You will have to copy and paste the following links to view my pictures. If you want to know about a picture, I commented on almost all of them on Facebook.
Orphanage II photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=301061&id=708551384&l=2ea854918f
Mount Cameroon & Limbe Beach
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300522&id=708551384&l=deacb5b48b
Douala II
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300543&id=708551384&l=9b968f0425
Clean Water
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300538&id=708551384&l=ab88045b27
My last day at the orphanage:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=301065&id=708551384&l=08704c474c
Dakar Photos
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300578&id=708551384&l=2922674fc1
Salle
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300547&id=708551384&l=b19a9f9766
Goree Island (Slave Island)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300530&id=708551384&l=e725a1fb6f
Safari
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=300510&id=708551384&l=d569769d43
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Last of Douala
Forgive my late blog entry, but I have been resting over the past few days. Jet lag just kicked my butt this week!
The Night Club
It was decided that we would all go to a discotheque (aka night club) to celebrate my last weekend in Douala, and we went to George’s V. There were 9 of us, and each of us had to pay 9,000 francs (9000 x 9 = $140) to just “reserve a seat” and for “drinks.” We were seated on the second floor right next to a dance floor. I didn’t understand about the paying for drinks thing until we were actually seated. We had two tables, so both tables received one glass bottle of Coke, one glass bottle of tonic water and one bottle of Glenn Ellis Scottish Whisky-that’s it. Our “drinks” were chosen for us, which was unfortunate since I despise whisky. The music was great because there was a great mix of both African and American music. Guess what was especially nice about the club for me? I wasn’t hit on and called “La Blanche” at all! The club didn’t start getting crowded until 1:30 am, and we left at 4 am. We had a great time and were exhausted by the time we left the club.
The Last Day
I stopped by Deanne’s salon to say goodbye. I had a 50 franc coin in my pocket on the way over to the salon and decided to give it to Enzo. When I got there, I gave the coin to Enzo who then pointed to himself and mouthed, “For me?” Deanne asked for my e-mail address and yahoo instant message name and then proceeded to hunt around the salon. It drove her crazy that I never wore earrings while I lived there, so she gave me 3 pairs of earrings, a matching necklace and ring that went with one pair of earrings, and her leopard print headband. I was surprised she gave me her leopard print headband because she wore it often. I told her that she had given me way too much, but she insisted that it wasn’t enough. She told me that she was going to miss me because she loved that every time I was around her that I made her laugh. I hope that we will stay in touch.
After I went to Deanne’s, I went to see Patrice to say goodbye. Now I have to add that a few days prior to my departure, Patrice had sent me a very sweet e-mail. He wrote that he was proud to be my friend and that I had a big heart that warms the world. He thanked me for being me and told me not to change or forget him. I saved his e-mail because it meant a lot to me. Anyway, Patrice asked if he could go to the airport with me, and I told him it was fine but that I was leaving for the airport at 1:15 am. He had to be up early the next morning, so he came back to the apartment to hang out for a bit since he couldn’t go the airport. He is definitely a friend that I will never forget.
Akobe rode with me to the airport and before we left, she took a few pictures of me prior to my getting in the taxi. When the taxi pulled away from the apartment, we all happened to notice a man passed out in the middle of the road. That was definitely a surprise and a first-lol. We didn’t stop since I needed to get checked in at the airport, so I have no idea what was up with the guy in the road. I guess it’s a good thing that there are speed bumps on the road to slow people down, but I was hoping he wouldn’t become a speed bump either…
At the airport, I had a long wait ahead of me since I was there at 1:45 am and my flight took off at 3:45 am. After checking in, I had to pay a $20 airport tax (ridiculous). I said to the lady, “Why is this really necessary? You and I both know that your corrupt President is only going to pocket this and the other taxes collected.” She looked at me and chuckled, probably thinking that I was rather brave to make such a comment, but she didn’t comment back at all.
Forgotten Mentionable
I realized that I never discussed my first money exchange experience when I arrived in Douala. Put it this way, it happened so quickly that it felt as if I had experienced a drug/money exchange! After Akobe picked me up at the airport, I told her that I needed to exchange money. She called her husband and told him how much I wanted to exchange, and he directed her to meet him downtown at a small bar in Akwa. It was so crowded downtown that I was quickly introduced to Jeromie, Akobe’s husband, through the taxi window and was instructed to follow him. I hurried out of the car, following Jeromie into the corner of a small bar where a man was sitting at a table alone. I was told to sit down, and there were no introductions. Jeromie asked me how much I wanted to exchange, so I told him and pulled out the amount. The man counted out the equivalent of Cameroonian CFAs, and we both slid our money to one another. I didn’t have time to ask questions; not even how much I received or what the exchange rate was or anything. I was just hurried out of the bar as soon as the exchange took place.
The second time I had to exchange money, I was with Model (THEX rep). We were again in downtown Akwa near the same little bar where I exchanged money the first time. It wasn’t until a guy approached us that I knew what was about to happen-another public money exchange. I pulled Model aside and told him that I didn’t feel comfortable doing it in broad daylight with about 20 men sitting close or milling around who most likely knew that money was about to be exchanged; especially since we had just passed a guy with a wad of Cameroonian CFA notes who asked us if we needed to exchange money. I also didn’t feel comfortable carrying so much money on me either after my laptop being stolen underneath my nose without my knowing it. He told me it was the best way and talked with the guy we were going to exchange the money with. This guy happened to have his calculator on him, so I was able to ask questions and find out the exchange rate, etc. It was a more than fair exchange versus if I had exchanged my money at a bank or elsewhere.
With my being unfamiliar with the street money exchange, it was explained to me that I had exchanged money on the black market. If I would have gone to a bank or money exchange business, I would have lost a chunk of my money due to the exchange rates and service fees. By exchanging money on the black market, one doesn’t stand to lose such a large percentage of their money.
The Night Club
It was decided that we would all go to a discotheque (aka night club) to celebrate my last weekend in Douala, and we went to George’s V. There were 9 of us, and each of us had to pay 9,000 francs (9000 x 9 = $140) to just “reserve a seat” and for “drinks.” We were seated on the second floor right next to a dance floor. I didn’t understand about the paying for drinks thing until we were actually seated. We had two tables, so both tables received one glass bottle of Coke, one glass bottle of tonic water and one bottle of Glenn Ellis Scottish Whisky-that’s it. Our “drinks” were chosen for us, which was unfortunate since I despise whisky. The music was great because there was a great mix of both African and American music. Guess what was especially nice about the club for me? I wasn’t hit on and called “La Blanche” at all! The club didn’t start getting crowded until 1:30 am, and we left at 4 am. We had a great time and were exhausted by the time we left the club.
The Last Day
I stopped by Deanne’s salon to say goodbye. I had a 50 franc coin in my pocket on the way over to the salon and decided to give it to Enzo. When I got there, I gave the coin to Enzo who then pointed to himself and mouthed, “For me?” Deanne asked for my e-mail address and yahoo instant message name and then proceeded to hunt around the salon. It drove her crazy that I never wore earrings while I lived there, so she gave me 3 pairs of earrings, a matching necklace and ring that went with one pair of earrings, and her leopard print headband. I was surprised she gave me her leopard print headband because she wore it often. I told her that she had given me way too much, but she insisted that it wasn’t enough. She told me that she was going to miss me because she loved that every time I was around her that I made her laugh. I hope that we will stay in touch.
After I went to Deanne’s, I went to see Patrice to say goodbye. Now I have to add that a few days prior to my departure, Patrice had sent me a very sweet e-mail. He wrote that he was proud to be my friend and that I had a big heart that warms the world. He thanked me for being me and told me not to change or forget him. I saved his e-mail because it meant a lot to me. Anyway, Patrice asked if he could go to the airport with me, and I told him it was fine but that I was leaving for the airport at 1:15 am. He had to be up early the next morning, so he came back to the apartment to hang out for a bit since he couldn’t go the airport. He is definitely a friend that I will never forget.
Akobe rode with me to the airport and before we left, she took a few pictures of me prior to my getting in the taxi. When the taxi pulled away from the apartment, we all happened to notice a man passed out in the middle of the road. That was definitely a surprise and a first-lol. We didn’t stop since I needed to get checked in at the airport, so I have no idea what was up with the guy in the road. I guess it’s a good thing that there are speed bumps on the road to slow people down, but I was hoping he wouldn’t become a speed bump either…
At the airport, I had a long wait ahead of me since I was there at 1:45 am and my flight took off at 3:45 am. After checking in, I had to pay a $20 airport tax (ridiculous). I said to the lady, “Why is this really necessary? You and I both know that your corrupt President is only going to pocket this and the other taxes collected.” She looked at me and chuckled, probably thinking that I was rather brave to make such a comment, but she didn’t comment back at all.
Forgotten Mentionable
I realized that I never discussed my first money exchange experience when I arrived in Douala. Put it this way, it happened so quickly that it felt as if I had experienced a drug/money exchange! After Akobe picked me up at the airport, I told her that I needed to exchange money. She called her husband and told him how much I wanted to exchange, and he directed her to meet him downtown at a small bar in Akwa. It was so crowded downtown that I was quickly introduced to Jeromie, Akobe’s husband, through the taxi window and was instructed to follow him. I hurried out of the car, following Jeromie into the corner of a small bar where a man was sitting at a table alone. I was told to sit down, and there were no introductions. Jeromie asked me how much I wanted to exchange, so I told him and pulled out the amount. The man counted out the equivalent of Cameroonian CFAs, and we both slid our money to one another. I didn’t have time to ask questions; not even how much I received or what the exchange rate was or anything. I was just hurried out of the bar as soon as the exchange took place.
The second time I had to exchange money, I was with Model (THEX rep). We were again in downtown Akwa near the same little bar where I exchanged money the first time. It wasn’t until a guy approached us that I knew what was about to happen-another public money exchange. I pulled Model aside and told him that I didn’t feel comfortable doing it in broad daylight with about 20 men sitting close or milling around who most likely knew that money was about to be exchanged; especially since we had just passed a guy with a wad of Cameroonian CFA notes who asked us if we needed to exchange money. I also didn’t feel comfortable carrying so much money on me either after my laptop being stolen underneath my nose without my knowing it. He told me it was the best way and talked with the guy we were going to exchange the money with. This guy happened to have his calculator on him, so I was able to ask questions and find out the exchange rate, etc. It was a more than fair exchange versus if I had exchanged my money at a bank or elsewhere.
