Creative Writing Blog

We divided into two equal teams, and without a second of hesitation, my teammates let me be the goalie. I walked over into the goal and planted my feet firmly into the soft dirt. I looked straight ahead and make one firm shake of my head to signal that I was ready. One of the kids blew his whistle, and the game began.
Bonjour, or hello! My name is Mamadou, and I live in Senegal. I have lived here ever since I was born. I have the most common name given to a boy in Senegal. My name is as common as James or John would be in America. French is the official language of Senegal, but in school I also learn Wolof.
Today, my two brothers, two sisters, and I woke up very early. We woke up for one reason only, to play soccer. Soccer is our favorite sport like most people in Senegal. We play it all the time with all of the other kids that we know. Normally around this time of year, we don’t get to play it that often because we are just beginning our rainy season.
When I grow up I want to be just like my dad. He is the best soccer player in our village. Every dry evening we practice with a net behind our house. He teaches me new techniques and new tricks. All of my friends wish their dad could play as good as mine. He also got into the best Senegalese team in the country! Not many people can say that about their dads.
I rounded up my four younger siblings and led them outside. I was very surprised by the beauty of our land. The sun was coming up and I could see all of the baobab trees swaying lightly in the breeze. The sky was the clearest, most beautiful blue I have seen in years. It was the perfect day for a soccer game.
When I grow up, I want to be on a professional soccer team, and maybe I can go to the Olympics! Representing my country in the Olympics would mean everything to me because there are not many from my country who get the chance to. I am already the best player of all our friends; everybody wants me to be on their team. I am good at all positions, but my favorite is goalie. It is so much fun to block all of the kickers’ shots, but it is more fun to see their reactions after I block the ball.
Immediately I got into a zone. Nothing got past my amazing soccer skills. They kept kicking that white and black soccer ball at me, and my smile kept getting bigger and bigger. Thump thump thump the ball kept coming but I kept blocking each hard hit. The other team got more and more irritated, which is what I love the best. Of course, like always, my team won. They lifted me and chanted. I felt like king of the world as I was carried back to my house.
I walked into my house and waved to my parents. I was about to go take a nap, but my dad cleared his throat. He said, “I am honored to ask you to be on the men’s soccer team after the rainy season. So, would you like to be?” My heart leaped high into the sky with delight. I couldn’t wait. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. “Yes,” I responded. Maybe right now, I guess I will just have to settle for playing soccer on the dirt field in our neighborhood, but soon in the future, I bet you will see me, Mamadou on TV in the Olympics. Until then, au revoir, or goodbye!

Recent News

Senegal is working harder than ever to promote tourism in their country. To accomplish this, Senegal is building an airport in Dakar (the capital of Senegal), making luxury resorts, and making hotels. Last year, 1 million people went to visit Senegal, but Abdoulaye Wade (the president) predicted 1.5 million by 2010 with all of the new things Senegal is making to attract people.

I think this will be great for Senegal because it will help their economy and make Senegal a stronger country. If the people who visit have a good time, they might return for their next trip or recommend it to other people which would also be good. Making a 50% increase on how many people come to visit Senegal is a HUGE increase for one year and will be good for everyone who lives there.

Culture

Art

Senegal is known for its glass paintings. The artists usually paint a native animal or a place in Senegal on the glass. It is really pretty and good for souvenirs. They also make handbags, shoes, and belts out of leather iguana, crocodile, and snake skins. A lot of their clothing comes from animal skins. Senegal is also known for its talented artists who sell their hand crafted jewelry in markets.

Sports

Many Senegalese love to watch their two national sports: wrestling and canoe racing. They paint their canoes in bright colors and many people watch the races from the shores. Their canoes are often named after a satin or a local hero who gives them money or protection during the race. Often many different villages will have wrestling competitions with each other. Wrestling helps pass the time during the dry season in Senegal. If I were a parent I do not think I would want my children to wrestle because then they could get hurt.

Customs

In Senegal, you never eat with your left hand (unless you are holding a fruit in your left hand and peeling it with your right hand). Also, people eat in separate groups depending on their age and gender. Sometimes they even eat in seperate rooms. Several people eat from the same bowl using the fingers (on their right hand) or a spoon. In Senegal, you are supposed to avoid eye contact with persons still eating.

Marriage

People usually get married at young ages, but if they go to a college then they get married afterwards. In rural areas in Senegal, parents are the matchmakers for their children. Once the father finds a girl he likes for his son, he sends her parents kola nuts and money. If the parents accept the items then their kids get married to each other. The husband gets his new wife many new things like pretty clothes, jewelery, a television set, or a sewing machine. It is very different from how people get married in America because people usually decide for themselves who they are going to marry.

Fauna (Native Wildlife)

Large mammals have disappeared from the western part of the country because of human development like elephants, antelopes, lions, panthers, cheetahs, and jackals. They can still be found in Niokolo Koba National Park in the eastern part of the country. Warthogs, bunnies, and monkeys can also be found in Senegal. There are many reptiles in Senegal like pythons and cobras. Crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and turtles are found in the rivers.

Flora (Native Plants)

There are many different kinds of trees in Senegal. There are the baobab trees (Senegal's national tree), acacia trees, arabic trees, mangrove trees, oil palms, teak trees, and silk cotton trees. In addition to trees there are also thorn bushes.

Climate

Senegal has two weather seasons. The rainy season is from May to November and the dry season is from December to April. It is tropical and hot in Senegal. The temperature varies from about 72 degrees to 86. Its average rainfall is 24 inches, but it can reach up to 60 inches in some areas.

Geography

Senegal is the most western landlocked country in Africa. Its neighboring countries are Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, and the Gambia. It is also bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. Senegal is a little smaller than South Dakota. It is the closest African Country to the United States.