It's the African way

I'm already learning the African way out here. For instance, most agreements made between people are oral although my guide has provided me with an invoice for my participation with the program. On my second night, I started discussing the trips I would like to partake in while I am here and, fortunately, I can do all but one that I wanted. During our discussion about these trips I sat across from my guide, Mageuye, with my carefully drawn up chart which included the number of days and cost of the trip. Mageuye instead went into a speech about oral versus written agreements. It continued on for such a while I became frustrated and emotional. He was quick to stop and comfort me and further explained that he would look at my list to please me. At that point I realized I had to let go of this notion of list-making while here in Dakar since my persistence would result in culture shock. Culture shock is terrible for a healthy mind and healthy body.
I find the bustling streets of Dakar to be absolutely charming. There are children everywhere doing everything from running the internet cafe I'm in to playing fuseball all day long (the are currently on vacation). The traffice is a sight to behold thanks to the variety of vehicles which include but are not limited to: horse drawn carriage, street hustlers, Mercedes, car rapides, etc. Car rapides are one of three public forms of transportation, as of yet I have not had to get into one. The mini-bus includes a driver and a boy hanging out the back door. The bus is filled with people, animals, and food. My guide told me that this started off as a private form of busing but became so succesful that the government became involved.
I've been learning a lot about colonization and the different forms that Senegal and other African countries fought against it. The people here are very proud of their leaders but simultaneously are eager to keep their leaders in check. My guide explained that current President Wade is trying to favor his son into becoming mayor of Dakar but people are ready to boot him out of office simply for suggesting it. The mere mention of a dynasty or political favor is frowned upon and actively challenged. No one here has even stopped to consider Wade's son's competency but rather consider him a poor choice on mere principle.
One last thing, the word for peace in the local language of Wolof is jamm with the stress on the end of the word, in contrast, the word for slave is jam with the stress on the vowel. Both words make me nervous and I hope to avoid them as much as possible.