With my being unfamiliar with the street money exchange, it was explained to me that I had exchanged money on the black market. If I would have gone to a bank or money exchange business, I would have lost a chunk of my money due to the exchange rates and service fees. By exchanging money on the black market, one doesn’t stand to lose such a large percentage of their money.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
SUCCESS & SURPRISES
I cannot express my gratitude to those of you who donated to my orphanage efforts. In a week and a half, I received a total of $1340 in donations. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to receive so much in donations in so little time. With this money, I was able to purchase six 30 liter water filter containers, 6 new mattresses, and a new double bunkbed (it can sleep 4 kids, 2 on each level) for the orphanage. I have 30,000 francs leftover (=$60), which will go to buy the boys new underwear (I was told that they are in bad need); if any money is left over, it will go toward food costs.
When I return to the states, I will continue my fundraising efforts, as the orphanage and/or children are still in dire need of certain items or things that need to be fixed.
- The kids' toilet with the giant hole in it needs replacing.
- Neither the kids or Solange's toilet have a seat on them.
- The leaky pipe in the bathroom needs to be replaced or fixed.
- Dry erase boards or chalkboards are needed for the kids' tutors.
- Food is always needed.
- Etc.
Before I received donations, I was worried that I would not be able to accomplish much at all for the orphanage since my laptop was stolen and I had lost all my orphanage work. But I kept my head up and prayed hard for God to help and guide me so that I could help the orphans and orphanage as much as I could in what little time I had left here.
This past Thursday, Solange asked me to accompany her to the Department of Cadaste because she needed me for an ''important matter'' (no idea what Cadaste is because I can't find it defined anywhere). Apparently, Solange was having a lot of trouble obtaining the certificate and sign off of the land documents (land survey, etc.) where the future orphanage will be built. Now here I was wearing shorts, a gray t-shirt, sandals and NC State baseball cap when she asked me to go, but I couldn't say no.
We arrived at the department at 11:30 and waited for 4 hours for the documents to be reviewed, last minute drawings to be added, recordings, signatures, stamps, etc. Now keep in mind that like the Dept of Social Affairs, nothing is kept electronically and everything is kept in a folder. The guy we were working with told us that we owed the department 5000 francs, and I said I would pay it. Then I got to thinking, ''Wait a minute, this is for an orphanage, it shouldn't have to pay.'' We went outside to a small window, and the guy helping us drops four 10,000 franc notes on the ground. I said, ''The orphanage shouldn't have to pay. Since you apparently have enough money, why don't YOU pay for the orphanage!'' Needless to say, the fee was waived. :)
I will admit that after we met with the ''big whig,'' I was a ROYAL pain in the butt and all over the employees like white on rice to get the paperwork flowing and finished. It went through at least 5 people, then there was a problem found by the next ''big whig,'' who I particularly did not care for because of his unfriendliness and his giving the impression that he had more important matters to address. So the paperwork went back downstairs, then back upstairs for corrections and another review, then back downstairs for a last minute sketch (no idea of what) and finally every single page of the document was stamped (with many stamps) by the secretary. Near the end, the guy helping us asked me if he could take me to his village-lol. I think he was old enough to be my Dad, but I thanked him and declined, as well as told him that I was leaving this weekend.
Solange repeatedly thanked me when we left the department Thurs. and said that it only happened because I am white. She also said that she had already paid 2000 francs to the department and had been waiting for the documents to be completed and signed off for 2 years. 2 YEARS! According to her, things only get done for the rich and powerful at the department(shocker, right?). Since she does not fall into that category, her business with the department was set aside and ignored. It's sad that it took the color of a white person just to get things done for Solange. Even though I guess you could say that I was ''throwing my color around'', I am glad I was able to be of assistance to Solange so she wouldn't have to wait another 2 years for the documents to be finished and signed. There is just no excuse for an orphanage director's business to go ignored since she is not rich or powerful, but then again, we all know how the government is run here.
When the documents were signed off, we were told to pick up the certificate on Friday. Solange went back to the department on Friday and guess what? No certificate. I told her that if I had been there, I would've made sure that they did it right then, and if they couldn't for a good reason, then I would've told them that they owed me taxi money. I can see how frustrating it has got to be when you are treated as if you are a second rate citizen here.
Surprises
It is a good thing that no one found an architect in the U.S. to design the new orphanage because Solange surprised me on Friday with an architect's proposal and drawings for the new orphanage. This is why the land documents were so important to have completed and approved. She had found someone in Yaounde who volunteered to do the design and proposal a few weeks back and was hoping to surprise me with them before I left. I was quite surprised and very glad that she found someone to do it. God Bless the person who dedicated their free time to do both! Wahoo!
When I return to the states, I will continue my fundraising efforts, as the orphanage and/or children are still in dire need of certain items or things that need to be fixed.
- The kids' toilet with the giant hole in it needs replacing.
- Neither the kids or Solange's toilet have a seat on them.
- The leaky pipe in the bathroom needs to be replaced or fixed.
- Dry erase boards or chalkboards are needed for the kids' tutors.
- Food is always needed.
- Etc.
Before I received donations, I was worried that I would not be able to accomplish much at all for the orphanage since my laptop was stolen and I had lost all my orphanage work. But I kept my head up and prayed hard for God to help and guide me so that I could help the orphans and orphanage as much as I could in what little time I had left here.
This past Thursday, Solange asked me to accompany her to the Department of Cadaste because she needed me for an ''important matter'' (no idea what Cadaste is because I can't find it defined anywhere). Apparently, Solange was having a lot of trouble obtaining the certificate and sign off of the land documents (land survey, etc.) where the future orphanage will be built. Now here I was wearing shorts, a gray t-shirt, sandals and NC State baseball cap when she asked me to go, but I couldn't say no.
We arrived at the department at 11:30 and waited for 4 hours for the documents to be reviewed, last minute drawings to be added, recordings, signatures, stamps, etc. Now keep in mind that like the Dept of Social Affairs, nothing is kept electronically and everything is kept in a folder. The guy we were working with told us that we owed the department 5000 francs, and I said I would pay it. Then I got to thinking, ''Wait a minute, this is for an orphanage, it shouldn't have to pay.'' We went outside to a small window, and the guy helping us drops four 10,000 franc notes on the ground. I said, ''The orphanage shouldn't have to pay. Since you apparently have enough money, why don't YOU pay for the orphanage!'' Needless to say, the fee was waived. :)
I will admit that after we met with the ''big whig,'' I was a ROYAL pain in the butt and all over the employees like white on rice to get the paperwork flowing and finished. It went through at least 5 people, then there was a problem found by the next ''big whig,'' who I particularly did not care for because of his unfriendliness and his giving the impression that he had more important matters to address. So the paperwork went back downstairs, then back upstairs for corrections and another review, then back downstairs for a last minute sketch (no idea of what) and finally every single page of the document was stamped (with many stamps) by the secretary. Near the end, the guy helping us asked me if he could take me to his village-lol. I think he was old enough to be my Dad, but I thanked him and declined, as well as told him that I was leaving this weekend.
Solange repeatedly thanked me when we left the department Thurs. and said that it only happened because I am white. She also said that she had already paid 2000 francs to the department and had been waiting for the documents to be completed and signed off for 2 years. 2 YEARS! According to her, things only get done for the rich and powerful at the department(shocker, right?). Since she does not fall into that category, her business with the department was set aside and ignored. It's sad that it took the color of a white person just to get things done for Solange. Even though I guess you could say that I was ''throwing my color around'', I am glad I was able to be of assistance to Solange so she wouldn't have to wait another 2 years for the documents to be finished and signed. There is just no excuse for an orphanage director's business to go ignored since she is not rich or powerful, but then again, we all know how the government is run here.
When the documents were signed off, we were told to pick up the certificate on Friday. Solange went back to the department on Friday and guess what? No certificate. I told her that if I had been there, I would've made sure that they did it right then, and if they couldn't for a good reason, then I would've told them that they owed me taxi money. I can see how frustrating it has got to be when you are treated as if you are a second rate citizen here.
Surprises
It is a good thing that no one found an architect in the U.S. to design the new orphanage because Solange surprised me on Friday with an architect's proposal and drawings for the new orphanage. This is why the land documents were so important to have completed and approved. She had found someone in Yaounde who volunteered to do the design and proposal a few weeks back and was hoping to surprise me with them before I left. I was quite surprised and very glad that she found someone to do it. God Bless the person who dedicated their free time to do both! Wahoo!
Accidents, Food & drink, Humans, Jeromie and Random stuff
Accidents
While here, I have witnessed 2 accidents involving motorbikes. In a taxi, we passed one where the bike was in the middle of the road where I am assuming the driver was hit or hit someone. The other day I was walking to the apartment when a man with a woman on the back of his motorbike made a right and the motorbike turned over after losing traction on the loose sand and gravel on the road. Thankfully the man wasn’t going very fast, so both got up, brushed themselves off and seemed to be fine.
Speaking of accidents, Myjolie burned a pan full of peppers the other morning. I was watching cartoons and had Boo Boo on my lap when it happened, so I got him out as soon as I started to be overwhelmed with the smell. The stink was so strong that it burned my throat and made me cough uncontrollably and sneeze. We had the overhead and floor fan on full blast, as well as both doors wide open trying to air out the apartment. I’d say it took a good 30 minutes before the smell settled in the apartment.
Food & drink
Solange bought a bag of sugar cane while we were out shopping for orphanage items the other day. If you’ve never tried sugar cane before, you put a piece of what looks like a thick stem in your mouth and basically suck the sugar water out of it. When you finish, you spit out the stem. It wasn’t bad, it just isn’t very fulfilling.
The other day, I went with Solange to a fish market. The stink was terrible since the market consisted of about 10 freezers wide open with signs above them identifying each section of fish and their cost. I don’t know what she ended up getting, but she got 2 boxes full of frozen fish.
Since the 3rd week I’ve been here, I have discovered a very satisfying treat on hot days. I’ll put a Pepsi can or Orange Fanta in the freezer for 2 hours, and it comes out perfectly iced. You have no idea how much I look forward to those hot days when I make myself a frozen treat after sweating all morning and afternoon…
Humans
All the volunteers and I, plus Akobe, Mary Claire, and Deanne, met for drinks at the outdoor bar right outside of Deanne’s place. I had a photographer, who I am assuming was the bar photographer, want to take my picture. He didn’t want Jessica’s or Daniel’s or anybody else’s picture, just mine. I politely declined because I just didn’t want my picture taken. He was rather persistent and wouldn’t leave the table, and so I finally had to be rude and tell him to bug off. After that, I had a guy tap me on the shoulder, wink at me, give me the thumbs up sign, then shape his lips to blow me a kiss. At that point, I was finished with his making a fool of himself and turned around. He did the exact same thing to Jessica who had been proposed to by a woman about an hour before-lol.
I have had many guys just automatically demand my phone number here without even striking up a conversation or introducing themselves-nothing. When they do this, I think, “It’s no wonder you’re single with that attitude. I wouldn’t look your way if I lived here either.” When walking through the Ndekoti market with Model (you’ll read about him below) on Friday, I felt as if I were up for auction because I had so many men shouting at me trying to get my attention while walking by a row of motorbike drivers. While there, I had one guy stick whatever product he was selling right in my face. Not to my right or to my left, but right IN my face. My reaction? I was so ticked off that I lifted my left arm up and shoved him right over to the side. Needless to say, his buddies were laughing at my reaction and his getting put into his place by “La Blanche.”
