American Efficiency
March 6, 2010
Four days since I found out that the Embassy had changed its policy and can no longer clear our container. Théo from RIDEV was in Douala the next day after the news to meet with someone working at the Embassy to learn the process, and in attempt to find a solution. Yet somehow, four days later, no real progress was…
Read MoreRetail Therapy
March 4, 2010
As a way to battle with all the Cameroonian frustration that I’ve had to dealt with, I’ve taken up retail therapy once again. The markets in Bafoussam have quite the gem if you are willing to take the time to dig, and deal with obnoxious men who yell ridiculous things and grab your hand in passing. The fripperie sells clothes,…
Read MoreCameroonian Fustration
March 4, 2010
The events of this week has left me totally frustrated with the way things work in this country. I was always aware of the inefficiency, but I do everything in my power to avoid them. This past week, I’ve had to deal with them first hand. Let me tell you, NOT fun. I grew up in Taiwan and thus was…
Read MoreYour Majesty
February 28, 2010
After nearly two years in Cameroon, there are some things that I still don’t understand about the culture, and I likely will never understand. The traditioanl chiefs that is prevalent here in the West region of Cameroon is one of such things. Yesterday, Théo and I met with the chief of Batié who had arranged a meeting with all the…
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Change of Perception
February 24, 2010
Sometimes, I feel like Cameroon has broken me. Two years in this country have somehow taken away those sympathetic ways that once was a big part of my personality. I am often annoyed when people comment “aww… those poor people” on my pictures from this experience. I no longer “feel sorry” for Cameroonians or Africans in general. Don’t shed pity…
Read MoreBusiness Class Round III
February 23, 2010
Apologies for the lack of updates as of late. A lot seems to be going on lately, a lot, for Cameroonian standard. I attempt to think back to 3 weeks before I came to Cameroon, and wonder how I managed to sleep on average 4-6 hours a night, took 18 credit hours of courses, worked 20 hours a week, and…
Read MoreThe Beauty of Village
February 8, 2010
Lately, my mood has been swinging between the two extremes: a.) very sad that the end of Peace Corps service is upon me and b.) can NOT wait to get out of Cameroon and begin the next chapter of my life. The mood swings are making me feel a bit bi-polar-esque. Some days I feel I’m on a standstill and…
Read MoreWinter Olympic in Vancouver!
February 8, 2010
The above photo sums up how I spent most of August 2008. This was the tail end of our stage (training) and we spent a lot of time at Chez Pierre’s in Bangangté watching the Summer Olympic in China! I love the Olympics! And this is why I didn’t hesitate when Team USA contacted me to see if I would…
Read Moreughhhhh
February 3, 2010
Only 10 am and my day is off to a fabulous start… not. After my frustration yesterday, I figured I’d simply sleep on it and that today would be another day. Yes, another not-so-fantastic day. First, my gas tank went out, again. It’s only been 3 weeks since I last replaced the stupid thing. Must have gotten a bad tank…
Read MoreSenioritis: Peace Corps Edition
February 2, 2010
Today, at some point during my two-hour business class, the Peace Corps equivalent of senioritis hit me. It must have been the moment when I was teaching the importance of sharing knowledge they’ve acquired with others, since I won’t always be here to teach the classes, and an annoying student who rarely shows up to class loudly shouted, “well you…
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