More Brave Visitors Arrive in Thies

DeeAnn and Connie Pretending to be Cooking -

Marie Cecile Actually Cooking

DeeAnn (my sister) and Edd left the snowy Pacific Northwest and landed in 100+ degree Dakar heat. Ask them about their experiences in Dakar. They took a 2.5 hour taxi to Thies and spent the day with us. We started at Masa Masa (picture below) where we had a delicious French meal and Taylor was treated to a crepe (crep in french) with ice cream, chocolate and whipped cream.

Edd showing Ahmed Fad how to fix the Motorcycle

Edd showed up at just the right time help Tim. I'm not sure who is in charge here? The one unsolvable problem is NO GAS, for 3 days. Tim has gone to the Gas Station multiple times and no gas. Last night on our way home from the Les Delicious, I noticed about 40 guys with bottles standing in a line at the pumps. I can't wait to tell Tim. DeeAnn and Edd will be returning in a couple of weeks after Gambia and maybe Mali. DeeAnn is going to help set up a lab at the hospital and Edd is going to wait in line for gas with Ahmed Fad.

The Future of the Nations and more Pictures

My Students

Josiah, Merilyn and Taylor. We spend every morning together. Josiah and Merilyn are the children of Dr. Adamson and Elizabeth Phiri, our Advanced Primary Health Care class leaders. Josiah is 9 and Taylor and Merilyn are both 11. Assistant Professor Tim (Amed Fahd) Grey comes in when we need a real teacher. They are wonderful students. We work in the common room where we all take meals together and begin right after breakfast. Elizabeth had to return to their home town in Zambia because of the death of her mother. It worked out well that I came and was able to get them started in their curriculum's while she is away. Elizabeth and Caleb (their newborn) will be home in mid-December. I'm sure Josiah and Merilyn are looking forward to that. When I am able to get a family picture, I will tell you much more about this incredible family and their future plans, which will surprise you. It did me.

Connie and Taylor Practicing Oral Hygiene

We joined Connie's class to learn how to teach proper oral hygiene (and learn for ourselves)

Haircut day for Connie with Taylor at the Scissors - Look out Jackie Spahr

Dana and Adamson on the way to the Hospital

Revolutionary New and Improved Toothbrush

Senegalese Tooth Brush ( ring for size comparison)

When I first arrived in Senegal, I noticed many of the men and women were chewing on what looked like long slender cigars. It looked pretty cool, but I'm not into tobacco so I wasn't real interested in picking up the habit. Until.... I found out what they really are: SENEGALESE TOOTHBRUSHES. These are tree branches, sold in the local market for around 20 cents. As you will note in the photo, they suck on them until the wood is softened and then use them as an abrasive to keep their teeth clean. Basically, they are walking around town with toothbrushes in their mouths and scrub off and on throughout the day. I must admit, they all have beautiful teeth. Coincidentially, this weeks teaching at Advanced Primary Health Care is dental hygiene. The speaker has been working in Israel with the Lebanese Refugees for many years. She performs and teaches dental hygiene. She endorses this form of brushing. Dr. Ash, if you are reading this, I am checking on importing and I will give you the ground floor opportunity. Maybe a little bartering?

Tim Grey and Jean Baptiste

Demonstrating the Senegalese Tooth Brush

You will notice that Tim is in training. His hold on the brush is quite unorthodox. Jean Baptiste looks so much more relaxed. Tim has to concentrate a little too much and is not ready to go out in public yet. I believe by the time he leaves, he will look real cool with his brush. I don't have my own stick yet. I feel a little left out.

The Surprise Inside Senegalese Chickens

Thanksgiving Chicken Anatomy Lesson.

Taylor and I are deboning the Bon Marche chickens after 2 hours of boiling. What we discovered inside was shocking .

