marshmallow

I’ve never been as white as I am in Africa. For one thing, cultural norms require that women cover their shoulders and knees (Yeah, I know, it sounds weird to me too, I don’t know why but dresses and trousers must cover your knees.) For another, it’s a small town and I’m the new arrival here, so everyone knows who I am but I (so far) only know a few locals. All “les blancs” (aka “toubabs”) really stand out. And I’m getting softer every day. I try to do yoga regularly, so my body gets some kind of movement, but it’s too darn hot to run or bicycle (not to mention the cultural requirement that shoulders and knees be covered) or even to go for a walk. Maybe I’ll order a jumprope. And wake up before dawn.