July 19, 2009

I am safely back in B-town after an extremely tiring day of traveling. I caught a ride into Bali town, where it would be easier to catch a taxi into Bamenda. I was quickly grabbed (because the fight over passengers) and then had to wait as it filled up. Time was passing so I jumped out and offered to pay for an extra space if we could leave now. Luckily it worked and off we went with me in the front and four adults and two small children in the back. Paying double definitely has its advantages but I felt pretty guilty. It was by far the fastest trip into Bamenda that I had the whole week, I have to admit that I am glad his speedometer did not work or I might have had a heart attack!
Kristin finally made it to Bamenda after her bus and then taxi broke down from Njinikom. We then were squished on to a bush taxi for the two hour journey to Baffausom where we then had to take a taxi to get another bush taxi to B-town. By the time I finally got home my entire left side was asleep and I woke up this morning with bruises down the right side of my body (the side that was jammed up against the side of the bus). To tell the truth, although I make traveling here sound awful, it can be quite fun. The main thing is to remain patient and forget all about personal space. If you can do that, you will be fine and the people watching is incredible!
I just finished lunch and have already had a very productive morning. I went with my home stay mother to her seamstress to have some material made into a dress and ended up buying a skirt and top. I really hope I end up staying in Cameroon for the two full years because these outfits are definitely not style appropriate for the U.S. but I actually like them. Who knows, maybe when I get home, I’ll start a fashion trend. I seriously doubt it but you never know! I also managed to get all of my clothes washed and now I am just keeping my fingers crossed that the rain will hold off in time for them to dry!
On a side note, a couple people have asked about what to send in care packages. Please do not feel the need to do this. My understanding is that is extremely expensive and I don’t want anyone spending unnecessary money but letters are wonderful things to receive! If you are really adamant and want to still send something, a few small things that I can’t find here are crystal light singles, crest toothpaste, and baby wipes! Hand sanitizer is always welcome to! Thank you for all of the emails and prayers they are all needed well received!
As stated in the previous blog, I want to share a little about the landscape that I have seen in Cameroon. For starters, Cameroon is called “Little Africa” because of the span of different regions and environments you can find here. The grand North it is extremely hot and arid. This is where the largest population of Muslims is in the country. I have not been there yet but hope to visit during my two years here.
The regions that I have been in are Central, West and North West. All of these are very similar in terrain and plant life. Everywhere you look you will see plantain and banana trees, corn and other tropical trees. In the Northwest it is also common to see pineapple plants everywhere. I feel like I am in the jungle all of the time, but what we Westerners call the jungle, Cameroonians call the forest. I asked about the planting seasons and was told that you can plant whenever but for corn there are generally two seasons, one in early spring and the other is now till the end of summer. I think I will try my hand at planting some corn, tomatoes and beans.
All three of these areas are mountainous and some people have been comparing it to Ireland because of the green, fog and mountains. These areas are also at very high elevations, so there are always clouds all around. Some days it seems like you could just reach out and touch them. It is beautiful and I stare all the time. I hope that I continue to enjoy the views and don’t become too used to it like I do with Beaufort’s beauty.
B-town has horrible red mud that makes the South Carolina up-state red mud look like a cake walk. It is impossible to get out and clumps to your shoes and then it dries in hard patties. This is extremely annoying because Cameroonians judge you on the cleanliness of your shoes. I have taken to carrying an extra pair of shoes in my pack, it makes things much easier. This is also where the baby wipes come in to play, keeping your feet clean is almost next to impossible!