it had seemed that way. There are many differences, but I think we fail to realize that there are many similarities as well. I liked discussing with different experts on different topics. The woman in Tobou (sp) stated that it was unethical for a woman to report her domestic violence issues to someone outside of the family. Isn't that where we get it from? It meaning the rule, what goes on in the house stays in the house. At the end of the day many things we do in our culture and in many other cultures relates back to Africa.

Zubida's first experience... take off to now

May 8, 2011

C’Este un letter!

Thoughts from 200,000 feet:

I’ve never been the best at penmanship. You can argue that it is the basis for a lot of my ting and use of electronics. There’s something soothing about the pen to paper relation. If everyone understood their role like a pen and paper, this world would be such an amazing place to live!

PA: the stewardess just announced that we are descending to Charles De Gulle airport au France! This trip will be most rewarding for several reasons. First, I had an interesting encounter at the Atlanta international terminal heading to France. An executive director from Cameroon working for UNESCO spoke to me about several trips he is to make in Africa. He is promoting the model United Nations program for high school students from all over the world they will come and prepare over the course of two weeks for deliberations just like the United Nations council. This will be an interesting assignment to help identify schools capable of this in Senegal and look forward to possibly transforming this into an experience! What an amazing opportunity! I can see that this gentleman is well connected and this is definitely a great opportunity for future growth.

May 9, 2011

We made it past security check in Paris to get to our terminal for the final destination! Wow! Such de javu.  I stood here, well a couple of terminals down, in 2009 waiting to board the plane to Amman, Jordan.

I tried to be sneaky and took my MERLOT thinking I would be able to enjoy it on the plane to Senegal. Smh, no go. They caught me and took my freaking wine!

A note: AIR France is well noted for serving red and white wine with their main course meals on flights.

I wasn’t too happy about that but its whatever, that was inevitable.

There is an older gentleman to my right hair silvery white, who is wrestling really hard with his bag, trying to condense all externalities before boarding. I WONDER WHAT THIS WILL BE LIKE! Honestly, this is my first study abroad trip and there is still a level of comfort knowing the Islamic faith rules the country. The language barrier is something of an adjustment but beauty is loud and vivacious in every country. We are so fortunate to enjoy this beauty because thankfully we get a food stipend. This can only mean my favorite 8 letter word:

S             H             O            P             P             I              N            G!!!!

8:30 pm LOCAL TIME

We’ve begun the initial descent to DAKAH! Well, it’s finally here! EXCITEMENT, WOBDERM SUSPENSE, and CURIOUSITY run rampant through every vein! This feeling will not allow a moment’s rest the entire time here!

Things to remember:

1) Close mouth when yawning. Don’t get me wrong, I know my manners, but I noticed they cup the entire mouth here. Everyone slips now and then, but must remember to maintain caution and present one’s self in the best light.

2) Maintain POSITIVE eye contact: American customs are not welcomed everywhere. Keep it professional, keep it gangsta, and keep it moving!

FRANCE

Soooo,France likes culture… other than its own? Maybe, maybe not. Point is, I saw an awesome portrait of a sculpture. It was of an astute black male in African attire. Underneath, it said something like Prince de Soude…. Now, does that mean Prince of Sudan, Negro Prince or Prince of the South? We will see. Dr. Eubanks is all the way at the front leading the pack, I didn’t get the chance to ask nor time for a picture. Maybe next time. 

SENEGAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

First smell: water! The air is so moist! Within 5 minutes moisture seeped through my toes and dampened my sandals!

First image: driving through the market downtown…. I bet this place is crazy busy in the morning. What time do they usually wake up? …. What time is the sun rise?

First words spoken: NO! lol. I had to fight a few people off of helping us with our luggage. Here, you have to tip them for helping with anything.

10:30ish?

Dr. Hemmy is such an amazingly cool negotiator. Homeboy with the taxi tried to swag 700 cfc out of us for the taxi ride! He swore op and down that we would pay him 700 cfcs but thank god for negotiation. How about we almost get killed on the drive to the house! It’s clear that street signs and lights are nonexistent here and so they tear up the street driving! Deep down I kind of like that. No boundaries and no speed limits! If only we had this in California with those big streets and even bigger highways.

THE HOUSE!

