Aren't You Supposed to be in Senegal?

I knew I was in Dakar when I had to bargain with a cab driver for a reasonable price to go from the airport to my host family’s home last Friday. I was coming back from a short trip to DC. People didn’t understand why I returned to the US, but not Idaho and for only a week. What they didn't realize was that I had an opportunity that I couldn't pass! I actually left Senegal to interview as finalist for the Truman Scholarship. If I was chosen, I would not only be joining a network of people passionate about going into public service but also receive a scholarship for graduate school. Almost a week later, I can tell you all that my trip was worth it for many different reasons.

I don’t know if what I experienced was culture shock, but it was definitely clear that I was no longer in Senegal. I wasn’t stopped by random people who were wondering about my identity and what I was doing in the city. I went to a supermarket and was amazed at how quiet it was and the fact that the prices were fixed meaning no bargaining. I nearly forgot to wear a seat belt the first time I was in the car.

While I could go on all day about the differences I noticed between the two places, let me tell you about how Dakar and DC are similar. For one, there’s traffic. In Dakar, I rediscovered that it’s probably faster for me to walk to school than to take a cab because with all the cars on the road, we aren’t going anywhere. While on my trip, I had to catch the train at the Vienna station and for my 8:30 am interview, I left with enough time to spare because we weren’t sure what the traffic would be like. Another similarity between the two places was the waiting times for the public transportation. As I said in my earlier posts, we don’t actually know the schedule for the TATAs meaning we could wait 5-10 minutes before another comes. In DC, the schedule is posted but I found myself waiting 6-12 minutes for another train to come.  I couldn’t believe that people had to wait that long! Maybe I was spoiled by the Paris Metro, which even on the weekends didn’t make me wait that long. As I was told, the Paris system is older and bigger.

My trip to DC was meaningful for various reasons. I finally got to visit the nation’s capital after learning so much about it in 5^th grade and American history. I was able to visit the Supreme Court and get a guided tour of the Capitol. I experienced hospitality and what it means to welcome people into your home. I was hosted by friends of friends who helped me get ready for the big day. Without them and all the support I received throughout this process, I don’t know how I would have calmed my nerves. I ran into a Trinity graduate on the streets of DC, reaffirming my belief that it’s a small world after all. I was supposed to be in Senegal while she was supposed to be in NYC. Lastly, I was reminded of forgiveness and the importance of holding on to relationships that matter.

Picture: A view of the Capitol Dome during our tour