Please Excuse me While I EXPRESS MYSELF!!!

I’m very excited to say I had the opportunity to visit a tailor who makes up to date clothes.  Here is the background story. This is my fourth stay in Niger, and being in a different culture is a bit frightening. America and Niger hardly have anything in common, besides the fact that we are all human. Living in a foreign country is not easy, especially meeting new people and trying to form friendships. People have their own opinions about Americans and a lot of the time it’s not good. People base these opinions on the media, American films, our culture, observe and bad experience. I try to appear to be adjusted and as natural in this culture as possible, the message I try to convey is I embrace you.

Vivian (a new tailor I mentioned in a previous post) does not let Nigerien culture dictate her own style. Vivian and my gorg French teacher have both inspired me and  my senior.

So today when I choose the models I wanted, I broke a lot of rules concerning dress. I didn’t go for the Cover Yourself up from Head to Toe designs, both pieces show arm and leg (gasp clutching pearls, LOL). I feel a bit liberated going forward and more confidants in who I am. It’s hot here, and I refuse to suffer in this heat wearing clothes that swallow me and that I can’t wear any other place.

Omar my tailor said to pick the items up March 8, and he didn’t seem bothered by my choices. Now let’s see if I have the courage to wear the clothes once I receive them, LOL! That’s a story for another day!