Amy Diallo's Fish

Here is a quick anecdote to give you some insight into family life in Dakar:

 As I am currently battling my second sinus infection of the semester, my host parents decided it was time to take action.  When I came home from school Tuesday night, Papy Jo informed me that the reason I have sinus troubles is because I am malnourished.  He proceeded to patiently explain that I would be a much healthier woman if I were to eat more.  Not only that, but I would also have the added bonus of more closely resembling my host mother, Mama Fat Kane!  After politely nodding my agreement, I thought the matter was behind us.  However, after dinner, a woman came by our house with an enormous bucket of fish on her head.  After I helped the “fish woman,” as they called her, remove the ridiculously heavy bucket from its perch, Mama Fat Kane bought twenty-seven fish from her— all for me!  When lunch time came around yesterday, my brother was sent for one of “Amy Diallo’s fish,” and after helping prepare it I had the honor of eating it in its entirety!  I honestly do learn so much about Senegalese culture and way of life just from living with my family, but I have to say this was one bizarre lesson. I never would have dreamed that my sinus infections result from a deficit of fish in my diet…which I already eat on a daily basis!  Needless to say, I really hope I get over this sickness quickly, but in the meantime at least maybe I’ll gain some fish-cooking skills— there certainly are enough to practice on!

Fishily yours,

Janelle