This past Monday, Marie was asking me about the new baby. I was like, “What new baby?’’ Marie took me into Solange’s room where Solange’s sister-in-law (forgot her name) was asleep on her bed with a teeny, tiny baby on a pillow beside of her. Solange’s sister-in-law had had a baby that morning! Apparently, Solange’s brother (Francois), his wife, son (Riquette) and new baby boy (Claude-they let the son name the kid) are staying at the orphanage for a month. This apparently is a culltural thing.
It was raining this past Friday morning, and my taxi stopped to pick up a fairly young woman with a shower cap on her head. She was wearing a v-neck dress and folks, I am not kidding you when I write this, but she had chest hair. Yes, you read that correctly. I did a double take when she walked up to the taxi door. I am finding that a lot of women here have chin hair, even Deanne has it. I find it rather interesting since most women (especially young) in the U.S. wouldn’t dare be caught in public with chin hair. Now I really can’t help but wonder what really is in the water here…
Model, a representative for THEX, has been nicknamed my “bodyguard and protector’’ since he accompanies me whenever I need to pick up donations or when I need help buying orphanage items. Anyway, we went to the market on Friday, and he ran inside a stand to do something so I stayed outside. The stand to the right of me had a man sitting outside of it. I saw a little boy who was about 2 years old wander out of it, who didn’t see me right away. As soon as the child spotted me, he started to panic, then cry, and couldn’t get away fast enough (I have named this behavior CSS, Caucasian Shock Syndrome-lol). He tripped over the stuff on the ground in front of him and immediately went straight into the arms of the man sitting outside the stand for comfort who was laughing at the child’s reaction. Another man standing outside the store watched the whole thing occur and was laughing too. I hate when I run into CSS because I hate the fact that I frighten children, so I was doing my usual reaction (as I am getting used to shocking kids!), which is both hands up to my mouth with a shocked, sorrowful look on my face.
Jeromie
I don’t think I have mentioned this before, but Jeromie and Akobe are originally from Cote d’Ivoire. Jeromie left here the week before last to go to Cote d’Ivoire in order to visit his family and renew his passport for 2 weeks. He took 2 bags with him and only received one bag when he arrived in Cote d’Ivoire (Yes, the stealing here in Africa is bad). With the political unrest there due to the presidential conflict and the rebel militia (another corrupt situation), the UN has stepped in. Since this has occurred, the rebel militia has been on a killing rampage and businesses have been closed. Jeromie couldn’t renew his passport at first, but once he was able to, he had to pay triple the cost because of the circumstances and no banks being open. As a result of the UN stepping in, there is no telling when Jeromie will return to Cameroon. I ask you to please keep him in your prayers and that he returns home safely.
Random Stuff
- The Mediterranean Restaurant has a black and white cat. I like any restaurant that feeds and cares for a cat. :)
- Any flat dirt surface is used for a soccer field no matter what size it may be.
- I have come to the conclusion that the only thing you need to know about driving here is that the understanding amongst drivers is that the road is one great big yield sign…
- There is a club called ''The Blade’’ here; I can’t help but wonder if it is a successful club or not…
While here, I have witnessed 2 accidents involving motorbikes. In a taxi, we passed one where the bike was in the middle of the road where I am assuming the driver was hit or hit someone. The other day I was walking to the apartment when a man with a woman on the back of his motorbike made a right and the motorbike turned over after losing traction on the loose sand and gravel on the road. Thankfully the man wasn’t going very fast, so both got up, brushed themselves off and seemed to be fine.
Speaking of accidents, Myjolie burned a pan full of peppers the other morning. I was watching cartoons and had Boo Boo on my lap when it happened, so I got him out as soon as I started to be overwhelmed with the smell. The stink was so strong that it burned my throat and made me cough uncontrollably and sneeze. We had the overhead and floor fan on full blast, as well as both doors wide open trying to air out the apartment. I’d say it took a good 30 minutes before the smell settled in the apartment.
Food & drink
Solange bought a bag of sugar cane while we were out shopping for orphanage items the other day. If you’ve never tried sugar cane before, you put a piece of what looks like a thick stem in your mouth and basically suck the sugar water out of it. When you finish, you spit out the stem. It wasn’t bad, it just isn’t very fulfilling.
The other day, I went with Solange to a fish market. The stink was terrible since the market consisted of about 10 freezers wide open with signs above them identifying each section of fish and their cost. I don’t know what she ended up getting, but she got 2 boxes full of frozen fish.
Since the 3rd week I’ve been here, I have discovered a very satisfying treat on hot days. I’ll put a Pepsi can or Orange Fanta in the freezer for 2 hours, and it comes out perfectly iced. You have no idea how much I look forward to those hot days when I make myself a frozen treat after sweating all morning and afternoon…
Humans
All the volunteers and I, plus Akobe, Mary Claire, and Deanne, met for drinks at the outdoor bar right outside of Deanne’s place. I had a photographer, who I am assuming was the bar photographer, want to take my picture. He didn’t want Jessica’s or Daniel’s or anybody else’s picture, just mine. I politely declined because I just didn’t want my picture taken. He was rather persistent and wouldn’t leave the table, and so I finally had to be rude and tell him to bug off. After that, I had a guy tap me on the shoulder, wink at me, give me the thumbs up sign, then shape his lips to blow me a kiss. At that point, I was finished with his making a fool of himself and turned around. He did the exact same thing to Jessica who had been proposed to by a woman about an hour before-lol.
I have had many guys just automatically demand my phone number here without even striking up a conversation or introducing themselves-nothing. When they do this, I think, “It’s no wonder you’re single with that attitude. I wouldn’t look your way if I lived here either.” When walking through the Ndekoti market with Model (you’ll read about him below) on Friday, I felt as if I were up for auction because I had so many men shouting at me trying to get my attention while walking by a row of motorbike drivers. While there, I had one guy stick whatever product he was selling right in my face. Not to my right or to my left, but right IN my face. My reaction? I was so ticked off that I lifted my left arm up and shoved him right over to the side. Needless to say, his buddies were laughing at my reaction and his getting put into his place by “La Blanche.”
This past Monday, Marie was asking me about the new baby. I was like, “What new baby?’’ Marie took me into Solange’s room where Solange’s sister-in-law (forgot her name) was asleep on her bed with a teeny, tiny baby on a pillow beside of her. Solange’s sister-in-law had had a baby that morning! Apparently, Solange’s brother (Francois), his wife, son (Riquette) and new baby boy (Claude-they let the son name the kid) are staying at the orphanage for a month. This apparently is a culltural thing.
It was raining this past Friday morning, and my taxi stopped to pick up a fairly young woman with a shower cap on her head. She was wearing a v-neck dress and folks, I am not kidding you when I write this, but she had chest hair. Yes, you read that correctly. I did a double take when she walked up to the taxi door. I am finding that a lot of women here have chin hair, even Deanne has it. I find it rather interesting since most women (especially young) in the U.S. wouldn’t dare be caught in public with chin hair. Now I really can’t help but wonder what really is in the water here…
Model, a representative for THEX, has been nicknamed my “bodyguard and protector’’ since he accompanies me whenever I need to pick up donations or when I need help buying orphanage items. Anyway, we went to the market on Friday, and he ran inside a stand to do something so I stayed outside. The stand to the right of me had a man sitting outside of it. I saw a little boy who was about 2 years old wander out of it, who didn’t see me right away. As soon as the child spotted me, he started to panic, then cry, and couldn’t get away fast enough (I have named this behavior CSS, Caucasian Shock Syndrome-lol). He tripped over the stuff on the ground in front of him and immediately went straight into the arms of the man sitting outside the stand for comfort who was laughing at the child’s reaction. Another man standing outside the store watched the whole thing occur and was laughing too. I hate when I run into CSS because I hate the fact that I frighten children, so I was doing my usual reaction (as I am getting used to shocking kids!), which is both hands up to my mouth with a shocked, sorrowful look on my face.
Jeromie
I don’t think I have mentioned this before, but Jeromie and Akobe are originally from Cote d’Ivoire. Jeromie left here the week before last to go to Cote d’Ivoire in order to visit his family and renew his passport for 2 weeks. He took 2 bags with him and only received one bag when he arrived in Cote d’Ivoire (Yes, the stealing here in Africa is bad). With the political unrest there due to the presidential conflict and the rebel militia (another corrupt situation), the UN has stepped in. Since this has occurred, the rebel militia has been on a killing rampage and businesses have been closed. Jeromie couldn’t renew his passport at first, but once he was able to, he had to pay triple the cost because of the circumstances and no banks being open. As a result of the UN stepping in, there is no telling when Jeromie will return to Cameroon. I ask you to please keep him in your prayers and that he returns home safely.
Random Stuff
- The Mediterranean Restaurant has a black and white cat. I like any restaurant that feeds and cares for a cat. :)
- Any flat dirt surface is used for a soccer field no matter what size it may be.
- I have come to the conclusion that the only thing you need to know about driving here is that the understanding amongst drivers is that the road is one great big yield sign…
- There is a club called ''The Blade’’ here; I can’t help but wonder if it is a successful club or not…
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Toilet paper rolls, the apartment, clothing, shopping & forgotten blog mentionables
Some things are apparently universal…
The time I have stayed here in Douala, it seems just the same as at home bathroom-wise. Gawd forbid somebody replace the empty toilet paper roll with a new one. Maybe that’s a universal thing rather than a cultural thing-lol.
At the apartment…
At the beginning of February, the house help returned to the apartment. Apparently she had been absent for quite a while due to a broken leg. Her name is Myjolie, which means “my pretty” in French. She’s looks to be in her early 20s, and she works 8-5 Monday-Saturdays. She does the laundry, helps prepare meals, cleans the apartment and helps with the baby when needed. The work ethic here is rather odd because I’ll sometimes come home to her Myjolie on the floor or watching TV (with Georgette around and sometimes even Akobe), and this seems to be acceptable. I can only imagine how much that behavior would be rejected in the U.S.
Akobe doesn’t have a vacuum, so a “balet” is used for sweeping dirt off the carpets and on the floor. A balet is a bunch of palm tree stems that have been tied together. They are only about a foot and a half long, so anyone using it has to constantly bend over to sweep/brush. Myjolie mops the floor with a rag, bending over. I can’t tell you how much I’d love to introduce these people to a mop and small vacuum…
Speaking of floors, decorative, sticky flooring is very popular to use here. If the previous owner had an ugly plastic floor or it was damaged, sticky flooring is the way to cover it up. It’s a real pain when Boo Boo zooms around in his walker because he always gets caught on it and pulls it up. I guess it beats having to pay to have flooring replaced and is much cheaper I’m sure!
