GUNSHOT

Deep breaths mom. One of the funnier moments of my trip so far… I explained to one of our directors the concept of calling “Shot Gun” when going for the front seat. All of the students were in the parking lot waiting for Bobo to come out of the Cyber Café…when he finally emerged he yelled “GUNSHOT.”

W.A.W.A.= West Africa Wins Again

I’ve had quite a few WAWA moments the past couple of days… but in the interest of time, I’m going to offer you some random bits of information in
“My life in bullet points: Volume I”

-It is a sign of superiority to sit with your legs crossed in Cameroon, this has been a surprisingly difficult thing to stop doing
-had Viper for dinner the other night… really good!
-Went to a Presbyterian church service on Sunday, where the “children” (or those under the age of about 21) sit upstairs, and the adults sit downstairs. Lucky me got to stand up by myself in front of the entire congregation of about 500 people when they asked for first time visitors…
-if you invite someone here to do ANYTHING (go grab some food, go to the internet café, go to a soccer game, the movies, etc.) it is assumed that you will pay for both people
-learned that the best time to go to the market is during Cameroon soccer games…it is completely empty (and they are usually absurdly packed)
-on the subject of soccer, Cameroon beat Gabon on Saturday. I could hear from the kitchen every time Cameroon scored, the whole city erupts in noise.
-again, on soccer… we might be going to the Cameroon vs. Gabon game here on Wednesday, unless the US Embassy issues a warning, which they often do. In the words of my Academic Director, “If we lose, there will be a big fight. If we win, there will be a big fight.” Apparently, regardless of the outcome here, the men just brawl after the games.
-I’ve been proposed to 2 times so far. And let me tell you, the first proposal of my life was just how I imagined it, totally romantic…in a dirty cab with bright orange shag seating in Yaounde.. It is the total opposite of the US, the men LOVE to make the first move and be completely forward. The first guy was about 35, dressed very nicely, and promised to “take me to see movie, buy me nice things.’ Lets just say all the girls on the trip have learned how to say “I’m engaged” or “I’m already married.” I’ve been called out on being ring-less… that will be my first African jewelry purchase.
-Cameroonians are really into clean shoes. We have to wash them before going out
-showers here are FREEZING (Ms Doss you are the only one who will really understand…I’m talking Turkey cold here.). I’ve perfected the sub- 2 minute shower.

A little about my family…
I have a younger sister, Ornella, who is amazing and patient, and will be my saving grace during my time with the Tchebe family. She is 16 and amazing at the Soulja Boy dance. My mom does something with law… she is pretty intense. Spent all day Saturday learning how to cook traditional Cameroonian foods…I’ve eaten some pretty funky stuff but also some really amazing food!