This house is amazing!!!! \first off, you can see the duality in culture here. The house is white, decorated in what seems like white marble (I’m taking a wild guess here).  European décor is everywhere. You can see it in the portraits, chandelier, lamps, tables, vases, curtains and so much more! The beds are low to the ground and I wonder what that implies or satisfies.

We have a rooftop!!! It’s gorgeous! It feels like I’m in a top flight resort and here’s the best part. WE ARE LESS THAN A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE BEACH!!! Ahem, I meant THE ATLANTIC OCEAN! There is a small rectangular greenhouse in the middle of the house transcending all three floors of the house and can be seen from the roof!

WE         HAVE    A             POOL!!!!!!!!

How freaking amazing is that? Everyone is upstairs trying to conclude this rooming situation. Here’s the situation: all three professors and Levi get their own rooms. This leaves 2 rooms for 8 girls! Oh well, adjustments are necessary and I’m sold, either way, it doesn’t get bother one bit.

May 10, 2011 12:30 AM

It’s been a long day. We’ve been traveling for 13 hours straight and around 20 some hours plus layovers. Just showered and heading to my couch bed. I want to wake up early enough to capture the sunrise for the first morning in West Africa! 

Au Rivoir for now! 

We Made It!

Hey!

Its Asya again, we left Charlotte, NC Sunday evening arrived in Atlanta, GA Sunday night, arrived in Paris France Monday morning and finally arrived in Dakar Senegal that night.  Honestly it didn’t really dawn on me that we (My group and I) were in Africa until the plane began landing in Dakar, I admit that I became pretty emotional when that realization occurred to me.  I don’t take this opportunity for granted and I am aware of how lucky I am to be here.  Africa is the birth place of civilization, my ancestors were stolen from this continent, my history is here and I have many family members that have always dreamed of coming here one day.  I’m sure the lady that was sitting next to me on the plane was wondering why I was crying lol After I stepped off the plane and I inhaled the fresh air I looked around at all of the different faces and I was in awe the people over here are gorgeous, rich dark completions, strong facial bone structures, tall silhouettes, just beautiful! 

Dakar, Senegal

Bonjour

My name is Levi Williams and I'm a rising sophomore who is apart of JCSU Senegal Study Abroad group. This was a one in a life time experience for me because of the fact that this was the first time I flew, which was amazing, and the first time I been overseas.

Finally, we here.....I arrive at the airport and it finally hit me....I'm in West Africa. We aboard taxi's to the house we were staying at and on our way, I notice a few things that were different but a particular consumption stood out; there were NO STOPLIGHTS. I was shocked. When I woke up this morning, I woke up to weird noises outside of my balcony, the sound of people riding horses in the street, sort of like there on automobile that doesn't use gas. I can't wait to explore and learn more.

Bonjour, The journey to remember.....

Bonjour !
My name is Laquilla Smith from Greenville, South Carolina. I am a rising junior at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in Social Work. Before coming to Senegal my biggest fear was entering a plane flight. This was my very first time flying and there was not enough advice that could prepare me for the journey across the map.

I waited twenty years to say I entered my first plane flight and as of today I have experienced my first three including first two international flights. I plan to research the root of Senegal's low crime rate. Even with pictures of the villa where we are residing could not capture the true beauty of the house. I have not recieved nothing but hospitality since entering Senegal. I plan to share this lifetime experience with my children and their children.

Senegal is such an inspiration.


-Laquilla Smith

We have reached our destination !

Bonjour followers, Tyeisha here. I am sooooo excited because we are now here in Dakar, Senegal. This country is AMAZING, the people and the buildings are BEAUTIFUL ! I have experinced so much on my first two international flights, the first from ATL to Paris, and the second from Paris to Senegal. There were definatley some language barriers but besides that, it was a great experince.
Our house, or villa, is AMAZING too ! It is HUGE and loaded with beautiful art; even the staircase is a beautiful eace of work. Our roof top has an amazing view of the neighborhood (and goats). And the best part is it is right by the beachm about a 2min walk. ITS PERFECT.
I love  the people here too; I love their skin, it so pure and so chocolate. They can tell just by looking at us that were tourist though.
Overall, I am excited about what these two weeks are about to bring. I am anxious to learn about the culture and  the differences between our culture and theirs. Very blessed to be here right now and I plan on taking advantage of all that this trip has to offer. Au revoir

GREETINGS!