Clothing
I have noticed that gender and what people wear here really doesn’t matter. For instance, Boo Boo will wear pajamas with pink flowers on them or wear Hello Kitty underpants. At the orphanage, I’ve noticed both the boys and girls wearing something of the opposite gender whether it’s pants or a t-shirt. Same thing goes for people out in public. I’ve seen men wearing pink helmets or powder blue helmets. Now you know that if that were back in the states, a man would catch hell for wearing a pink helmet…
Another popular thing that motorbike drivers like to wear are toboggans or some type of fuzzy, winter hat. This is hard for me to comprehend since they live in tropical weather year round, and it’s just hot here! Why you would want to wear a hot, winter hat in 80-90 degree weather is beyond me. Sometimes you even see motorbike drivers wearing a coat too. As the saying goes, to each his own…
I’ve seen Michael Jordan wear here everywhere. I have seen a Texas A&M sticker on a 4Runner, a Texas A&M hat, a Rutgers t-shirt and an Ohio State t-shirt. I’m thinking I may leave my NC State t-shirt to Larissa at the orphanage in order to introduce a North Carolina University to Cameroon-lol.
Forgotten Mentionables
I forget to include the following in my blog about Limbe and Mt. Cameroon. On the way to Mt. Cameroon and coming back, we saw a few men herding oxen on the main road! I got some good pics of the one we passed coming back to Douala. Also, when we reached the edge of Douala, the rental car died. The driver let it run out of gas, so Daniel and the driver push the car up a hill to the nearest gas station. Now at this point I’m irritated because I’ve been crowded in the back of the car with 3 people for an hour and a half, ready to get back to the apartment. No gas? Really?! I did manage to get a pic of the guys pushing the car to the gas station though.
In case you are wondering, it looks like I may have to wait until I return to Raleigh to download the rest of my pics. Oh how I miss my laptop…
This Week & Shopping
The usual occurred this week, taxi drivers and various people wanting my phone number (shocker). I had one taxi driver whose finger nails were so long that I wanted to ask if he ever got manicures-ugh.
Solange and Marie asked me to go with them to shop for orphanage items on Thursday. The previous volunteer, Vanessa, had raised $3000 for the orphanage and sent it to Solange. $3000 is equal to
$1.5 million francs, so they had quite a list of things to buy. I managed to get the guy at the electronics store to knock of 15,000 francs on the TV cost and 10,000 francs for the office chair (and yes, the broken office chair is gone!). The Arno store reminded me of a Big Lots/Walmart store, as it had everything from office supplies to perfume. Arno gives the orphanage a discount, so we wanted to be sure to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, we were unable to buy a discounted TV there because the TVs were not owned by Arno (outside vendor), which I thought was rather weird. They did buy the first full broom, dust pan and blender for the orphanage. We went to the hardware store and bought light bulbs and new netting to cover the current netting with holes on the orphanage windows (gotta keep those pesky mosquitoes out!).
The kids were so excited when we returned to the orphanage with a new TV. Parfait set it up immediately, but sadly, we couldn’t get a picture to come through. But when I showed up the next day, there was a picture and sound thankfully! The old TV had been without sound for over a year!
Yesterday, Solange, Marie, Jessica (another new volunteer named Jessica) and I went shopping again. We bought these adorable little plastic chairs of various colors for the kids to sit on, new pots for cooking (big ones!), a meat grinder, and various foods. Solange wanted to buy some new glasses for guests and decided to get 2 boxes. The guy wanted more money after what he had quoted her, so I took the 5000 note back, handed the glasses back to him and walked away. He immediately said ok and handed the glasses to me while taking the 5000 note back. My bargaining trick works every time-lol. We also bought curtain material to replace the curtains in the sitting room area. I got the guy to come off the cost by $2000 francs, but no more since it was his brother’s business. Oh well!
I had a guy come up to me and start talking to me at the market after I corrected his friend (and calling him ‘’Le noir’’) when he referred to me as ‘’La Blanche.’’ Then ALL of his friends gathered around me to talk to me. This guy called me the ‘’American Princess’’, and all Solange and Marie could do was laugh at the male audience I was surrounded by and my comments to the guys. I asked if they worked at all since they were all standing around having nothing better to do than harass me. I told the guy who called me ‘’La Blanche’’ that he talked too much and his friends laughed at my comment.
The new volunteer, Jessica, is Korean and was adopted as a baby by an American caucasian family. She grew up in Seattle and just finished a year and a half working as an au pere in Paris. When we walked through the market, I would hear sounds like ‘’Ching chong chung’’ as males commented rudely assuming that she is chinese. I was so ticked off yesterday, that I’d turn around, look at anybody who made those types of noises and inform them that we were American, where race and color do not matter. Let’s just say that my comments shut anybody up who had something to say about Jessica or this ‘’La Blanche’’…
Water Treatment Update
In case you were wondering why a water filter or water treatment system was not purchased when we were shopping this week, it is because we were not in the area where they can be purchased (Douala is a huge city divided up into various sections). Plus, I am waiting to receive a lump sum donation from my parents this coming week that will pay for it, which I will give to the orphanage as a gift, hopefully along with other items they need (mattresses, clothes, underwear, crayons, etc.). I cannot wait to go shopping for the orphanage with the donations that I receive!
The time I have stayed here in Douala, it seems just the same as at home bathroom-wise. Gawd forbid somebody replace the empty toilet paper roll with a new one. Maybe that’s a universal thing rather than a cultural thing-lol.
At the apartment…
At the beginning of February, the house help returned to the apartment. Apparently she had been absent for quite a while due to a broken leg. Her name is Myjolie, which means “my pretty” in French. She’s looks to be in her early 20s, and she works 8-5 Monday-Saturdays. She does the laundry, helps prepare meals, cleans the apartment and helps with the baby when needed. The work ethic here is rather odd because I’ll sometimes come home to her Myjolie on the floor or watching TV (with Georgette around and sometimes even Akobe), and this seems to be acceptable. I can only imagine how much that behavior would be rejected in the U.S.
Akobe doesn’t have a vacuum, so a “balet” is used for sweeping dirt off the carpets and on the floor. A balet is a bunch of palm tree stems that have been tied together. They are only about a foot and a half long, so anyone using it has to constantly bend over to sweep/brush. Myjolie mops the floor with a rag, bending over. I can’t tell you how much I’d love to introduce these people to a mop and small vacuum…
Speaking of floors, decorative, sticky flooring is very popular to use here. If the previous owner had an ugly plastic floor or it was damaged, sticky flooring is the way to cover it up. It’s a real pain when Boo Boo zooms around in his walker because he always gets caught on it and pulls it up. I guess it beats having to pay to have flooring replaced and is much cheaper I’m sure!
Clothing
I have noticed that gender and what people wear here really doesn’t matter. For instance, Boo Boo will wear pajamas with pink flowers on them or wear Hello Kitty underpants. At the orphanage, I’ve noticed both the boys and girls wearing something of the opposite gender whether it’s pants or a t-shirt. Same thing goes for people out in public. I’ve seen men wearing pink helmets or powder blue helmets. Now you know that if that were back in the states, a man would catch hell for wearing a pink helmet…
Another popular thing that motorbike drivers like to wear are toboggans or some type of fuzzy, winter hat. This is hard for me to comprehend since they live in tropical weather year round, and it’s just hot here! Why you would want to wear a hot, winter hat in 80-90 degree weather is beyond me. Sometimes you even see motorbike drivers wearing a coat too. As the saying goes, to each his own…
I’ve seen Michael Jordan wear here everywhere. I have seen a Texas A&M sticker on a 4Runner, a Texas A&M hat, a Rutgers t-shirt and an Ohio State t-shirt. I’m thinking I may leave my NC State t-shirt to Larissa at the orphanage in order to introduce a North Carolina University to Cameroon-lol.
Forgotten Mentionables
I forget to include the following in my blog about Limbe and Mt. Cameroon. On the way to Mt. Cameroon and coming back, we saw a few men herding oxen on the main road! I got some good pics of the one we passed coming back to Douala. Also, when we reached the edge of Douala, the rental car died. The driver let it run out of gas, so Daniel and the driver push the car up a hill to the nearest gas station. Now at this point I’m irritated because I’ve been crowded in the back of the car with 3 people for an hour and a half, ready to get back to the apartment. No gas? Really?! I did manage to get a pic of the guys pushing the car to the gas station though.
In case you are wondering, it looks like I may have to wait until I return to Raleigh to download the rest of my pics. Oh how I miss my laptop…
This Week & Shopping
The usual occurred this week, taxi drivers and various people wanting my phone number (shocker). I had one taxi driver whose finger nails were so long that I wanted to ask if he ever got manicures-ugh.
Solange and Marie asked me to go with them to shop for orphanage items on Thursday. The previous volunteer, Vanessa, had raised $3000 for the orphanage and sent it to Solange. $3000 is equal to
$1.5 million francs, so they had quite a list of things to buy. I managed to get the guy at the electronics store to knock of 15,000 francs on the TV cost and 10,000 francs for the office chair (and yes, the broken office chair is gone!). The Arno store reminded me of a Big Lots/Walmart store, as it had everything from office supplies to perfume. Arno gives the orphanage a discount, so we wanted to be sure to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, we were unable to buy a discounted TV there because the TVs were not owned by Arno (outside vendor), which I thought was rather weird. They did buy the first full broom, dust pan and blender for the orphanage. We went to the hardware store and bought light bulbs and new netting to cover the current netting with holes on the orphanage windows (gotta keep those pesky mosquitoes out!).
The kids were so excited when we returned to the orphanage with a new TV. Parfait set it up immediately, but sadly, we couldn’t get a picture to come through. But when I showed up the next day, there was a picture and sound thankfully! The old TV had been without sound for over a year!
Yesterday, Solange, Marie, Jessica (another new volunteer named Jessica) and I went shopping again. We bought these adorable little plastic chairs of various colors for the kids to sit on, new pots for cooking (big ones!), a meat grinder, and various foods. Solange wanted to buy some new glasses for guests and decided to get 2 boxes. The guy wanted more money after what he had quoted her, so I took the 5000 note back, handed the glasses back to him and walked away. He immediately said ok and handed the glasses to me while taking the 5000 note back. My bargaining trick works every time-lol. We also bought curtain material to replace the curtains in the sitting room area. I got the guy to come off the cost by $2000 francs, but no more since it was his brother’s business. Oh well!
I had a guy come up to me and start talking to me at the market after I corrected his friend (and calling him ‘’Le noir’’) when he referred to me as ‘’La Blanche.’’ Then ALL of his friends gathered around me to talk to me. This guy called me the ‘’American Princess’’, and all Solange and Marie could do was laugh at the male audience I was surrounded by and my comments to the guys. I asked if they worked at all since they were all standing around having nothing better to do than harass me. I told the guy who called me ‘’La Blanche’’ that he talked too much and his friends laughed at my comment.
