Dakar, like many African
cities, is in the throes of rapid modernization. There is the interesting
juxtaposition of new and old; modern and traditional. There were well
paved asphalt roads with many vehicles not unlike what you would expect to see
in the States. The interesting difference was the presence of horse/donkey drawn carts alongside these cars. Then there were livestock holding areas with thousands of animals right next to modern
industrial buildings and finally, handsomely dressed people in Western
clothing boarding buses alongside others in traditional garb. The Senegalese are elegant and beautiful...always! I do not think I have ever seen this phenomenon as
starkly displayed as that brief time spent driving west from Dakar to the
training facility in Thies. Unfortunately, the artery ways leaving Dakar
are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of motor vehicle traffic which has led to air
quality problems. I wish I had been able to explore the cultural sights and
seen the many restaurants and attractions the city has to offer. I plan
to make it a day trip when I have the opportunity before heading to permanent
placement in The Gambia. A fellow volunteer who worked for UN AIDS in
Dakar two years ago has offered to be my guide and I plan to take her fully up
on this generous offer! When I do, I will report my findings.
The Peace Corps training
facility in Thies was a gift to PC from the Senegalese government. This
reflects the attitude of the Senegalese government and its people to the
continued presence of the program. There are two schools on the roadway
to the site and many of the children, when seeing the PC buses drive by, waved
enthusiastically to welcome us. The site is reminiscent of the summer holidays I
spent at Bible camp in Jamaica in sex segregated dormitories, required
sessions, and cafeteria style meals. Two days ago I had my placement interview
where we discussed the specifics of my interest and my experience. It was productive…I got the sense from the
questions that they are thinking about a large town setting for me as they
repeatedly asked about my IT skills. My
only preference is that the site not be more than 30 mins bike ride away from
internet access.
