really band aid?

i know that i have neglected my blogger duties and haven't posted in a while. sorry...

i'm currently in dakar preparing for christmas with a few friends. we're going to cook dinner at a friend's apartment (ham, duck-with beak and feet attached in honor of a christmas story, among other amazing things. like cheesecake with blueberries (this is the beauty of dakar). while we were starting the day off, joey turned on the christmas tunes and do they know it's christmas by band aid came on. we sat there and listened to the lyrics (which i'll post below) and couldn't help laugh uncontrollably at the irony of the song and our situation as well as how bad the song actually is.

here it is: (with my comments)

t's Christmastime
There's no need to be afraid (cuz it's not halloween? is santa really michael myers?)
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade (okay, in this country, banishing shade is a bad idea. and when is shade
the opposite of light?)
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime (hands across america anyone?)

But say a prayer (oh dear here we go...)

Pray for the other ones (the others? like ben and jacob? better not tell locke)
At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window (go take a look)
And it's a world of dread and fear (sike! run back and hide!)
Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears (wait....isn't christmas supposed to be full of joy? not bitter tears)
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging (christmas bells are good)
chimes of doom (dun dun dun!)
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you (lucky, lucky you)

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime (no snow? wait, i thought africa was supposed to be a winter wonderland)
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life (isn't that the greatest gift of all?)
(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows (well...)
No rain nor rivers flow (then what have i been swimming in?)
Do they know it's Christmastime at all? (if not, then there is a weird facination with a guy in a beard and red suit in dakar)

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun (now that's just mean.)
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again

so there it is...full of christmas cheer right? i know that the song was intended to raise money for food aid, which it did. but really? not exactly the most tactful song. and as pcv's currently living in africa we can't help but highlight this song. nothing like a little cultural insensitivity to put you in the holly jolly mood.

but i'm loving christmas in dakar. the streets are decked out. and there's a bustling going on that only goes on during the holidays. plus, i've gotten to decorate two (two!) christmas trees, though small. but i love trees. and just being in a little america is helping the homesickness. though what i wouldn't give to be shoveling snow, coming inside and drinking a peppermint paddy, snuggling by the fire, and watching a christmas story in lounge pants.

so i might not be home for christmas, but it's in my heart and i'll be thinking of all the wonderful people in my life and counting the many many blessings that make my life so darned wonderful.

merry merry merry christmas!
love, peace, and goodwill to you and you and you!
jaime