The new volunteer, Jessica, is Korean and was adopted as a baby by an American caucasian family. She grew up in Seattle and just finished a year and a half working as an au pere in Paris. When we walked through the market, I would hear sounds like ‘’Ching chong chung’’ as males commented rudely assuming that she is chinese. I was so ticked off yesterday, that I’d turn around, look at anybody who made those types of noises and inform them that we were American, where race and color do not matter. Let’s just say that my comments shut anybody up who had something to say about Jessica or this ‘’La Blanche’’…
Water Treatment Update
In case you were wondering why a water filter or water treatment system was not purchased when we were shopping this week, it is because we were not in the area where they can be purchased (Douala is a huge city divided up into various sections). Plus, I am waiting to receive a lump sum donation from my parents this coming week that will pay for it, which I will give to the orphanage as a gift, hopefully along with other items they need (mattresses, clothes, underwear, crayons, etc.). I cannot wait to go shopping for the orphanage with the donations that I receive!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Monetary Donations for Clean Drinking Water & Shipping of Items
The number one item I am determined to buy for the children while I am here in Douala is a water filtration system. I recently found out that the orphanage is not using tap water for drinking, but is collecting drinking water from the river. The water is not filtered nor treated, so the staff and children are drinking filthy, polluted water. After passing several water sources on the way to the orphanage, there is no telling what the river water has been exposed to chemically, garbage-wise, as well as human waste-wise. The children are often sick due to the untreated water, and all of them have a skin rash on their bodies that is in the form of numerous bumps on their skin.
I am in the midst of searching for a water filter system, so I cannot tell you as to how much money I need in order to buy one yet. It has been quite difficult to find someone who knows of a business who sells water filtration systems, so I have Jeromie and another friend asking around. I can find water filtration systems online with no problem, but have not found where to purchase here in Cameroon as of yet. Even so, I am not giving up my goal of clean drinking water for the children and am determined that they have access to clean drinking water prior to my parting at the end of this month!
Many people have been stoked to ship things to the orphanage; however, I have found that shipping here from the U.S. is extremely expensive. A 21”x21”x13” box was quoted as being $929.61, and a 17”x13”x11” box was quoted to be $355.47-that doesn’t even cover the weight of the box shipped. The other problem with shipping is that when a box arrives, the orphanage must pay taxes on the box(es) and taxes are very expensive here even for a not-for-profit orphanage.
I have tried my darndest to set up a Paypal account for donations, but unfortunately Paypal has blacklisted Cameroon. This is why I am posting donation requests so late, as well as my laptop being stolen has not helped! A lot of people have asked about sending donations to the orphanage website; however, it is not working. I have found that the link does not work in the U.S. because there are no banks that have any direct business links to Cameroon banks.
Due to my limited time here, I am asking people to send me their donations by MoneyGram (cheaper) or Western Union, and then e-mailing me the transaction number at superswade@gmail.com. Be sure to enter my full name: Susan Charles Wade, and you should only need to enter that I am in Douala, Cameroon. I can pick donations up anywhere at a MoneyGram or Western Union location in Cameroon (they are everywhere), so you wouldn’t need a specific address for me here. If you would prefer to not pay to send donations to me, my parents are collecting money in order to send me a lump sum donation. If you decide to do this instead, please contact my parents at my Dad’s office at 336-882-4131 or at my parents’ house after 6 pm at 336-476-4670 in order to make arrangements to get money to them. Just please keep in mind that I am only here in Douala until Feb. 28 and need all donations to be sent to me no later than Feb. 25.
Here in Cameroon, the government has no such system for donations to be tax deductible; therefore, the orphanage must depend on donations locally and abroad in order to continue to stay open. Someone asked me a very good question and asked, “Why does the orphanage not get help from local churches, companies or the government?” The Cameroonian government is so corrupt that it only cares about continuing to be corrupt. Companies will not donate due to donations not benefitting them (no tax write off). Also, many companies have run into problems where people who have requested donations have falsely posed as volunteers from an organization only to keep the financial donation or selling donated material items at the market. The majority of people in Cameroon are poor, so the churches do not collect many donations and as a result, the churches do not have money to spend on needy families or orphanages.
As you know now, all orphanage donations will not be a tax write off. I truly hope that this will not prevent my friends, family members, schools and churches from opening their hearts and donating to these wonderful children in need of not only clean water, but food and other necessities. I promise you that all money collected will only be spent on the children. Money leftover after my purchasing a water filtration system will be invested in the following requested items by the orphanage director, Solange: food, children’s underwear, children’s clothes, a table where the children can sit to eat, a radio (have none), TV (current one has no sound), chairs, mattresses, pots/pans, screen material to cover up screens with holes, and a new computer. I will continue to collect money after I leave Cameroon, so if I receive late donations, it will be fine. I will send a lump sum to Solange a few weeks after I return to the U.S.
I am in the midst of searching for a water filter system, so I cannot tell you as to how much money I need in order to buy one yet. It has been quite difficult to find someone who knows of a business who sells water filtration systems, so I have Jeromie and another friend asking around. I can find water filtration systems online with no problem, but have not found where to purchase here in Cameroon as of yet. Even so, I am not giving up my goal of clean drinking water for the children and am determined that they have access to clean drinking water prior to my parting at the end of this month!
Many people have been stoked to ship things to the orphanage; however, I have found that shipping here from the U.S. is extremely expensive. A 21”x21”x13” box was quoted as being $929.61, and a 17”x13”x11” box was quoted to be $355.47-that doesn’t even cover the weight of the box shipped. The other problem with shipping is that when a box arrives, the orphanage must pay taxes on the box(es) and taxes are very expensive here even for a not-for-profit orphanage.
I have tried my darndest to set up a Paypal account for donations, but unfortunately Paypal has blacklisted Cameroon. This is why I am posting donation requests so late, as well as my laptop being stolen has not helped! A lot of people have asked about sending donations to the orphanage website; however, it is not working. I have found that the link does not work in the U.S. because there are no banks that have any direct business links to Cameroon banks.
Due to my limited time here, I am asking people to send me their donations by MoneyGram (cheaper) or Western Union, and then e-mailing me the transaction number at superswade@gmail.com. Be sure to enter my full name: Susan Charles Wade, and you should only need to enter that I am in Douala, Cameroon. I can pick donations up anywhere at a MoneyGram or Western Union location in Cameroon (they are everywhere), so you wouldn’t need a specific address for me here. If you would prefer to not pay to send donations to me, my parents are collecting money in order to send me a lump sum donation. If you decide to do this instead, please contact my parents at my Dad’s office at 336-882-4131 or at my parents’ house after 6 pm at 336-476-4670 in order to make arrangements to get money to them. Just please keep in mind that I am only here in Douala until Feb. 28 and need all donations to be sent to me no later than Feb. 25.
Here in Cameroon, the government has no such system for donations to be tax deductible; therefore, the orphanage must depend on donations locally and abroad in order to continue to stay open. Someone asked me a very good question and asked, “Why does the orphanage not get help from local churches, companies or the government?” The Cameroonian government is so corrupt that it only cares about continuing to be corrupt. Companies will not donate due to donations not benefitting them (no tax write off). Also, many companies have run into problems where people who have requested donations have falsely posed as volunteers from an organization only to keep the financial donation or selling donated material items at the market. The majority of people in Cameroon are poor, so the churches do not collect many donations and as a result, the churches do not have money to spend on needy families or orphanages.
As you know now, all orphanage donations will not be a tax write off. I truly hope that this will not prevent my friends, family members, schools and churches from opening their hearts and donating to these wonderful children in need of not only clean water, but food and other necessities. I promise you that all money collected will only be spent on the children. Money leftover after my purchasing a water filtration system will be invested in the following requested items by the orphanage director, Solange: food, children’s underwear, children’s clothes, a table where the children can sit to eat, a radio (have none), TV (current one has no sound), chairs, mattresses, pots/pans, screen material to cover up screens with holes, and a new computer. I will continue to collect money after I leave Cameroon, so if I receive late donations, it will be fine. I will send a lump sum to Solange a few weeks after I return to the U.S.
The week of Feb. 7 -11, and random thoughts/wishes
Solange asked me to accompany her to the Department of Social Affairs (DSA) this week, which oversees the orphanage. We were walking through the parking lot and to both the left and right there were copy machines set up. If you needed a copy of something, you just walked up and asked the person behind the machine to make you a copy or copies of whatever it was that you needed. Of course, the copy machines all looked as if they were from the 80s and probably were that old.
When Solange and I walked into the DSA building, the first thing I saw was an old bookshelf with piles of documents on them. I couldn’t help but wonder what the documents were and if there was such a thing as archiving or even filing at the department. When we walked into the waiting area, a lady was sitting at a clear desk with her cell phone in front of her and nothing else. No computer, no phone, no fax machine, no nothing! When we were asked to go back to Mercie’s office, she also did not have a computer and had piles of documents on her desk. How in the world do those people function without computers, archives or any type of organization whatsoever?!
Mercie was super nice and spoke both French and English. She was very interested in me and asked all sorts of questions. She even offered to show me the town where she was from just so that I could get a different perspective on the culture that she grew up in. I was extremely pleased to be able to speak with someone in fluent English and ask her questions about where I could find school supplies for the children, water filtration systems, etc.
Afterward, Solange and I returned to the orphanage where Marie was working, and she had a male friend visiting her. His name was Antoine, and we spoke in both French and English. We talked for a long time, and I learned that he is very interested in green energy and finding a way to create computers to run on solar energy. With my masters focus on sustainable development, we instantly became friends. He told me that it is his dream to come to the U.S. and compete against the computer engineers in Silicon Valley. One of the funniest things that I learned from Antoine is that he assumed that all Americans had guns. I burst out laughing when he told me this and proceeded to tell him that if every American had a gun, then I’d probably never leave my house-lol.
Antoine told me that he had never felt a white woman’s hair and asked if he could touch my hair. Afterward, I was told that it felt like a lion’s mane and a zebra’s tail-ouch! I told him that normally my hair is soft, but due to the hard water here in Africa and it being blown in the wind that my hair stays quite frizzy and coarse here. I’m not sure if he believed me or not though-lol.
After Antoine left, some of the kids asked to see my pictures on Facebook. They liked my house and particularly liked my skydiving pictures. They were amazed that I jumped out of an airplane at 17,000 feet.
The other day I stopped by Patrice’s house to check my e-mail. Patrice is a good friend of Jeromie’s, and he has a small room in his mother’s home set up for public internet use. I’d say that he is doing rather well with his business because he just had a window air conditioning unit installed in his room-lol. Patrice cracks me up when he laughs because he laughs EXACTLY like Eddy Murphy. He is supposedly working on getting a loaner laptop for me to work on, but that has not yet happened (it was requested over a week ago). Almost daily I am over at his business harassing him to hurry it up.
