ALLEZ LES LIONS!

Some simple math (you got this Leezo): Eagles NFC Championship game x 20 = Approximate atmosphere of the Cameroon vs. Gabon football game. This is the way live sports are supposed to go down. I’ve always known Africans were crazy about their soccer, but looking back, I had no idea. Got there at 12:30 for a 3:30 start to avoid the brawls that occur both before and after the games (regardless of who wins…). The security was really intense and pretty scary- armed, loud, and intimidating guards everywhere.

Paid about 5,000 CFA for “front row” seats (the best $10 I’ve ever spent). Nobody actually sits in the first 15 rows (which has no overhang) to avoid the sudden bursts of rain, as well as the showers of debris thrown from the sections above.

The Cameroonians make up for the lack of a speaker system... and then some. Tons of people bring their own drums, buckets, and other random objects and create some pretty incredible music. These crazy drumming sessions are surrounded by fans singing and dancing (the Eagles Cheerleaders could definitely use a lesson or two from these women).

People are walking around with all types of snacks (carrying them on their heads, per usual. Even though I see this about 1,000 times a day, it still totally impresses me. Even the really little kids can do it…) My personal favorite were the plastic packets of Whiskey and Gin for 50 CFA. A little more simple math… 1 packet= 3 shots = 25 cents. Wondering when these packets are going to make it to the States (Epop, this could solve all of your double sock and flask problems).

Back to the atmosphere, I wish I could describe it better. The drums are the perfect compliment to the game being played. I never realized soccer was such a rhythmic sport until I watched it with a person whistling on one side of me and drumming on the other. The energy of the stadium is completely electrifying throughout the game. After the 2 goals, you couldn’t hear yourself scream if you wanted to.

In other news, had our first African dancing class followed by African drumming. French class the other day was a trip to one of the largest markets in Central Africa (Mokolo)… some of the most fun and interactive schooling I’ve ever had. (My school days are even rivaling 1st grade Polar Express day with the hot chocolate and PJs… never thought the day would come).