Why isnt Santa Claus black?

Hey all, ive arrived safe and sound in the warm country of Senegal. The sun has been fabulous and sometimes during the night i cant even sleep its so warm but im not complaining, ill take this over the snow in france for the moment. So it definately took a bit of time to get settled here. The country the second time around has been much more enjoyable, i know the system, the language, the culture. What i didnt bet on however was the mentality of my host familly. It got a bit heated up there due to a miscommunication about a former love affair with the cousin who lives there. The last time i was here, we were together, it was great, we have kept in contact, but when i arrived here everyone had such great hopes about our future together and i am not focusing on getting hitched any time soon surely! On the other hand, ive been seeing old university friends here in dakar by them dropping by or me going and spending the day there. Last night for example, i went out with a buddy from UGB. We talked for hours and he bought me dinner at the new chic pizza joint nearby. I felt like i was back on state street again with all the young people and the food. At the restaurant, a very black senegalese was dressed as santa claus complete with a white face mask...I ask you why is santa claus white?

I went to the busy marche sandaga today with my ex and my host sister. It was a bit crazy as usual but quite fun to be back in the middle of the action and finally understand what was going on in french and in wolof! I have finally recoginzed the fact i have made real progress and have a new sense of pride. (even though i havent spoken english for 2 weeks now and fear im losing my capability) I met a Camerounian man last night and it was really fun being able to flirt in another language = )

For the next week, i will be traveling to the southern part of senegal called casamance with my american friends senegalese boyfriend Pape Jean. I have never been to the south and so am super excited! i just hope i can survive the journey, when its hot, its hot. Merry Christmas to you all and if you are complaining about the snow and cold think of me sweating my butt of in the desert condition of the western sahara.

Christmas is coming to town!

So christmas in france is definately not as a big deal as it is in the states. Its already the second week of december and people dont have trees yet, few houses have decorations, and you dont hear carols anywhere. I really doesnt feel like the season for me at all! I hope to change that very soon however. I teaching my students about the holiday back home and going shopping for a few gifts tomorrow for my host family....in senegal that is. I have decided to spend the holiday in sunny Senegal with my ex boyfriend and his family. For 3 weeks i will be soaking up the sun and eating some great but heavy foods. How about the beach for Christmas? The reason why im going there is because 1) its closer than home 2) the airfare is cheaper 3) when i was in senegal i didnt spend the holiday with that bunch and regret it. Its been a year and a half since ive seen my host fam and my senegalese friends so im looking forward to it. Sorry to you who wanted to see me! Otherwise not much has been happening in the school. Classes are going alright and its not too cold. Im still meeting people and speaking french a lot! I get sick of it sometimes but it quickly passes. Life has been the routine lately and so i cant wait until next sat the 17 when i take that flight to Dakar. I hope all of you back home are enjoying the season! Merry Christmas!