Random Things
One of the most random things I see almost daily during the week are these three white goats. When riding in a taxi, there is a particular patch of land that these goats graze on in a very busy area and they are almost always there. No idea who they belong to (shocker), but I do feel sorry for them as I wish I could buy a bale of hay for them to get some proper nutrition.
Speaking of random animals, the goats made me think of a horse that I saw grazing on the side of the road last weekend on the way to Mt. Cameroon. It was not fenced in or tied up-nothing. I wondered if it had escaped from a pasture or if it was another one of the many roaming animals of another irresponsible animal owner…
I have seen a few people here in wheelchairs that one would see in the U.S., but I have seen a few people in wheelchairs with 3 wheels. They are very low to the ground and the front has a bicycle chain with handles on the sides to rotate the bicycle chain. It is very interesting to see, and one must be pretty physically fit in the upper half of their body to be able to maintain the rotating. Sometimes I see another person behind those in a 3 wheeled wheelchair, but I haven’t been able to see exactly what the person is doing. My guess is that they might be helping to steer.
I’ve had 3 taxi drivers ask me for my phone number this week, one claiming that he loved me repeatedly, and another driver asking if he could be my Cameroonian boyfriend. While standing at a very busy intersection with Solange, I had a guy on a motorbike chatting a way at me, but I was ignoring him. As I crossed the street, he yelled out, “I love you.” I cracked up laughing when I heard it, and I think he was rather pleased that he got some sort of reaction out of me.
Random Wishes
- I wish for my friends and family members to donate enough money for me to be able to buy a water treatment system for the orphanage..
- I wish to find affordable water treatment systems.
- If I never saw an ant again, I would be fine with it. I get so tired of sitting somewhere and feeling a tiny ant crawling on my arm or seeing them crawl on my plate, etc. They are everywhere, and I live on the third floor!
- I wish Akobe would not breast feed at the kitchen table!
- I wish to never sit and sweat ever again!
- I wish Paypal could be set up here in Cameroon.
- I wish I had my laptop back.
- I wish I didn’t have such a noisy roommate!
When Solange and I walked into the DSA building, the first thing I saw was an old bookshelf with piles of documents on them. I couldn’t help but wonder what the documents were and if there was such a thing as archiving or even filing at the department. When we walked into the waiting area, a lady was sitting at a clear desk with her cell phone in front of her and nothing else. No computer, no phone, no fax machine, no nothing! When we were asked to go back to Mercie’s office, she also did not have a computer and had piles of documents on her desk. How in the world do those people function without computers, archives or any type of organization whatsoever?!
Mercie was super nice and spoke both French and English. She was very interested in me and asked all sorts of questions. She even offered to show me the town where she was from just so that I could get a different perspective on the culture that she grew up in. I was extremely pleased to be able to speak with someone in fluent English and ask her questions about where I could find school supplies for the children, water filtration systems, etc.
Afterward, Solange and I returned to the orphanage where Marie was working, and she had a male friend visiting her. His name was Antoine, and we spoke in both French and English. We talked for a long time, and I learned that he is very interested in green energy and finding a way to create computers to run on solar energy. With my masters focus on sustainable development, we instantly became friends. He told me that it is his dream to come to the U.S. and compete against the computer engineers in Silicon Valley. One of the funniest things that I learned from Antoine is that he assumed that all Americans had guns. I burst out laughing when he told me this and proceeded to tell him that if every American had a gun, then I’d probably never leave my house-lol.
Antoine told me that he had never felt a white woman’s hair and asked if he could touch my hair. Afterward, I was told that it felt like a lion’s mane and a zebra’s tail-ouch! I told him that normally my hair is soft, but due to the hard water here in Africa and it being blown in the wind that my hair stays quite frizzy and coarse here. I’m not sure if he believed me or not though-lol.
After Antoine left, some of the kids asked to see my pictures on Facebook. They liked my house and particularly liked my skydiving pictures. They were amazed that I jumped out of an airplane at 17,000 feet.
The other day I stopped by Patrice’s house to check my e-mail. Patrice is a good friend of Jeromie’s, and he has a small room in his mother’s home set up for public internet use. I’d say that he is doing rather well with his business because he just had a window air conditioning unit installed in his room-lol. Patrice cracks me up when he laughs because he laughs EXACTLY like Eddy Murphy. He is supposedly working on getting a loaner laptop for me to work on, but that has not yet happened (it was requested over a week ago). Almost daily I am over at his business harassing him to hurry it up.
Random Things
One of the most random things I see almost daily during the week are these three white goats. When riding in a taxi, there is a particular patch of land that these goats graze on in a very busy area and they are almost always there. No idea who they belong to (shocker), but I do feel sorry for them as I wish I could buy a bale of hay for them to get some proper nutrition.
Speaking of random animals, the goats made me think of a horse that I saw grazing on the side of the road last weekend on the way to Mt. Cameroon. It was not fenced in or tied up-nothing. I wondered if it had escaped from a pasture or if it was another one of the many roaming animals of another irresponsible animal owner…
I have seen a few people here in wheelchairs that one would see in the U.S., but I have seen a few people in wheelchairs with 3 wheels. They are very low to the ground and the front has a bicycle chain with handles on the sides to rotate the bicycle chain. It is very interesting to see, and one must be pretty physically fit in the upper half of their body to be able to maintain the rotating. Sometimes I see another person behind those in a 3 wheeled wheelchair, but I haven’t been able to see exactly what the person is doing. My guess is that they might be helping to steer.
I’ve had 3 taxi drivers ask me for my phone number this week, one claiming that he loved me repeatedly, and another driver asking if he could be my Cameroonian boyfriend. While standing at a very busy intersection with Solange, I had a guy on a motorbike chatting a way at me, but I was ignoring him. As I crossed the street, he yelled out, “I love you.” I cracked up laughing when I heard it, and I think he was rather pleased that he got some sort of reaction out of me.
Random Wishes
- I wish for my friends and family members to donate enough money for me to be able to buy a water treatment system for the orphanage..
- I wish to find affordable water treatment systems.
- If I never saw an ant again, I would be fine with it. I get so tired of sitting somewhere and feeling a tiny ant crawling on my arm or seeing them crawl on my plate, etc. They are everywhere, and I live on the third floor!
- I wish Akobe would not breast feed at the kitchen table!
- I wish to never sit and sweat ever again!
- I wish Paypal could be set up here in Cameroon.
- I wish I had my laptop back.
- I wish I didn’t have such a noisy roommate!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Mt. Cameroon and Limbe-the interesting weekend
Last weekend, Akobe, Jeromie and the THEX volunteers all went to Mt. Cameroon to move a volunteer into the new THEX rental there. Akobe had told us that she had rented a car, so we were glad to hear this news since there were 3 people sitting in the front of the car and 4 of us in the back. The car we were in looked like a taxi, and it had a big crack in the windshield and a big splatter of dried bird poop right in the driver’s view. It wasn’t until about 30 minutes into the trip that all of us volunteers realized that we were crammed into the ACTUAL rental car. It was quite an uncomfortable hour and a half ride to Mt. Cameroon, but somehow we all managed to survive it.
The crammed ride was TOTALLY worth what awaited for us. The weather was nice, as a cool breeze came down the mountain to the new charming rental home. There was no humidity outside, so we were all very content. Unfortunately, the rental did not have running water yet, so we had to bucket flush-which I am a pro at by now. There were 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a storage room, and a huge sitting room. The volunteer that moved into the rental, Tom, was from Scotland. He is a nurse and is working with the HIV¬/AIDS program in the next town over. He was very nice and quite interesting to talk to about Scotland.
Before bedtime, I started to do the math in my head in regard to sleeping arrangements. There were 4 single beds and 8 of us. Akobe had planned on there being 2 people per bed, which I must say was not a very wise or comfortable idea. I ended up sharing a room with Daniel and Valentino, a British couple, and sharing a bed with Mary Claire who I had promised that I would not spoon-lol. Mary Claire is the house maid where Valentino and Daniel live in Douala. They said that she never goes out, and she is rather a young girl. I thought it was very nice of them to invite her to join us. Mary and I went for a long walk so that I could take pictures, and we chatted a long while. She has a sister who is studying medicine at UNC-small world, huh?
The four of us were pretty tired and crashed at the same time, although I ended up playing the game 20 questions with Valentino and Daniel. Daniel mostly asked the questions, and I answered questions about the NFL, college stadiums, how big NC State’s campus is, how big NC State’s football stadium is, the RBC arena, etc. He and Valentino couldn’t believe how large NC State’s football stadium is in comparison to the football stadiums in the UK.
During the night, the temperature dropped considerably and a big storm came through. What I must explain to you is that in Africa, hardly any windows have glass on them unless it is an elite person’s home. The only thing that covers windows here are screens and/or ornate iron covers or rows of glass slats that can be shifted to point out, up or down, but can never be completely closed. Valentino had pointed the slats completely down in our room, but the cold air could not be kept out. I woke up to Mary pulling up the mattress cover,and we both slept under it trying to get somewhat warm-no sheets or blankets are on beds, which is typical of African people since it is mostly a hot, tropical climate. Poor Mary had to endure my waking up feeling as if I were falling off the bed about 4 or 5 times, so she woke up my jerking awake and accidentally bumping her. It was just too close for comfort-lol.
The following morning, we all left to have lunch in Limbe, a small beach town close by. I had been told that the fish served there was delicious, and I was not let down in the least when we were served grilled fish. It was absolutely delicious. We also had grilled popcorn shrimp and calamari, but they weren’t as good as the fish though. There was horseback riding on the beach, so it was pretty cool to see people ride up and down the beach. What I disliked was the fact that vendors constantly interrupted our meal wanting to sell stuff to us. We paid our server for everything, and when we were getting ready to leave, let’s just say things got very interesting…
Tom and Jessica had ordered a bottle of wine for lunch. Our table was never told that it had to pay separately for it versus our other drinks and meal. The guy who was running the stand where the wine came from had a conniption and accused us of not paying for the wine. He wouldn’t allow anybody to hardly speak and disbelieved us when told that we had paid our server for everything. In the meantime, our server was not exactly speaking up, which was no help whatsoever. Finally our driver confronted our server and told him to pay the wine guy what was owed to him. Even after being paid, the wine guy was still moaning and groaning, and all whole time I was thinking, ‘‘Would you like some cheese with your whine?’’ LOL
The crammed ride was TOTALLY worth what awaited for us. The weather was nice, as a cool breeze came down the mountain to the new charming rental home. There was no humidity outside, so we were all very content. Unfortunately, the rental did not have running water yet, so we had to bucket flush-which I am a pro at by now. There were 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a storage room, and a huge sitting room. The volunteer that moved into the rental, Tom, was from Scotland. He is a nurse and is working with the HIV¬/AIDS program in the next town over. He was very nice and quite interesting to talk to about Scotland.
