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30 June

Yesterday was my year 11 prom. I left the prom, drove home, got dressed, left for he airport and drove through the night to London.

When I finally got out I was met by Bob and Nolly (the father and daughter of the family I am staying with.) We were followed by a man who persistently asked us for money.

The first thing i noticed about Dakar was the bizarre driving. People were jumping on and off moving cars, and drove into us. Also people were selling fruit by the main road and women were walking past with baskets on their heads.

When I got home I was greeted by Dee. The family made me feel very much at home. I slept well, but the heat was bearable.

1 July

I went to the school's church in the morning and then to Sunday school which was lovely as I got to meet children my age from different cultures and nationalities.

I travelled into a village with Nolly and Dee and met the chief (you must shake hands with him first before any of the other villagers.) I did not understand what they were saying but some of them were pointing at my braces. It turned out that they thought they were jewels and one lady was trying to get me to give them to her.

We went into some of the African houses and we were always given a seat, even though sometimes they were sitting on the floor.

This evening I met with some of the other teenagers in one of the dorms and shared chocolate, cake and listened to Johnny Cash and U2 (which seems to have happily made its way to Africa.

2 July

Today I made two tables with a boy my age who was taking DT as one of his subjects, then I went and worked in the kitchen preparing dinner, along with some African ladies, who yet again I couldn't communicate with. It's at times like these it would have paid off to have listened in my French lessons.

Also today I attended one of the school French lessons. There were six pupils, including me.

I like the nature out here and I frequently see lizards running passed me, and there was rumoured to be a snake at one of the dorms today.

I am picking up a bit more French and can often understand what the ladies are saying even though I don't know what they are saying, I can tell by the tone in their voice.

More updates from Esther soon.