Two weeks. That is how long I have been in this new place called "home. Africa. Cameroon... West Africa. It's been a reality check for sure, but I've been learning a lot living a lot and loving every minute. I re-read my last blog entry and the roller coaster phenomena already holds true; but this is life "c'est la vie" and I wouldn't trade it for any other situation in the world.
I am living in Bokito Cameroon with a family of one housewife and two older daughters, three older boys, and a bunch of younger children (two young boys and three young girls). I don't get much alone time and PCT (Peace Corps Trainees) spend most of their time at the training venue learning French and having safety/security, medical, cross cultural, and technical sessions. I have played a few games of football and have managed to score some critical goals! Good for me, since I've prided myself on being quite clumsy lately :) I spend my nights hanging out with other volunteers over a casual beer, teaching/ helping my host siblings with their English homework, and watching various Cameroonian/ American films and or listening to said music.
The drivers are crazy here and I am thankful that we are not allowed to take part in that act. I am a bad enough driver in the States; that being said.... can't wait to take my first moto ride. I think this will be soon. The drive from Bafia (where the other trainees are) to Bokito is about 25 minutes and will only cost about 1000 CFA ($2 USD). Wish me luck :)
I have yet to join "the club" which in Peace Corps means getting sick/ horrible diarrhea. FTW but I have been cautious about filtering/ bleaching my water and making sure the food I eat is hot. I sadly had to pass up the pieces of bread my family offered that was swarming with ants. Africa and protein or not.... I don't know if I can stomach that quite yet.
It's the end of the rainy season here and the heat is coming- more so than it already is. It actually has been pretty comfortable and while it gets hot at night the breezes are great and the storms cool things down quite a bit. The mosquitoes love me but thankfully it isn't Malaria season. Lucky me that I finally got my bug lotion.
I only get internet about once or twice a week here, which is probably the same as what I'll get when I'm at post (health will be in pretty rural areas- we find out where we will be for the next two years in about a week or two.... i'll update with more info then). I'm hoping to be in a Francophone region in the south. The North gets too hot for my liking and I think I rather battle humid and mosquitoes then 115 degree heat in the shade and a lack of variety for food/vegetation/life......
My french is getting better, kinda been helping others more than learning new things but living with a host family has aided me. I tested into Intermediate Low and need to be at Intermediate High in order to go to Francophone. (I'm not too worried as of now- we will see after our next LPI: language proficiency interview).
I have been eating alot of plaintains, haricots (beans), riz (rice), and other Cameroonian dishes such as Ndole (which is a stew with bitter greens and fish) It's actually quite good. Haven't had much meet but alot of fish here. Peanuts and sauce d'arachide (peanut sauce) is quite common. Today was my first day where I got to eat a sandwhich- oh how I missed that. Laughing Cow cheese, bread, and piment (chili sauce that kicks Sirachi out of this world.... doesn't mean I don"t want and don't miss it though)
Overall life is good, all is well and loving this experience.
It is hard connecting with others after only being here for two weeks; but things are coming along and every day is a new day.
Live and let live; keep calm and carry on.
Much love to you readers.
ps: bought some sugar cane (yum) and le tissu (fabric) for some traditional Pagna!!!!! I will post pictures after I get my first Cameroonian getup made. I'm thinking a dress, pair of capris, and a head wrap will be in line