Before bedtime, I started to do the math in my head in regard to sleeping arrangements. There were 4 single beds and 8 of us. Akobe had planned on there being 2 people per bed, which I must say was not a very wise or comfortable idea. I ended up sharing a room with Daniel and Valentino, a British couple, and sharing a bed with Mary Claire who I had promised that I would not spoon-lol. Mary Claire is the house maid where Valentino and Daniel live in Douala. They said that she never goes out, and she is rather a young girl. I thought it was very nice of them to invite her to join us. Mary and I went for a long walk so that I could take pictures, and we chatted a long while. She has a sister who is studying medicine at UNC-small world, huh?
The four of us were pretty tired and crashed at the same time, although I ended up playing the game 20 questions with Valentino and Daniel. Daniel mostly asked the questions, and I answered questions about the NFL, college stadiums, how big NC State’s campus is, how big NC State’s football stadium is, the RBC arena, etc. He and Valentino couldn’t believe how large NC State’s football stadium is in comparison to the football stadiums in the UK.
During the night, the temperature dropped considerably and a big storm came through. What I must explain to you is that in Africa, hardly any windows have glass on them unless it is an elite person’s home. The only thing that covers windows here are screens and/or ornate iron covers or rows of glass slats that can be shifted to point out, up or down, but can never be completely closed. Valentino had pointed the slats completely down in our room, but the cold air could not be kept out. I woke up to Mary pulling up the mattress cover,and we both slept under it trying to get somewhat warm-no sheets or blankets are on beds, which is typical of African people since it is mostly a hot, tropical climate. Poor Mary had to endure my waking up feeling as if I were falling off the bed about 4 or 5 times, so she woke up my jerking awake and accidentally bumping her. It was just too close for comfort-lol.
The following morning, we all left to have lunch in Limbe, a small beach town close by. I had been told that the fish served there was delicious, and I was not let down in the least when we were served grilled fish. It was absolutely delicious. We also had grilled popcorn shrimp and calamari, but they weren’t as good as the fish though. There was horseback riding on the beach, so it was pretty cool to see people ride up and down the beach. What I disliked was the fact that vendors constantly interrupted our meal wanting to sell stuff to us. We paid our server for everything, and when we were getting ready to leave, let’s just say things got very interesting…
Tom and Jessica had ordered a bottle of wine for lunch. Our table was never told that it had to pay separately for it versus our other drinks and meal. The guy who was running the stand where the wine came from had a conniption and accused us of not paying for the wine. He wouldn’t allow anybody to hardly speak and disbelieved us when told that we had paid our server for everything. In the meantime, our server was not exactly speaking up, which was no help whatsoever. Finally our driver confronted our server and told him to pay the wine guy what was owed to him. Even after being paid, the wine guy was still moaning and groaning, and all whole time I was thinking, ‘‘Would you like some cheese with your whine?’’ LOL
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Taxi Driver's E-mail
Since I do not have a Cameroonian phone nor give out my address when asked for it, I tested one (or two maybe) taxi drivers to see if they would e-mail me. I received one e-mail from Isaac, who I can't recall at all because 1) I didn't care to remember his name when I met him or 2) I misunderstood his name when he told me. I got the following e-mail from Isaac, who apparently does not know how to write in English very well:
Good evining Susan there is the driver who has carry you yesterday from general hospital to Logbeba. My name is Isaac i have wish that we walk away this week-end (walk away where?) but you was busy which your brother (I had no idea I had a brother in Africa-lol). I don't know if you can have time in the week to a rendez-vous (I need this to be defined...) this week so that i want to see again your beautiful face (can we say suck up because he wants a ticket to the U.S.?). I wish you a good nigth and hope that we will see in the week
ISAAC 96472822
I like the fact that his name is in capital letters with his # beside of it, but it's too bad that Isaac will be receiving a goodbye e-mail in response-lol.
Good evining Susan there is the driver who has carry you yesterday from general hospital to Logbeba. My name is Isaac i have wish that we walk away this week-end (walk away where?) but you was busy which your brother (I had no idea I had a brother in Africa-lol). I don't know if you can have time in the week to a rendez-vous (I need this to be defined...) this week so that i want to see again your beautiful face (can we say suck up because he wants a ticket to the U.S.?). I wish you a good nigth and hope that we will see in the week
ISAAC 96472822
I like the fact that his name is in capital letters with his # beside of it, but it's too bad that Isaac will be receiving a goodbye e-mail in response-lol.
The neighbor's kid, non-African coffee, the stolen laptop and the new "Le blanche"
Last week, the neighbor’s kids came over one evening to visit with Boo Boo. The 2 kids didn’t really flinch when they saw me, until the littlest one came over to see what her older siblings were up to at Boo Boo’s home. She was probably about 2 years old and came to the door, which was propped open. She was about to enter the doorway, when she happened to look to the right to see me sitting at the kitchen table. She stopped dead in her tracks. I could see the worried look in her eyes, and as soon as I said hello to her, she slowly backed out of the doorway. Jeromie even motioned for her to come in and told her so, but there was coming into the apartment and no turning her back on the strange new white girl-lol.
Jeromie offered me coffee one morning, and I told him that I don’t drink coffee. He then proceeds to tell me this spill on how I should support the African economy and drink coffee while I’m here. As he’s talking, I look on the table to see what he’s drinking (since I recently wrote on my blog about not seeing coffee anywhere here or see it sold anywhere). He’s drinking Nescafe! Can we say hypocrite? I laughed and told him that Nescafe is an American company and to save his spill for another volunteer when he actually starts to drink African coffee…
I am sorry to say that my laptop was stolen on Friday morning on the way to the orphanage. I honestly do not know how it happened because my backpack was on my legs, and I was sitting up against the door in the front of the taxi. The guy sitting in the middle of the taxi wouldn’t sit still during the ride, so I am assuming I was distracted by this and that’s how it was stolen. I didn’t hear my backpack unzip to open, I didn’t feel it move, I didn’t see anybody’s hands close to it-I saw NOTHING. All of a sudden, I am all but tossed out of the taxi. I was asked to get out of the taxi as the driver pulls over, and before I knew it, the taxi’s gone before I even knew my laptop was stolen and can think to get a license tag. I was very disappointed and disgusted since all the fundraising documents that I’ve been working on were on it, along with all my pictures. They say the thieves here are absolute masterminds and magicians-I believe it.
A new volunteer arrived on Friday, Jessica, who is from Hawaii originally. She’s newly married to a Marine who has just been stationed recently in Jacksonville, NC. Needless to say, she’s not very impressed with Jacksonville (I wouldn’t either if I were from Hawaii-lol) and has chosen to travel the world while obtaining a second masters degree. She just finished an internship in Liberia and is here until May. Her husband is in Afghanistan and has recently had his stay extended, so they don’t see each other often since he’s overseas quite often and since she loves to travel. I told her that I’m just glad to not be the only white gal on the block anymore…
Jeromie offered me coffee one morning, and I told him that I don’t drink coffee. He then proceeds to tell me this spill on how I should support the African economy and drink coffee while I’m here. As he’s talking, I look on the table to see what he’s drinking (since I recently wrote on my blog about not seeing coffee anywhere here or see it sold anywhere). He’s drinking Nescafe! Can we say hypocrite? I laughed and told him that Nescafe is an American company and to save his spill for another volunteer when he actually starts to drink African coffee…
I am sorry to say that my laptop was stolen on Friday morning on the way to the orphanage. I honestly do not know how it happened because my backpack was on my legs, and I was sitting up against the door in the front of the taxi. The guy sitting in the middle of the taxi wouldn’t sit still during the ride, so I am assuming I was distracted by this and that’s how it was stolen. I didn’t hear my backpack unzip to open, I didn’t feel it move, I didn’t see anybody’s hands close to it-I saw NOTHING. All of a sudden, I am all but tossed out of the taxi. I was asked to get out of the taxi as the driver pulls over, and before I knew it, the taxi’s gone before I even knew my laptop was stolen and can think to get a license tag. I was very disappointed and disgusted since all the fundraising documents that I’ve been working on were on it, along with all my pictures. They say the thieves here are absolute masterminds and magicians-I believe it.
A new volunteer arrived on Friday, Jessica, who is from Hawaii originally. She’s newly married to a Marine who has just been stationed recently in Jacksonville, NC. Needless to say, she’s not very impressed with Jacksonville (I wouldn’t either if I were from Hawaii-lol) and has chosen to travel the world while obtaining a second masters degree. She just finished an internship in Liberia and is here until May. Her husband is in Afghanistan and has recently had his stay extended, so they don’t see each other often since he’s overseas quite often and since she loves to travel. I told her that I’m just glad to not be the only white gal on the block anymore…
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
More unexpected surprises, the strange meeting and the 20th century
I had my hair braided this past weekend and in payment I gave Deanne a fair trade bracelet made in India that I had gotten online from CARE2.com. She asked if it was made in the U.S., and I honestly didn’t have the heart to tell her no since most everything is made in China (and cheap) these days in the U.S. It’s the sad truth, isn’t it? Trust me, I try very hard to buy what I can made in the U.S. or buy fair trade goods vs. Made in China (or whatever), but sadly, there’s not much out there left to buy made in the good ol’ USA.
Sunday night, I was online chatting with a few friends when Jeromie comes into the room. He tells me that he has a surprise for me and to come out. I went into the kitchen, and he told me to look on the table. In a small, black plastic bag there were…wait for it…wait for it…2 cans of PEPSI! Wahoo! I danced a jig and jumped up and down because I was so happy and excited. I immediately opened one and felt the savor of my first African Pepsi, and it was awesome! I know Georgette, Akobie and Jeromie must’ve thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care!
Monday morning, Georgette pushed Boo Boo (in his walker) into the bedroom where he headed straight for my bed. The first thing that interested him was my round hair brush. Now this kid HATES it when anyone combs his hair. He picked up my brush and looked at it real seriously as if trying to make out exactly what it was, and then he started to wave it around. I took it from him briefly to brush his hair to see how he would react. It apparently felt good because he smiled and closed his eyes as I fluffed his hair. I gave it back to him to play with, and he must’ve hung on to it for about 20 minutes. I never would’ve guessed a hair brush could be so entertaining for a baby, but I made sure to get a picture of him with it while sucking his thumb. With Boo Boo walking everywhere and getting into everything, I have a feeling he’s going to be called “Boo Boo, No No!” very soon…
I soon left the apartment and was trying to find a taxi heading to the next taxi stop. Of course the taxi driver that stopped asked me how much I was going to pay him. I laughed at him and said in French, “No thank you. See ya.” What a jerk! I managed to catch the next taxi, and on the way to the orphanage, we passed a store front where I guess the person who was running the store was sitting outside on a toilet that was for sale. Man, I wish I could’ve gotten a shot of that!
