Traveling to the Villages

Susan and Zach called yesterday (Sunday Nov. 8). It was about 8 p.m. in Senegal. They are doing well, staying healthy, and immersing in the local culture. They are taking tons of photos to share and put together into a slideshow when they return.

Their group was in Hoorefonde Village for their third night. This village is home to Aliou Ba, one of the West Africans from Summit County that are part of the cultural exchange trip.

Susan said they are being treated like dignitaries. Apparently they were welcomed by the entire village and got to meet with the village chief. The women wear beautiful fabrics. The kids have swarmed around Zach to the point some of the men have volunteered to help keep the kids back (Susan said it was like President Obama's secret service detail) when they are walking around.

It is extremely hot where they are - their entire group has been sleeping on the roof of a building rather than indoors. Zach has been conducting his water quality tests for his science fair project. They met with the man in the village who is in charge of the water treatment system - sounds like Zach had a great real-world experience with his studies.

Today they are traveling to Doumga Ouro Alpha Village, home of Oumar - the other West African from Summit County on the trip. Susan and Zach will then travel on Tuesday to her friend Mamadou's village and stay the night. Oumar has internet service at his village, so we may get lucky and get a post from Susan.

Alyssa and I had our own little tropical experience yesterday, though not nearly as hot or culturally rich as S&Z are having. I'll keep you wondering what we did.

--Todd