Ah, Yaoundé.
September 19, 2009
Following my birthday, I traveled to Yaoundé with Jerome since he was returning to France. I used this occasion and arranged a few meetings for my projects. I had contacted someone at the US Embassy and was hoping to meet on late Friday afternoon since she wouldn’t be available on Monday. Newsflash, the Embassy closes at 12:30pm on Friday?! So…
Read MoreBirthday #2 au Cameroun
September 19, 2009
On September 9th (09/09/09!), I celebrated my 23rd birthday in Cameroon and it was fantastic. Holidays end up being so much more fun here in Cameroon due to the low expectation. I should continue to adopt this attitude upon leaving here. Expect nothing and enjoy whatever comes my way. The day began with a trip into Bafoussam. Mom had sent…
Read MoreNot Ready to Leave?
August 26, 2009
After my delightful day in Bafoussam, I had a dream that very night where I was not ready to leave. In the dream, I was not at all packed and was incredibly sad to leave my village and this part of my life behind. I woke up feeling nostalgic of the present. Is that even possible? Can you miss the…
Read MoreDelightful Monday in Bafoussam
August 26, 2009
I don’t think I would’ve ever described a day spent in Bafoussam, the provincial capital 30 minutes away from my village, as delightful. Usually I am lucky to spend the day there without wanting to punch someone in the face. But this past Monday, it was surprisingly pleasant. The sun was shining for the first time in weeks. I hadn’t…
Read MoreRain. Love It. Hate It.
August 26, 2009
I love the rainy season for several reasons. For starter, when it rains, I can stay in like rest of the population here. “It’s raining” is a perfectly valid excuse to not do anything. The rain washes away the dirt and everything is less dirty. My house is not constantly covered by a layer of dust. Although my feet are…
Read MoreJesus Party!
August 14, 2009
The one trait I’ve strengthened during my time in Peace Corps is to think VERY quickly on my feet to accommodate all sorts of unexpected situations. Weeks ago, while preparing to begin my second round of business classes, I got approval from the Secretary General at the Mayor’s Office to use the meeting space. I delivered a protocol letter with…
Read MoreThis is how we do it
August 5, 2009
I may have Internet, and I may be Posh Corps, but there are certain moments that distinctly remind me that I am indeed, still en afrique. This morning, I woke up to Antoine beeping me and then banging on my door at 7:30am. In case I haven’t explained the concept of “beeping”, it’s when people call you, let it ring…
Read MoreSummer Blues?
August 2, 2009
Technically, it’s “winter” here, so I suppose it would be more like “winter blues”, which makes more sense. I’ve been feeling some severe waves of nostalgia as of late. Maybe it’s all the rain, but there is definitely a mood lingering. I have been in Cameroon for over a year now and all along, there were people coming and going.…
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Percussion Festival in Foumban
July 27, 2009
Saturday morning, I met up with 3 French girls in Bafoussam and rode in their pick up truck to Foumban. Clotide is the French volunteer in Dschang and is blessed with a car. Seeing a girl drive here in Cameroon is really bizarre, but cool at the same time. I haven’t driven in over a year, and thinking about it…
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