The Sahara. Mot.

Arrived in Yaounde around 7 last night... I think I traveled for 2 days? (and please pardon the lack of punctuation, misspelling etc...just took me about 5 minutes to locate the question mark and figure out how to use it!) Flight from Zurich to Douala (largest city in Cameroon) to Yaounde was fantastic. Flew over the Sahara for about 2 hours in broad daylight- looking out the window was 3/4 bright hot sun, 1/4 just a cream colored expanse- really beautiful. Flying into Douala looked like it was straight out of Heart of Darkness, especially with all the mist (it is rainy season here until November)- lots and lots of bright green vegetation with fat blackish brown river systems cutting through. I looked for Kurtz, Kels, but no luck.

Flew into Yaounde where Bobo, one of the program managers, picked us up. Split up into a couple of cars and drove to a monestary where we are staying for the next few days until we move in with the host family. Lots of people out selling things at 10pm- and the Cameroonians are crazy drivers (but also extreemly talented...I have no idea how we didnt get in an accident) Had my first African feast of spicy chicken, rice, fruit (the best pineapple of my life).

Already lots and lots of French practice...pretty overwhelming but everyone has been incredibly patient and kind. Spent the day touring around Yaounde...tried a guava (extreemly tough shells- you use your teeth to get rid of the shell by biting off little bits-the shell tastes like lime...got a little nervous about the teeth situation but Dr Nelson is a champ - so far so good!)

Internet time just about up...time for a nap and lunch ( were all incredibly jetlagged;;;)