week one in Bayakh = wonderful learning experience

So I spent the last week in my PST CBT site (pre-service training community-based training), Bayakh. Bayakh is a town of about 5,000 people. Everyone that I have met so far has been really nice. My host family is very welcoming; I have one set of parents, two brothers, and three sisters. My family is Wolof and speaks that language for most of the time. I have one brother and one sister who speak French, but no one else in the family does, which makes it rather difficult to communicate to the rest of my family. Hopefully I can test out of French in a few weeks and start learning Wolof, that way I can actually communicate with my family 



Language classes are good. As most of you know, I already know French, but I did not interview well which is why I am still studying French at the moment. This week has been a nice refresher course though. The two LCFs (language cross-culture facilitator) have noticed my level of French though and have recommended that I start doing some other activities within my community to improve my French at a quicker pace. Then, maybe in a few weeks, I may be able to test out and start learning Wolof.


In terms of culture, I am just taking it all in right now…there are a lot of things to observe. Once I get a good grasp on everything, I will post more  Some of the biggest adjustments have to do with food and lack of privacy. The food here is really good…lots of rice, which I truly enjoy. It’s just really hot, so I haven’t been very hungry. Also, when eating, everyone sits around one bowl and eats together. I get to eat with a spoon while everyone else eats with their hands. Kind of interesting for me if any of you know my strange food habits. Plus, I know how my stomach is, so I have been trying to watch what I eat so that I don’t get too sick.


In terms of privacy, my family is always hanging out, so it’s kind of rude to go lock myself in my room. My only alone times are breakfast and lunch (because it’s Ramadan, my family is fasting so I eat alone in my room), and right before bed.


Right now, I am back in Thies at the training center. I head back to Bayakh on Wednesday and will be there for two weeks next time. There is an internet café there, so I should be able to update some more and post pictures in a few weeks. A huge thank you to all who are keeping up with me! A bientot!