Actual Photo

Chickens are frozen uncleaned and the chicken feet are somehow placed inside. What a surprise when I cracked open the chicken. The local custom is to eat most every part... We cancelled our plans to make gravy out of the broth. Our final Thanksgiving dinner was stuffing and chicken casserole, fresh watermelon, deviled eggs, kool-aide and chocolate cake with icing for dessert. It was a big hit and no stomach revolts from anyone. I had a hard time eating - -chicken feet flashbacks.

Turkey Hunt and the Dove Salesman

Jean Baptiste - Professional Turkey Hunt Guide - with Poultry Vendor

Two plus hours, 8-10 homes, several market vendors and miles of taxis and walking. Jean Baptiste, Heather (Australia) and I tracked turkeys from home to shopkeeper to home. Places deep in the market where no westerner has ever been seen, and few return. Back rooms and alleys filled with danger, day or night. Never try this without a professional guide. Every home or shop we visited directed us somewhere else. Jean Baptiste did not want to give up. I called off the hunt and we headed for the Bon Marche. As all of you hunters know, a hunt is always successful, whether you make the kill or not.

The Dove Salesman - Look Closely Inside the Box

This enterprising young man offered us an alternative to Turkey. The box he is holding held two doves. They were for sale for $1500.00 CFA ($3.00 each) The thought of eating a dove just didn't quite match up to roasted turkey, so we said non Merce. Tomorrows blog "The strange anatomy of Senegalese chickens" - It may not sound exciting, but trust me, you don't want to miss it. What I discovered may very well make Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Welcome Dana Smith - Yes Chip, She Made It

Lin, Dana and Connie (Lin had a late night)

While all of you were chomping down on turkey yesterday, Taylor, Tim and I took the trek to Dakar to pick up Dana at Dakar International. A successful snatch from the jaws of "service providers" and off we went for a smooth trip back to Thies. Dana is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with The Northwest Pediatric Center (thanks for the loan). Dana will be working with local doctors to provide medical services. We are so grateful to have her here, especially since: she brought all kinds of goodies, EXCEPT a turkey!!!!!!

So, we are in search of a turkey or even a large chicken or two to roast. Connie and I are cooking this Saturday and would like to put on some type of traditional Thanksgiving meal. Jean Baptiste and I are going turkey hunting this afternoon. The only chance we have is finding a farmer that happens to have one they want to sell. Then we will have to get it ready for the oven. Should be interesting. Developing story........

Blogs have been sporadic lately because, the power has been even more so. Speaking of power, the water is off for up to 12 hours at a time. After our return from Dakar, Tim ran to the shower to get rid of the road dirt / smog and I yielded to him as usual. But when he used the last drop of water, acted surprised and kind of chuckled.... I warned him no more nice guy. (the water has been off since)

I seem to mention turkey alot?

Jon Wiley for President - Drugs are Good

Day 2 After Treatment - Cow Riding in Thies

This photo was taken Tuesday afternoon in Thies. Just seconds after this picture was taken I jumped on the cow and took her for a ride around downtown Thies. Tim's camera ran out of film at the worst time. Also, if you look closely, behind the cow you will see the Bon Marche Supermarket where we buy most of our processed food.

Needless to say, the drugs are working and Taylor and I are on the way to full recovery. Yes, we are taking it easy and drinking lots of fluids and minimal "physical activity" ie. work duty.

McKailey and Maddie - I wish Tim could have gotten a picture of me riding this African Cow for you. Maybe next time.

DEATH TO MOSQUITOS

Taylor and Craig Test Positive for Malaria !!!!!!!

(Staged photo for effect - I wish I could do the "eye thing" like Taylor)

Dr Adamson took Taylor and I to the hospital laboratory this morning (Monday). We both tested positive for Malaria which means: We have parasites doing the back stroke in our red blood cells. This is the same form of Malaria that Connie and Tim contracted. It is called a Protazoan Parasite, specifically: Plasmodium falciparum. The bad news about this red cell space invader is that it is responsible for 90% of the deaths from Malaria, which can occur within 24-48 hours after onset. The good news, is that once you kill it (with medication, which we are on) it does not stay in your system and reappear later.

