Happy three day weekend! I am already two days in, but I’m getting ready to celebrate tomorrow’s day off, Pentecost, in my typical sinnerly fashion. That means I have no idea what I am going to do on this holy day, but I don’t think that it will entail anything terribly Christian. I did, however, do the bare minimum and look up its significance, so I can at least feign understanding should my building superintendent, Mr. Sy, talk to me about Pentecost. He’s very well read, and like many children here, attended Catholic school but is a devout Muslim. It’s like that here. And it’s not weird at all. 

When I first moved in, it was nearing the end of Lent. Mr. Sy and I discussed the approach of Easter Sunday and he spoke about how it was a good thing that “vous” (like the Royal We) faites la carême. In other words, good for us Christians for observing Lent properly and renewing our bodies and faith.  

Yes….good for “us”. I made it a point to wrap up that conversation before I had to talk in any detail about my own fasting practices or my knowledge of Lent beyond beignets. I told you I was a sinner.

Good for Senegal, I say, for observing both Muslim and Christian holidays. Not only do they allow for bonus holiday time, but it really goes to show how open this place is, for all of its madness and idiosyncrasies.

Saturday, the Senegalese working at the embassy organized a khaware, or “African party”- for lack of a better term. Held on a softball field owned by the U.S. Embassy, there was plenty of food, music and people to encounter as we milled around and got to see people in a more comfortable setting.

Demba (our guard), Me and Jennie. It was really great to see people out of their normal work garb, along with their families. 

Dancing to the Senegalese beat, next to the big obnoxious American targets- I mean tents. 

My pal Jennie, being extremely connected with women’s soccer and Senegal’s women’s national team, took me along to the match that afternoon after the khaware. It was an elimination game against Ghana, a very good team.

Jennie showing her colors of support. It might not be as hardcore as the car you saw at the top of this posting, but it was cool comme même.

 Face paint aside, you might have thought that this was an away game for the Senegal Lionnes. The Ghanaian team travels very well, and their fans (above) were very vocal- and fun to watch dance when their team scored.

 Sadly, the Lionnes lost 1-0, but the score would have been higher had their goalie (above) not done such a good job.

Man, what else have I done in the past two days? Those pictures only show half of what Saturday entailed. Saturday night brought a party chez Jennie, which had more excellent food, people and music. Sunday served more as a recovery day, and I really can’t tell you where the day went. I got home almost two hours ago (at midnight)- tired and ready to go to bed after a sharing a drink in a local bar.

So I stroll into my beautiful gated building courtyard and bid good evening to the night watchmen. My timing is impeccable as I see that they are just serving themselves up that caffeinated nectar that I love so much: attaya. It ‘s the strong green tea that is usually drank as a late afternoon pick-me-up. Or in this case for people who have to stay up all night. A small glass is passed my way.  

Tired?  Doesn’t matter. This is the kind of teranga (hospitality) that you should always appreciate and never turn down. Especially for the likes of me, a foreigner.

“Jërëjëf” (thank you) I say, as I take my tea and chat a bit with the two guys as I sip.  We discuss my well-known individual religion (running) before their attentions are called to a taxi that has just backed into another car outside the gate and is trying to leave without saying sorry.

This is my cue to head to upstairs and go to bed. It’s been a good weekend so far, but I suddenly am not so ready to go to bed.  Damn attaya- I’m gonna be awake for awhile…

So you all can thank the Senegalese for keeping me up past my bedtime three nights in a row. The morning will tell if the late-night caffeine hit brought anything that was actually post-worthy.

P.S. One thing that is post-worthy: congrats to my favorite mother-daughter team for heading in to get inked. If that’s not quality bonding time, I don’t know what is!