The things I’m used to…but probably shouldn’t be

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Living in rural Senegal has its own charm. It comes with so many “did that really just happen” moments that you can’t do anything besides get used to it. These things don’t surprise me anymore, they are routine. But when I talk to my parents about it back home, their mouths gape wide.

This is a (non-comprehensive) list of things I’m now used to…but probaly shouldn’t be

  • Wiping termite dust off of plates, mugs and bowls before usage
  • Really, wiping termite dust off of everything–from clothes to books to shampoo
  • One temperature showers: hot. No temperature control unless you are really lucky and get 3 seconds of cool water right when you turn on the shower
  • Everyone hissing to get your attention on the road. This is just a regular way to flag someone down, even though it feels incredibly rude
  • Strangers knowing your first and last name and where you live
  • Saying things like “Was that the call to prayer?” “No, that was a goat” and not thinking twice about it
  • Sifting flour and sugar for bugs
  • Livestock everywhere. Walking to the office any day and seeing about least 10 different goats, sheep, donkeys or pigs
Just some of the animals we see on our walk to work

Just some of the animals we see on our walk to work

  • Pretending your camping in your mosquito net as crickets invade your house and room after a rain
  • Working out with car axels
  • “Do you have Maqui’s number?” “Which one? I have two orange numbers and an expresso”. Phone companies often have really good deals when you buy a new sim card, hence having multiple phone numbers for the same person

This list will continue to grow, especially once my parents get here in three weeks (!!!) and things that are habitual to me are incredibly hilarious to them. Until next time!

3 thoughts on “The things I’m used to…but probably shouldn’t be”

  2. Hey Rhonda! We buy our flour and sugar by the kilo from a local “boutique” which is basically a mini corner store. But, there are often little bugs hanging out in the bags so we sift it to make sure we don’t get any unwanted protein

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    • Oh, that’s a much better mental image for me. I was picturing sifting some to share with the bugs, but it sounds like they got their fill already!

      Reply ↓

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