Day Break

Today was a nice relaxing day here in Dakar, Senegal. We woke up late, Marla McLane made delicious scones and smoothies for breakfast, then we went out shopping... which meant a few different things... shopping in Africa is quite a different story than anywhere else.

First we went to pick up some Nems... an egg roll type thing that this lady makes. We drove up to a random, unmarked house down a dirt road, and knocked on their gate. When we went inside there were tables full of these Nems. We bought 120 of them for about $36 (18CFA), and went on our way.

Then, as we waited in traffic, we decided to get some melons... which meant that I got out of the car while we waited for traffic, then tried to haggle with a local who only knows french...which I know none of. I got the price I wanted, and I went on my way.

After a quick fill up (at a Shell station if you can believe it), we went to this Amazing market...when you walked in you felt like you had just walked into a european shopping center. There were very nice stores...they even had a Guess jeans store and a dry cleaners... and there was a big, European style, grocery store. We walked up and down every aisle, in awe that these products made it here. My mom picked up a few things she can't get in Sierra Leone, like spinich pasta, broccoli, BBQ potato chips and heavy cream. We enjoyed a freshly made pizza in the car on our way home.

Before making it home, we stopped by this other random place... it was on a corner down another dirt road, a bit out of the way, but inside there were about 8-10 men sewing, and there was a little store with the most beautiful bags. I got quite a few of them... they were all kinds of fabric sewn together. Many pieces were very bright. I am very excited about a few purchases, but I won't go into detail since a few of my readers may be receiving some of these beauties.

Tonight was nice... I made cupcakes with Chloe (the McLane's 8 year old), and I played Settlers of Catan with Tom, Drew and Alex, along with their friend James. It's been a while since I've gotten to play, so it was nice to play again.

For now it's almost midnight, so I'd better get some sleep.

I miss all of my friends at home! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.