Our slides showed a low level of infestation, partly because of the preventative medicine we are on and mostly because of the close observation and care from Dr. Connie. A general level of immunity takes 10 years of exposure to acquire and we do not plan on extending our stay in Senegal at this time. Dr Adamson expects a full recovery but we feel work duties for Taylor and I should be suspended for a minimum of 1 week. (Tim has taught us well).

Plasmodium falciparum (Don't ask me what you are looking at)

Why are all of the Washingtonian's catching Malaria? We don't know! We have taken every precaution possible. We Even consulted the finest Pharmacist in Lewis County who also happens to be a frequent commentator on this blog. Probably, the biggest reason is that this is classified an endemic area, which means a disease that occurs continuously in a specific region. My interpretation is that there are a lot of "hungry nasty mosquito's". There is not preventative medication that is 100% effective. (No vaccine)

Malaria infects between 300 and 500 million people every year and causes between one and three million deaths annually, mostly among young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. This means a death caused by Malaria every 30 seconds. This killer is again, a treatable disease without the infrastructure to treat it. For further Malaria reference feel free to view the following Wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaria#Pathogenesis

Did the Nasty Mosquito Find us Again????

After a few days of symptoms, Taylor and Craig are Tested for Malaria

Yes, This is Real Blood

Checking for Results

Test Results to be Posted with the

Next Blog - Stay Tuned

Lost Martian Settlement Found

Home Sweet Home

(click on photo for larger image)

The Pin Point is the location where we are living. Directly East, across the field is the School Leaders home and classroom. The field is where I have been able to photograph all of the exotic African animals. As is evident, it is a pretty barren place. If you want to fly around Thies via Google Earth, Mr. B is offering flight lessons. He can even be your personal pilot.

Senegal Mash Unit

Connie, Alisha, Lordeinne and Lin

Part of the training of the Advanced Primary Health Care class is working at the local Christian hospital / clinic. This picture was taken after returning from the clinic. Part of the outreach will be working at the clinic. This coming week's lecture is OB, so Connie is hoping to see some new babies opening their eyes to Senegal. Side note: Thanks for all of your comments to this blog. They make our day.

Taylor Is Fluent in French After 2 Weeks!

Taylor, Alisha and John Baptiste

Pictured above is Alisha (Canada) Taylor (Paris) and Jean Baptiste (Senegal). Jean Baptiste is the class interpertor. He is giving Taylor and Alisha lessons in French after dinner Friday night. Taylor also had a French lesson from Aloise while she was on her dish cleaning duty. Jean Baptiste needs to take a week off and feels confident that Taylor will be ready to serve as class interpretor by that time.

Word is getting around about Taylors incredible language skills. After I registered with the U.S. consulate in Dakar, they emailed and asked if Taylor would be the designated interpretor for any Heads of State visiting Senegal. Her mother and father felt she was too young at this time and declined.

Meet the Cook(s)

Constance and Jean'Dare

You've seen those amazing Senegalese lunches, the community plates and great story telling by Aliou? Well, now you get to meet the cook(s). Constance, the head cook and Jean'Dare age 1 work together to bring us exotic lunches every day. Constance has another girl, Dominick, aged 3. Jean'Dare does everything with her mom. They are inseparable. Darrin Harris, Bocatta's, if you are reading this blog, let me know and I can ask Constance for some of her favorite Senegalese recipes. West Africa is pretty close to the Mediterranean.

The Drums of Senegal

Nelly Andrews "Wanna Be" learning drums from Josiah Phiri

Josiah is teaching me some rhythms on a Senegalese drum. These drums sound incredible. They have many different tones depending on how and where the hand strikes the drum. As shown in the picture, the drum is tipped forward so that the sound can escape the bottom and the hands strike the drum at an angle. Josiah can really let it rip. The drums are used in ceremonies and general entertainment. Senegal is known for drums. it is not uncommon to hear drummers practicing as we walk through neighborhoods. Nelly, if there is anyway we can get one of these home I will personally give you a lesson.

