Very Full 1st Week

This is Saturday morning and we will be going to Goree Island where we will have a lecture by Dr. Ibrahima Seck, an historian. Goree Island is the Island where they gathered slaves before shipping them to America.

Our first week of studies has been very interesting. The Director of WARC is quite a gregarious person; always laughing, dancing and making sure all of our needs have been met. Most of our lectures have been about the culture, history and politics of Senegal and West Africa. I have been very surprised by the complexity of these issues but even more surprised by the always eloquent often poignant manner in which our presenters bring out bits of clearity from these surprisingly byzantine topics.

Lunch and Taxi Ride

To the right is a picture of the kitchen at WARC and left is my lunch for the day.

Below is a link to a video of my cab ride back to the Hotel from WARC.

Dance Picture

As promised, here's the picture of me dancing. Steadman Rogers took it with his cell phone.

Thanks, Steadman.

WARC Reception

My second day in Dakar is coming to an end as I prepare for dinner. I will be doing most of my research and attending seminars at the West African Research Center (WARC).
Last night they had and welcoming dinner for us with live music and lots of dancing. Believe it or not, I danced with the woman in this video. I think someone may have gotten a picture of us. If so, I will send it in a future post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdTAddllIJQ

In Dakar

I am finally in Dakar but very busy. I only have time to post this photo.

Almost There

I'm at the Logan International Airport waiting to board the plane. I should be in Dakar by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, I've posted this video of a Senegalese Drumming and Dance demonstration from our three days of Orientation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYcjjHw3QJI

Day 1 in Boston

Well, I arrived in Boston at 1am Thursday; checked into the hotel; slept for a few hours then headed out to walk the Freedom Trail with three of the other Fulbright-Hays participants. Bunker Hill was at the end of the trail and we climbed the steps to the top and took this picture of Boston. We then rushed to the Center for African Studies at Boston University for our first day of orientation which included a Balafon performance by Balla Kouyate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTXSFYTf0ks