Dakar Senses

I love the sound of my friends playing djembe, doun doun, and sabar drums, accompanied by singing, dancing, and clapping.
I hate the sound of dogs suddenly howling and whimpering in the middle of the night accompanied by screeching tires.

I love the sight of easily-accessible artwork featured prominently on every available wall throughout the city, showcasing important political, religious, and cultural messages.
I hate the sight of never-ending trash lining the streets that serves as a constant reminder of a lack of government services.

I love the smell of jus de bissap being prepared on the stove top in the kitchen.
I hate the nauseating smell of sewage carried in the wind throughout the city.

I couldn't possibly list all of the things that I love the taste of here, but for starters: attaya at Centre Derklé made with tons of fresh mint from the garden, café touba during ballet practice in the evenings, all of the local juices, MANGOES!, and mafé is always an incredible meal.
I hate the taste of mashed up, pressed together, and then fried fish balls... sorry I'm not sorry, but I don't think I'll ever warm up to that dish.

I love seeing all of the women in brightly colored wrap skirts and the men in fancy bou bous; everybody always looks so sharp here.
I hate seeing skinny little talibé boys running around dirty and barefoot begging everyone for change.

I love the sound of the call to prayer in the afternoon that usually signals a break in the daily grind.
I hate that exact same sound when it wakes me up at 4:45 am each morning.

I love the smell of incense that fills our house everyday - it's really starting to smell like home to me.
I hate the smell of too many sweaty bodies all crammed into one tiny blue bus.

I love the sound of the children at Centre Derklé screaming, "Nichole! Nichole! Nichole!," whenever they see me; it truly warms my heart.
I hate the sound of the news at night telling us about more death, violence, and tragedy taking place in our neighboring country of Mali.

I love the feeling of the hot sun on my skin, a cool breeze blowing through my hair, and even the constant grittiness between my toes.
.... there's nothing to hate about the way I feel here - I feel at peace and at home.