HIV / AIDS - This weeks topic at Advanced Primary Health Care

Dr. Richard and Prilla Rowland

This weeks speakers are Richard and Prilla Rowland, based in England. Dr. Rowland and Prilla have dedicated their lives to the eradication of AIDS and care for the dying. Their message is centered on compassion, and education in the prevention of HIV / AIDS. They spent 10 years in Rwanda from 1973 to 1983 and continue to visit and work in Rwanda on a regular basis. They speak of many friends that were affected by the genocide in 1995. They head an organization named Judah Trust.

I asked Dr. Rowland when we can expect to have medical care for those affected with HIV / AIDS in 3rd world countries. His answer surprised me. There is alot of money available today, but no infastructure to distribute the drugs and monitor the patients. A person who begins drug therapy must be closely monitored and faithfully follow the prescription. To do otherwise would make his condition worse, than if he had not taken any medication at all. If you have medical skills or want to have medical skills.............. what an opportunity.

Happy Birthday to You

Birthday Girl and her husband - Thies Senegal

Connie and Craig celebrating Connie's _ _ birthday. Last year Connie celebrated to the dances of 6 Fijians in the Islands of Samoa. Her day in Senegal started with a chorus of happy birthday in English and Senegalese, accompianed by drums. Pizza and ice cream for lunch and Lin Grey made a special peanut butter and chocolate dessert for tonight. Yes, her appetite and energy have returned. A good sign.

Taylor, swaggering into the restaurant was greeted, to the surprise of Connie and I, "Bonjour Taylor" from Monique, her regular waitress (they serve pizza and ice cream). Her mother was proud of her for continuing the tradition of "fast food ministries" founded by Connie herself.

Taylor wishing she could be eating fish and rice instead of pizza.

Neighborhood Cows and Boys (Cowboys)

Open Range (Neighborhood) Cows




This is our local herd of cattle. I placed this picture for my Aunt Rose. She has a ranch in Kansas where the cattle roam just like these. Rose, I can arrange an export if you would like? Unlike the goats, these were without a herder and I still haven't seen any cattle guards.

The Neighborhood Boys

As I was taking pictures of the Cattle, these boys who are Josiah's friends, walked up and asked if I would take their picture. They are fine looking young men.

How to Avoid Being Crushed by a Boa

Don't let this happen to you!

Aliou is demonstrating how a Boa constrictor grabs his prey. Connie was strolling around the tail of the snake (rope) when the Boa flex's it's tail and wraps around Connie. Once he has a hold on her, he has leverage to bring the head up and give her a big hugggg.

How to walk next to a Boa - Don't

Never - walk next to a Boa. Always stay a good distance away and never get between the tail and the head. If you want to have snake stew, you must approach from the head and be quick about it. Aliou says it tastes like chicken.

Aliou and the Cobra snake

Aliou telling his cobra story
Josiah "Interpreting"

At lunch today we begged Aliou to tell us snake stories from his village days. When he was growing up his mother always teased him that if he was bad, a cobra would bite him. The first time he saw one, it raised up (as shown on the right) and he ran as fast as he could.

Malaria Stikes Another Washingtonian !!!!

Tim Grey Recovering from Malaria

Tim Grey, Mossyrock, husband of Lin Grey, Uncle of Dave Clary, Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Kline & Associates has been diagnosed with Malaria, Falciparum species. This is the same critter that went after Connie. If you have the following symptoms, get checked for Malaria immediately: Fever, Chills, headache, night sweats, Diarrhea, total exhaustion. Please pray for Tim's quick recovery (we need him to fix stuff here).

Throw your bones on the floor - Senegalese style

Look at Taylor going after fish and rice

Connie, Taylor and Alua are digging into a delcious Senegalese lunch called Yasa. One dish, 4-6 spoons and an equal number of diners = A cozy, communal dinner. The basic rule is to eat what is directly in front of you. Additionally you can break off (with your utensil) the meat. Alua and I usually assist each other with the meat. He will break off meat with his spoon and throw it in front of me. (I think that means we are friends). I eat what he sent my way and then return the favor. It's a real bonding experience. It is not polite to drift into your neighbors rice territory. When everyone is done, we can pick up the meat and chew the bones.

