What’s my age again?

Braved the downpour (the rainy season is almost over!) and braved Mokolo (one of the largest markets in Central Africa) and went on a fabric mission with Kelsey and her crazy Maman. Bought some fabric and hung out in the stalls while we waited for the rain to slow down a bit.

After the shopping, the 3 of us, as well as the token creepy uncle, hopped in a taxi to go to the tailor. The first 20 minutes was fine, but we ended up being stuck in the damp, shag seated, gasoline leaking taxi for an hour and a half. It was dark by the time we arrived at the bottom of the street (which the taxi could not make up due to excessive pot holes and mud).

So, “What’s my age again?” There is in fact a story behind this Blink-182 throwback (that I’ve played probably one too many times on this trip to keep my WXPN internship on my resume...) We arrived on the opposite side of Yaounde around 7:00 PM. Picture this: Friday night, 7:00, your at a tailor having a modest skirt and dress made with your friend, her mom, and uncle (and you’ve just turned 21…). Kelsey’s mom informed me that I had to call my mom to give her the heads up I would be coming home late. I got incredibly nervous (my mom is “tres severe” according to the homestay coordinator).

Major 4th grade flashback. My conversation, “Hi Mom, it’s Laura. I’m really sorry but I’m going to be home late…. Here’s Kelsey’s mom.” REALLY? I think I’m in for a reality check when I come back home and have to realize I’m an actual adult (and no longer need permission to get home at 9:30 on a Friday night).

As my friends gallivant throughout Europe, (they just returned from a highly successful rendezvous voyage to Oktoberfest…) I can’t even imagine what their semesters have been like (especially when I spend my weekends nights consist of treating myself to a Mombo Chocolate bar, maybe a ration of my prized Wegman’s Peanut Butter, and Miss Congeniality in French). Almost a month and a half into the trip, I’ve started to become really comfortable in Cameroon. Comfortable enough to brave the 1000 CFA ($2) seats at the Cameroon vs. Togo soccer game on Sunday. I thought I had the full Cameroonian soccer experience when we played Gabon, but this section took it to a new level. It’s the 104 section of the Link, but Cameroonian soccer style. Total madness and by far the greatest sporting event of my life.

After the concert, went to “Petit Pays”… a Cameroonian singer who everyone goes crazy for here. Before we went, our Academic Director informed us that he, “sings about love and sex and homosexuality.” A student, joking, asked, “then why hasn’t he been arrested?” Or A.D, replied in total seriousness, “I have no idea.” It’s times like this when I remember where I am.

I’m happy to report this is the first weekend of my voyage I didn’t watch Miss Congeniality in French! Even though hearing “Gracie Lou Freebush” with a French accent is pretty entertaining, it was a much needed break.