1 August 2008 - Dakar, Senegal - 2:32/6:32 am

1 August 2008
2:32 → 6:32 am
Dakar, Senegal

When I think airport, my mind conceives an American airport, or even I guess those that I’ve experience in Central America. This is different.
I’m not exactly sure how or where I’ll be boarding a plane. When landing, we walked down to the tarmac and then my name was crossed off a list and I boarded a bus to the building. Having not gotten any paperwork or instructions, I was very confused. Thanks to the kind help of an employee, I passed through the line. He assured me that my baggage will meet me in Banjul—that’s what the claim ticket expresses. But of course, I worry about that. He then took me to another building where I’ll check in for my flight, but this is a long wait.
After sitting for awhile, a policeman, Michael, has approached me and says his English is bad, but it’s not. He wants to come to America—and stay with me. Shortly after, another man approached me wondering why I’m waiting so long instead of taking the bus. It’s apparently air conditioned and only takes 4 hours.
He thought I needed to eat something and shoed me to the restaurant. While I declined that, I did see where there is a phone place. It is not open and I’m sure this is causing much strife to my mother, but hopefully I can tackle that after 8 o’clock here.
A man with money, a calculator, and the desire to put his arm around me bothered me in French. That is not comforting. Now would be a great time to know French—or maybe remember something from 6th grade.
Was fine on the flight, but now I’m very nervous.
ak