Another world.  Bright orange flowers.  And bright dark-skinned people, some wearing contrasting yellow.

I’m sitting in my friend Lydia’s outdoor living room, in the shade.  And the sweat pours down.

Yesterday was the first time I’d seen rain in Senegal … and it sure knows how to pour down in rainy season!  Huge puddles sometimes took up half the dirt road.

I’m home here in the smiles, in the constant “Ça va?” greetings.  “How are you?”  The heat is foreign.  The welcomes are lovely.

I walked towards the football (soccer) field that I know well.  I’ve seen many a spirited match here, full of exquisite touches, long passes and powerful shots on goal.  But yesterday …

NEWS FLASH: At least for today, the Internet isn’t strong enough to send photos. But tomorrow is another adventure!

(Photo of goats sitting on the field)

It must have been half time.

***

This morning a few of us went to the market for veggies.  Through the dirt streets of Toubacouta we wandered, Lore holding hands with Gnima, who held hands with her friend.  Sweet.

I roamed the market, saying hi to the stall hosts in French but not able to engage in full conversations.  But I did come across three young guys selling clothes who understood me.  Eventually along came Anja and Sabrine.  Sitting on the front step, I pounced:

“Ah, mesdames!  J’ai des vêtements beaux pour vous.  Et des prixes excellentes”

(Buy my clothes cheap)

No sale but two smiles.  Guess I’ll have to work on my pitch