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.