Marhaba!

My name is Zubida Bakheit, recent graduate of JCSU. I'm really excited about this trip and cant wait to get to know everyone!

writing is definitely not my thing and this chicken scratch of penmanship is what I have to show for it, lol! So we'll stay in touch via pictures and anytime I can get my fingers on a keyboard.

until then!
Au rivoir!

We Are Here!

Overall so far,
I am enjoying myself. Just to site see is something amazing. My perception was to come here and see beautiful dark skinned people. I also expected to see many animals. Other than that I did not have any other ideas of what I would see. When we first arrived here, many people were asking if we needed help and offerring their services for money. We ended up taking three cabs to are place of resting. It was interesting to see their form of driving. I haven't seen any signs nor lights. It seemed quite dangerous, but exciting. The house we are staying in is very nice. There is a beach nearby and a pool for us to enjoy. It isn't as hot as everyone assumed it would be. It is actually very soothing. I am hoping to see museums or expos of some sort. It would be very interesting to see models here. I would love to look at fashion even though my applied research project is focusing on skin bleaching. I am hoping to develop something of great knowledge on the subject area. This is already an experience to remember.

D-Day May 8th, 2011

Welp, its been a crazy, busy, and fun last week here in Charlotte.  I've been stressing over graduation and this trip for quiet some time, and am definitely gald that its finally here.  For those who do no know me, my name is Nawal Omer Bakheit and I am now an alumnus of Johnson C. Smith University.  This is the second trip abroad that I am taking and it is also the second time with the JCSU Study Abroad Program.  

In participating in this trip I hope to expand my lingual skills, having knowledge in Arabic, English and Spanish, and excited to add French to the repertoire.  I am also a political science major and am interested in earning a masters in International Development thus the internship that we will be involved in will be a great beginning to my career and educational goals. 

Above anything I would like whom ever reads this blog to know that I am blessed to have been selected twice to participate in this program and am tremendously appreciative of the individuals that have assisted me in financing this endeavor, it has been a tough road since october and I am glad to have made it. Right now I am sitting in the Charlotte Douglas Airport waiting on the flight to Atlanta, then Paris and finally Senegal, its going to be a long trip but I know I'll be asleep for the majority of it, inshallah!!!

Nawal Bakheit

5 more days!!

Hi everyone!

My name is Asya McCord and I am from Boston, Massachusetts.  I am a senior at Johnson C. Smith University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.  Upon the completion of my undergraduate degree I would like to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to go on this trip, I look forward to meeting new people, visiting new places and hopefully developing lifelong relationships with the people accompany me.  Whilst abroad I hope to research contributing factors for the high maternal mortality among Senegalese women.  

Sunday is the Day!

Hello,
My name is Portia S. Rouse. I am a rising junior at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in Social Work and minoring in Community Health. I am from the Bronx, New York by way of Buffalo, New York. My hobbies are reading and writing. I think this trip will be a great experience. I am expecting to gain as much information as possible that may help me with my major. I am mostly looking forward to interacitng with new people and learning. My overall goal is to enjoy myself and make memories.

6 DAYS...and counting

Hey everyone,

My name is Tyeisha Crutchfield from Montgomery Village, MD and I am one of the students going to Senegal, Africa next week. I am a rising Junior at Johnson C Smith University and a Communications major with a concentration in public relations and marketing.

I am super excited about this trip because I have even been off the east coast let alone out of the country. In Senegal, I plan on researching their advertising and marketing systems and comparing them to America's.

This experience is going to be like none other I've had before and I am blessed to have this opportunity.

Welcome!

Hi dear readers --

And welcome to the blog, diary, journal, confessional, notebook, research notes, and random musings of the Johnson C. Smith study abroad crew. We're on our way to Senegal on May 8th. We've got 8 students traveling with us, and in the next few days, they'll log on here and introduce themselves to you and tell you what they're thinking about our trip. Then, once we're there, they'll check in with you regularly to record and share ideas, questions, and photos. Each student has a research topic and some preliminary notions about what they'd like to learn and experience in Senegal. I'm excited to have them share their thoughts here.

Peace, Kirsten Hemmy, professor