Another Literary Epic Completed

In just 7 days, I just completed re-reading The Chronicles of Narnia.

Lovely books, wonderful story lines, and great imagery.

Warning: Do NOT attempt to read these books while in the depths of a month long fast. C.S. Lewis' detail and descriptions of food are darker and more evil than the White Witch herself. Curse you witch Jadis for your tempting Turkish Delight when you know I'm struggling through my 14 hour water/food free day...

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Byron Yee
Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009

Bed Bugs

No, I haven't gotten actual bed bugs, yet. They do exist and are unpleasant, though.

However, last night I had a little red friend inside my mosquito net. After turning on a flashlight, I realize it was a large cockroach. It wasn't startling, as they hang out in my room all night. Its just frustrating that a mosquito net is supposed to keep bugs OUT, but also effectively trap bugs IN if they are clever/stupid enough to get inside.

Oh Senegal...

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Byron Yee

Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009

1 Year in Country

As of today, August 13 2010,

I have officially been living in Senegal for one full year. Clarification: I still have yet to reach one year of my service, but its still a mark worth celebrating.

And how better to celebrate this landmark, than fasting...The beginning of Ramadan officially started yesterday, which means people are fasting from food and water from 5am-7:30pm. The not eating isn't bad, but in a very hot and humid country, the lack of water has proved very challenging for me and everyone. But the experience, like every single minute of my life, is worth trying for certain.

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Byron Yee

Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009

Community Work Day

Today, our quartier all got together to work on building our local mosque. Every single piece of this structure is handmade, even the bricks and gravel to make them. Its an expensive and therefore very slow building process. Started building over 10 years ago, probably will NOT be done by the time I leave, but it was nice to put a little blood, sweat and tears into the community.

Also, we feasted on chicken, which totally made the work worth it!

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Byron Yee

Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009

Senegal’s New Salt Industry

Today I spent my first official day as a Senegalese farmer. It was tough, but respectable work.

It was so hot and humid, I sweat a lot (nothing new there). However, after sitting in the shade and “drying off” for a few minutes, I had nice, white, solid salt crystals formed on my arms. They tasted like pure salt, which was fascinating. Then it quickly made me realize how intensely dehydrated I must’ve been.

Note to parents/family/friends: Please add Gatorade to care packages from now on J

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Byron Yee

Peace Corps Volunteer - Senegal, 2009