Intéressant

A small part of the French vocabulary, a word that has swiftly become a stagier/personal favorite, and one that as PCT’s we certainly get a lot of use out of.  I realize I haven’t posted in awhile but I’m going to take the time with this post to write solely on Cameroonian life au general. All 36 stagiers will be traveling to Yaoundé this weekend for a few days for banking and general wrap-up matters. I hope to nab some free dialup Internet at the Coz to write another post about what’s been going on in the PC world, but for now just a short list of things I think you’ll find très, très intéressant……

Bush Taxis:  Gone are the days of taking a taxi and riding solo in the backseat.  Here you pay a flat rate, climb in the equivalent of a Volkswagen Jetta, and share a ride with seven-nine other people (not including the driver).  While on site visit I usually found myself sitting inbetween or just to the right of the stick shift.

Maïs:  French for corn on the cob.  You see it being grown all over in the fields, being sold all over the market, and at roadside stands.  Now before you’re mouth starts watering because you’re dreaming of Fall aux Etats-Unis J, it’s not what you might think.  Here they eat the short, tougher corn we’re accustomed to feeding animals.  Instead of boiling it and smothering it in butter and salt, Cameroonians grill until partly burned and eat it solo.  While it takes some getting used to I thoroughly enjoy sharing a cob with friends; in particular that one stagier who carries salt in her purse at all times. J

Television: Cameroonians Love It! Chez moi, the television comes on at roughly 6am every morning and isn’t turned off until 11pm.  It’s on during breakfast, I can imagine lunch (I’m at school), and their eyes are glued to it during dinner.  I’ve concluded that Cameroonians have some sort of special hearing, since it’s a rarity for the television to be the only electronic going at one time.  Often the televisions on, radios playing, pots are clanging in the kitchen, my baby sisters crying, and nobody seems to miss a beat.  Seriously, it’s impressive. Unfortunately the evening news is way too fast for my comprehension, but what I can tell you that’s markedly different from the evening news in the states, is that the showing of dead bodies is perfectly acceptable.  There’s typically a crowd of people hovering nearby, and often the deceased has committed some sort of crime so it serves as a statement to others. Nethertheless there it is, and it takes some getting used.

Private Vehicles: Operate with the same philosophy as bush taxis: cram em’ in!  When I go to church with my family all nine of us squeeze in the family car.  Seatbelts aren’t a priority.  On my first day here I rode shotgun sans a seatbelt with my little sister on my lap.  En route to a neighboring town my father signaled our presence around the many, many turns, simply by laying on the horn.  Intéressant.The other day I had to slightly chuckle when a Mercedes Benz made for five drove past carrying eight.  Even first class has a new meaning.

Especially for Jordana: Thanks for the post with questions! Wish I had could put up pics. of the market because that’d be the easiest, but they take way to long to load! Picture this: two Lansing size city blocks filled with brown stalls comprised of general stores, tailors, restaurant/bars, hair salons, etc.  There are several street vendors lining the street selling produce (corn, avocados, peanuts, carrots, bananas, pineapples, passion fruit, etc.), clothing, footwear, or random household goods.  The market here is small-medium size, but once I reach most post I’ll have a huge one.  I’ll be able to find……lettuce on a daily basis J and its rumored even strawberries during season.  Income generating activities for women: the most common is selling produce in the market, some work as civil servants, and many simply do all the work around the house.  I hope to work with the women’s group at my bank so I’ll be sure to post some information on what sort of projects are worked on. Hope that helped!

Especially for Simon: I received your letter today!! It was my first in Cameroon and Much Appreciated.  I had to laugh when I opened it; of course you’d put it in Word letter format, signed, and dated. J  Glad to hear things are going well in NYC. More updates on your end with the next letter!

Dadio: Got your 2^nd pkg. Thanks so much! I’m assuming you sent the second for insurance as it contained the exact same things. J You’d be happy to know I was explaining Chutes & Ladders en francais to my sisters last night and that I’m now set on face towelettes for the next two years. Looking forward to my Sunday phone call…