Africa!
After about two days of travel and six hours of sleep I've arrived, with my new group of equally jetlagged friends, in Senegal. It has been raining nonstop for the last 10 days - all the streets are flooded with about 10 inches of water, and many of the school roofs are leaking. Thankfully, until we move in with our host families next week, we'll live in wonderful, leak-free (for now...) dorm rooms, complete with AC. (much needed...HUMID). My hair is already a tiny bit curly. (amazing.)
We arrived at about 7:30am Senegal time (midnight thirty for those in Colorado...I'm 7 hours ahead of you, 6 hours ahead on MN, 5 hours ahead of Middlebury). I've already met my academic director and housing coordinator - both are welcoming and warm, with great senses of humor ;) I also met Anna, the student coordinator for this university, who immediately took us on an impromptu, very wet (this rain won't quit. It's a little like constantly taking a warm shower), tour of the school, complete with a random visit to the head dean, who did not seem at all shocked at the arrival of several dripping Americans in his office. I've been told that here in Senegal one must always be willing to stop and chat - thus far that seems to hold true even for those in the highest of positions! Continental breakfast: half a baguette, instant coffee, and hibiscus juice. (Surprising. Fruity, minty, spicy...).
Discoveries today:
I did not know that a van could function after driving for 20 miles through 10 inches of water. It can.
Hibiscus juice is wonderful.
Excitement can override jetlag.

...and that's just the beginning.