Senegal
Senegal was both welcoming and exotic. It was the only country that we were married twice. Each ceremony took place with a different indigenous group; Wolof and Bedik. So very unique. And wonderful!
Wolof: We were excited to attend the grand magal celebration for woman at the great mosque of touba. while there, we were honored by the 'guide' who performed our wedding rituals. over one hundred men, women & children participated in the fun. wow!
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Beth preparing FOR the ceremonial meal to be served to the entire bedik village. Yummy!
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The local bedik women dressed and prepped Beth for the ceremony. then the entire village came out to join in the procession. when beth was brought to me, I had to pay one dollar to buy my bride. well worth the investment! The party lasted throughout the night.
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While jungle treking with Mr. Hong, he made a delicious stew, inside of a bamboo stalk. With a side of catfish and chicken. 5* meal.
We also hung out with IPUD, the beautiful 45 year old female elephant.
It took a full day to prepare for the evening ceremony, for the village. They prepared various meats, fruits and especially the 'jar wine' which is only used for ritual occasions.
They sacrificed a chicken and used the blood and organs during the blessings. They all chanted around the wine and everyone put in their sticks to offer their blessings. The alcohol settles to the bottom and the water stayed on top. We ALL drank from the jar, as a village, as a family, as part of the Bunong tradition. Then the entire village danced all night to the music from their Chang's (metal percussion) and Kong Reng (strings). They wove rings from bamboo for us and gave Beth a marital necklace. So wonderful!
