African Renaissance

I write today a few minutes after ending my debate partnership with Ethan. This means that I am also writing a few minutes after ending my friendship with Ethan. It's the end of two eras, and my only thought is good riddance, you fucking dick. 

But this, alongside any worry I had in the West. Here, the anguishes of my previous life are a refreshing pause from the wretched existence that I must endure. 

This melodrama is not justified, because, today, like yesterday, was a good day, a healthy day, a calm day, and a sustainable day. I got to work cheaply, and at work, we took the kids on a field trip to the African Renaissance Monument. This statue is very controversial, criticized for its cost, and for the fact that it was built by a North Korean company. The North Korean style is... very visible. However, despite the justified criticism, I liked it. In addition, the view was spectacular.

The statue from afar

The statue from the base of the steps

A panorama of the view

The statue from the base

Louis. This kid is a legend. He eats more than any normal human, he yells out random words during naptime and constantly tries to run away. He will cry if he is not next to Hugo, his best friend. Louis blurs the line between terrible and adorable. This is the best selfie I have on my phone

A picture taken by one of the kids

The monument is bigger than the Statue of Liberty

The view from the back

A view of the city

A bad picture of the kids. I expect I'll get a better one soon

After the statue, we headed back, and at 4:30, when all the kids had left, I headed home. I stopped by a supermarket, where I bought Baobab fruit juice. It was very dry, and the most similar taste would be a pear. It was interesting, tasty, and different, so I'd give it an 8/10. I also bought a mango. After washing it with filtered water, wiping it with a sterilizing wipe, and washing it in filtered water again, I peeled it and ate it. It was better than average, with a great consistency, and it wasn't too messy. However, it was only slightly above average in taste, and the risk was worrying. Since I could have gotten it in the US without worrying as much, I give it a 7.5/10. Thirdly, I bought a Saba senegalensis (Madd in Wolof). This was a mistake. It was bitter, but not pleasantly so. I added sugar, as indicated by Mustafa, and this only made it worse. The consistency was horrible. It was slimy and hairy, with very little pulp, all seed. I rate it a 1/10. This brings up another matter, that of the food. I have come to the conclusion that I do not like Senegalese food. The tastes are too strong and uselessly spicy. It's like Indian food for all the wrong reasons. Additionally, I feel as though every bite is a risk since the meat is dubious. In addition, the bread is terrible.
Today, overall, was a good day. I look forward to the weekend, and for my return to the West.