Culture Shock!

So last night I went bowling at the Radisson with Harris, his sister and friends. It was nicer than most bowling allies in the States.. which means major culture shock. It was $10 per person for one game, which I thought was outrageous. There was also an arcade, bar, lounge and waiters... If anyone stays at the Radisson while in Dakar, I will definitely lose some respect for you. I would rather you just stay in America... Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful and it's nice to know that I can take refuge there if I start hating Dakar (not likely); however, WHY WOULD YOU COME TO DAKAR AND STAY AT THE RADISSON?? On a lighter note, anyone who wants to feel better about their bowling skills should go bowling with inhabitants of Dakar. Most had bowled once or twice and a couple hadn't bowled at all. I didn't do so bad... until I noticed I was in second place and then it was all downhill from there. We were also a huge fan of the "granny," where you roll the bowling ball through your legs. Surprisingly, it worked every time... which was hilarious. After bowling, we went to MyShop (typical) for some snacks and Modou got some chocolate ice cream, which I gorged. It's hard to get used to people buying things for themselves and giving it to other people. People truly will not get upset when they buy something and they don't get any of it. It's almost expected. So bizarre and un-American! Anyways, awesome night with friends, but too Western for me.

When I got back from bowling, I went on a walk with Katie's host brother. While we were walking, one of Amadou's friends said : "Donne-moi une copine."(Translation: Give me a girlfriend.) My response was instantly: "Do you think I'm stupid?" 

Boy: "So you're not going to give me a girlfriend?" 

Me: "No.. you need to meet a girl on your own and like her for who she is."

Boy: "uhhhhh..."

Me: "You can't just expect me to line up my friends for you. You can't treat women like an object!"

Boy: "So you won't give me an American girlfriend?"

Me: "NO! Do you not understand what I'm saying?"

Boy: "Yes, I understand..."

Me: "No, you don't."

He leaves... and comes back.

Boy: "So you won't find me a girlfriend?"

Me: "You didn't understand me! I'm a feminist and will not do that for you..."

And he walked off... 

Let me remind you this is all in French and Amadou just sat in the background laughing.

These moments are the most frustrating for me because I can't say everything I want to say in French and I really want to yell in English... 

So, we just convinced my professor to leave class and spend time with his son who's leaving for college in Morocco at 4am. Oh yeah, and he just found out today... The scholarship program just informed the family today that his son got a scholarship and that he had a plane ticket tonight. I know my mom would be freaking out! Total Senegalese moment.... 

Still loving every moment... Alyssa