Efficiency? Quoi?
October 4, 2008
Time flies when you are having fun! Can’t believe it’s already October! I continue to love my village, meeting new people every day, getting wonderful support from my Chinese and French friends, meanwhile learning to tame my temper with quirky Cameroonian behaviors. The latest of my bad temper towards Cameroonians occurred a few days ago when I was at the…
Read MoreFrench Connection
September 25, 2008
Although Kate left my house this week, I continue to have my fill of white people in my day, thanks to the French volunteers here. Juliete and Greg are my new best friends, and I am theirs. Reason? They are my age, both 22, and finishing their university degree but spending 6 months each doing an internship here in fishery.…
Read MoreThe First Night
September 23, 2008
Today marks the end of first month at post and my first night alone. Kate successfully made it to her post long enough to stay the night today and now I am completely alone. It’s a bit strange, but definitely much needed alone time. Not that I minded Kate’s company, but I was not very productive. I’ve done more today…
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The Good Days
September 18, 2008
Some days, things take place so smoothly much to my surprise; today was one of those days. This morning could have gone like this: I could’ve left my house and not able to find a moto into town and have to walk 30 minutes. Once I reach the Carrefour, I could’ve waited another 30 minutes to find a car to…
Read MoreTu es fou!
September 17, 2008
These past few days, I’ve been very impatient with tidbits of life here. Most of the frustrations have to do with transportation and big city living. The more I spend time in my quaint village, the more easily I get angry at the big cities. Kate is still staying with me. Things are never as anticipated here, so the hope…
Read MorePeace Corps China?
September 14, 2008
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! I spent the day with my people celebrating the holiday. I am now officially more Chinese here in Cameroon than I ever was in the U.S. I don’t remember the last time I celebrated this holiday. When it comes to celebrating, the Chinese loves to incorporate eating. The food (食) and drink (酒) cultures are deeply ingrained.…
Read MoreVolunteers for Volunteers
September 9, 2008
Happy Birthday to moi! Last year yesterday, I submitted my application for the Peace Corps, and a year later, here I am. First birthday in Africa, but completely Chinese style. Thanks to my wonderful Chinese friends and Kate, my would’ve-been-lonely-birthday this year turned out to be quite fun! The morning began with Kate buying a variety of goodies from the…
Read MoreAu Village
September 5, 2008
Second week at post is coming to an end, and I am starting to feel more like a member of this community. My house is coming along nicely. The walls are painted baby blue and I’ve added a few personal touches to make it mine. As Kate puts it, I’ve turned the place into Pottery Barn (as much as possible…
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A Long Post
August 27, 2008
Hi Friends! Sorry I have been MIA for a while. These past week and a half has been a crazy whirlwind, and certainly been the best time since I arrived in country. I will do my best to recap and also section off this long entry for easy reading! Yaounde Right before all 36 of us go through the swearing-in…
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Expectations
August 15, 2008
The rain continues to fall; the rainy season persists. Next week this time, I will officially be a volunteer for the Peace Corps and celebrating the last night with fellow trainees and then off to my village. Time has flown by quickly, and despite annoyances relating to training, I’ve enjoyed getting to know many wonderful people. I am especially proud…
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