Bonapetite

The Meal typically consists of a base of rice, meat (today was Tuna) and some kind of sauce. Today we had a spicy onion sauce. I couldn't help but think of Sean and Greg Murphy. They would have loved it.

Throw the Fish Bones on the Floor!

Fish bones, olive pits, etc. are placed on the floor in front of you. When you are done, let everyone know by dropping your utensil on the floor. If you want to commend the chef, bang your spoon on the plate.

Gorree Island , Dakar and the Pick-Pocket Gang

Tim Grey, Taylor and I (Craig) traveled to Dakar and Gorree Island Saturday. The morning began with extended negotiations for a 1-1/2 hour cab ride to Dakar. $11,000 CFA ($22.00 USD) got us to the ferry terminal.









The boat ride with at least 400 people and no observable life jackets or lifeboats had great views of the harbor and the City of Dakar. It's too bad it lasted only 20 minutes.











Gorree Island is presented as having a history of slave trafficking. In actuality, there were few slaves held on the island. The island today has interesting architecture, no paved roads and 1000 residents. There are buildings that pre-date Columbus discovering America. The downside of Gorree Island is the barrage of "services" being offered. Shopkeepers, shoe shiners, tour guides, "Mont Blanc" pen salesmen. It was impossible to go more that 30 steps without being offerred a product or service. Non-Merce only seemed to encourage them to follow and continue asking. I became so frustrated I began to say Yabba Dabba Do. That did not work either. Eventually after about 50 steps they would give up and in another 30 steps.... (They have an honor code of never interrupting each other, but once alone, you are fair game.












Rather than wait for the 2:00 boat, we decided to take the less crowded 12:00 Boat to Dakar. (Offering of services is not allowed on board)















The prices at Gorree Island were twice the normal cost so we went to the local market next to the train station in Dakar. (We checked for a train running to Thies, but none running on Saturday). At the market we ran into a hat salesman seen on the right with Taylor and I. His name is Alpha. He spoke English, Spanish, Wolof and French, all learned on the street. I don't believe he could read. Alpha helped Taylor purchase some local items to use at the cultural fair she will participate in when she returns. Alpha continued on with us for the rest of the afternoon as our "personal advisor".. and more. Dakar is known for pick-pockets.








We asked Alpha for a restaurant recommendation. He said, " yes, a great french restaurant,just a little walk." After 20 long minutes of walking the streets of Dakar, mostly uphill, in the heat of the day, we arrived and had a great French meal. We asked Alpha to join us and he agreed but would not eat. We were able to ask Alpha many questions about the Muslim faith. It was a great meal and discussion. Tim had a great idea of buying a hat on installment. We put 1/3 down and told Alpha we would return for additional installments at which time, we would expect our hat. He was puzzled, but agreed. Alpha is 34 years old, has a wife and lives with his family. (All Senegalese look at least 10 years younger than their age). On our return to the Train station, we encountered a group of men that began arguing with Alpha. It was a rather heated discussion in French. Later, Tim asked what the argument was about. Alpha casually explained that they were pick-pockets that wanted him to give us up. Alpha protected us. God Bless Alpha. We will see Alpha again.



The 3 hour taxi ride home was filled with gridlock, dust, choking fumes, great street scenes and a total shutdown of traffic to allow the President of Senegal's motorcade to pass (picture at left). He was on his way to Thies for a rare appearance. We made it back to Thies about 5:00 PM and considered our day a success.

Credits: Many of the above photos compliments of Tim Grey. Always ready with the camera and CIA trained in taking pictures without the subject being aware. (most of the time)

Click on pictures for larger display

Tim's Photo site is: http://www.timlingrey.com/timlinafrica1/


Tim's Blog Site is: http://timlingrey.wordpress.com/