When I entered the orphanage wall door, Gaelle and Champion both ran out the orphanage door, down the steps and right into my arms for great big hugs. I nearly fell over they rushed me so quickly. They’re huge welcome was a great way to start out the day though! When we got inside, I sat down and Gaelle immediately helped herself to sitting right in between my legs. Soon after I sat down, there was a meeting with some folks and Solange. I could understand some of the conversation, but not all of it. After the meeting, everyone who spoke in the meeting then stood up. They all said a prayer in unison, and then each broke off into their own prayer-aloud. It was quite strange watching and listening to all the mixed prayers, then everyone grew quiet and the man in the group said a few words. When he finished, they all again prayed aloud and this happened about three more times. All the while during the meeting and praying, I was sitting, listening and observing with Gaelle in my lap and Champion to my left trying to keep them both quiet while they listened to my iPod. After about an hour of the meeting and near the end of prayers, would you believe that Gaelle fell asleep with her head on my left arm?!
I often feel like I’m in the 20th century here. Last night, the electricity went off and on every few minutes, which it does that on occasion. It’s not so bad during the day when you have light, but it’s not so good at night or on days when it’s really hot out and you need the fans on so badly. Today, there wasn’t any water at the apartment until this evening. When I went to the market tonight, every single item had to be brought up on the monitor and then each item scanned for down a row by the cashier’s eyes (and there could be more than 10 items by the same brand). I was thinking, “Dear gawd! Someone seriously needs to introduce these people to bar code scanning!” At a gas station I go into on occasion, I noticed the other day that the cashier keeps inventory of what’s bought in a notebook. Every item that is bought for the day has a tick mark by it in the book. Craziness!
At dinner tonight, we ate our salads and our bread. Then we moved on to the main course, which was chicken mixed with vegetables. I happened to get a chicken leg and was trying to get to the bottom of the bowl to get more veggies to go with my chicken leg. Suddenly, there it was-the unexpected. I blinked, looked at it, turned my head away and then turned my head back to look at it again to see if maybe I was incorrect as to what it was exactly that I saw. Nope, it was what it was-a chicken foot attached to the leg in the dinner bowl. I quickly put the top back on the pot and tried not to think about it…
Sunday night, I was online chatting with a few friends when Jeromie comes into the room. He tells me that he has a surprise for me and to come out. I went into the kitchen, and he told me to look on the table. In a small, black plastic bag there were…wait for it…wait for it…2 cans of PEPSI! Wahoo! I danced a jig and jumped up and down because I was so happy and excited. I immediately opened one and felt the savor of my first African Pepsi, and it was awesome! I know Georgette, Akobie and Jeromie must’ve thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care!
Monday morning, Georgette pushed Boo Boo (in his walker) into the bedroom where he headed straight for my bed. The first thing that interested him was my round hair brush. Now this kid HATES it when anyone combs his hair. He picked up my brush and looked at it real seriously as if trying to make out exactly what it was, and then he started to wave it around. I took it from him briefly to brush his hair to see how he would react. It apparently felt good because he smiled and closed his eyes as I fluffed his hair. I gave it back to him to play with, and he must’ve hung on to it for about 20 minutes. I never would’ve guessed a hair brush could be so entertaining for a baby, but I made sure to get a picture of him with it while sucking his thumb. With Boo Boo walking everywhere and getting into everything, I have a feeling he’s going to be called “Boo Boo, No No!” very soon…
I soon left the apartment and was trying to find a taxi heading to the next taxi stop. Of course the taxi driver that stopped asked me how much I was going to pay him. I laughed at him and said in French, “No thank you. See ya.” What a jerk! I managed to catch the next taxi, and on the way to the orphanage, we passed a store front where I guess the person who was running the store was sitting outside on a toilet that was for sale. Man, I wish I could’ve gotten a shot of that!
When I entered the orphanage wall door, Gaelle and Champion both ran out the orphanage door, down the steps and right into my arms for great big hugs. I nearly fell over they rushed me so quickly. They’re huge welcome was a great way to start out the day though! When we got inside, I sat down and Gaelle immediately helped herself to sitting right in between my legs. Soon after I sat down, there was a meeting with some folks and Solange. I could understand some of the conversation, but not all of it. After the meeting, everyone who spoke in the meeting then stood up. They all said a prayer in unison, and then each broke off into their own prayer-aloud. It was quite strange watching and listening to all the mixed prayers, then everyone grew quiet and the man in the group said a few words. When he finished, they all again prayed aloud and this happened about three more times. All the while during the meeting and praying, I was sitting, listening and observing with Gaelle in my lap and Champion to my left trying to keep them both quiet while they listened to my iPod. After about an hour of the meeting and near the end of prayers, would you believe that Gaelle fell asleep with her head on my left arm?!
I often feel like I’m in the 20th century here. Last night, the electricity went off and on every few minutes, which it does that on occasion. It’s not so bad during the day when you have light, but it’s not so good at night or on days when it’s really hot out and you need the fans on so badly. Today, there wasn’t any water at the apartment until this evening. When I went to the market tonight, every single item had to be brought up on the monitor and then each item scanned for down a row by the cashier’s eyes (and there could be more than 10 items by the same brand). I was thinking, “Dear gawd! Someone seriously needs to introduce these people to bar code scanning!” At a gas station I go into on occasion, I noticed the other day that the cashier keeps inventory of what’s bought in a notebook. Every item that is bought for the day has a tick mark by it in the book. Craziness!
At dinner tonight, we ate our salads and our bread. Then we moved on to the main course, which was chicken mixed with vegetables. I happened to get a chicken leg and was trying to get to the bottom of the bowl to get more veggies to go with my chicken leg. Suddenly, there it was-the unexpected. I blinked, looked at it, turned my head away and then turned my head back to look at it again to see if maybe I was incorrect as to what it was exactly that I saw. Nope, it was what it was-a chicken foot attached to the leg in the dinner bowl. I quickly put the top back on the pot and tried not to think about it…
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Gaelle, the iPod, new observations and cake!
Thursday morning, I was walking up the street to grab a taxi and ran into two school girls. I happened to be wearing my bucket hat and sunglasses, and one of them had a bucket hat and sunglasses on too. The girls smiled and greeted me, and I told the girl with the hat on that I liked her hat. She just grinned and said she liked my hat back. When we parted, she said, “I love you.” Kinda weird, but hey, whatever!
When I reached the orphanage, I was greeted with open arms by Champion and Gaelle. Gaelle is Maria’s niece, and Maria is the orphanage administrative assistant. Maria will bring Gaelle some days to the orphanage so that she can play with Champion since they are close in age. Gaelle is 2 and just as cute as can be with her little turned up nose and round face (see her pic below). I had no choice but to pick up both kids, one in each arm, and carry them up the steps into the sitting area.
I introduced my iPod to the orphanage kids on Thursday, and those interested in it were actually very patient waiting to get an ear piece. The kids love to listen to it, which I don’t mind sharing it with them since they don’t have a radio at the orphanage and the TV no sound. I was going through my ipod’s menu yesterday when I noticed it had a video on it, which was odd because I don’t watch videos on my ipod and hadn’t downloaded any. I opened it up to see a 6 second close up of Janvier’s face-lol. He had no clue he was caught on video, and I doubt the kid who made the video knew what they were doing either!
I came to the realization this weekend that with Africa being a large coffee bean grower that I haven’t seen coffee sold or served anywhere here. You know how the U.S. has a Star Bucks on every corner or some kind of coffee shop, but you don’t see that here. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I just thought that it was interesting that I haven’t seen coffee anywhere. It is actually kind of refreshing not to see restaurant or coffee chains here like McDonald’s, Star Bucks, KFC, etc., because these chains are in Europe and kind of take away part of the ambiance of the European experience (or at least I think so).
Eggs are sold everywhere here and are not refrigerated. Stores/stands will usually have cartons with about 24 eggs stacked on top of one another right next to the checkout counter. Akobe and I stopped the other night to buy some eggs, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the difference would be between refrigerated and non-refrigerated eggs. My guess is that refrigerated eggs probably last longer.
Akobe bought a cake mix this week for me. She said she never knew a white person who didn’t like to eat cake. Come to think of it, I don’t know any white people who don’t like cake either-lol. It will be interesting to see what it tastes like, and I’ll be curious to see if there will be frosting on it. What’s a cake without yummy frosting, right?
I’ve had a few people ask me about donating items, and I have found that shipping here is quite expensive. Please stay tuned soon for a blog explaining about material/monetary donations…
When I reached the orphanage, I was greeted with open arms by Champion and Gaelle. Gaelle is Maria’s niece, and Maria is the orphanage administrative assistant. Maria will bring Gaelle some days to the orphanage so that she can play with Champion since they are close in age. Gaelle is 2 and just as cute as can be with her little turned up nose and round face (see her pic below). I had no choice but to pick up both kids, one in each arm, and carry them up the steps into the sitting area.
I introduced my iPod to the orphanage kids on Thursday, and those interested in it were actually very patient waiting to get an ear piece. The kids love to listen to it, which I don’t mind sharing it with them since they don’t have a radio at the orphanage and the TV no sound. I was going through my ipod’s menu yesterday when I noticed it had a video on it, which was odd because I don’t watch videos on my ipod and hadn’t downloaded any. I opened it up to see a 6 second close up of Janvier’s face-lol. He had no clue he was caught on video, and I doubt the kid who made the video knew what they were doing either!
I came to the realization this weekend that with Africa being a large coffee bean grower that I haven’t seen coffee sold or served anywhere here. You know how the U.S. has a Star Bucks on every corner or some kind of coffee shop, but you don’t see that here. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I just thought that it was interesting that I haven’t seen coffee anywhere. It is actually kind of refreshing not to see restaurant or coffee chains here like McDonald’s, Star Bucks, KFC, etc., because these chains are in Europe and kind of take away part of the ambiance of the European experience (or at least I think so).
Eggs are sold everywhere here and are not refrigerated. Stores/stands will usually have cartons with about 24 eggs stacked on top of one another right next to the checkout counter. Akobe and I stopped the other night to buy some eggs, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the difference would be between refrigerated and non-refrigerated eggs. My guess is that refrigerated eggs probably last longer.
Akobe bought a cake mix this week for me. She said she never knew a white person who didn’t like to eat cake. Come to think of it, I don’t know any white people who don’t like cake either-lol. It will be interesting to see what it tastes like, and I’ll be curious to see if there will be frosting on it. What’s a cake without yummy frosting, right?
I’ve had a few people ask me about donating items, and I have found that shipping here is quite expensive. Please stay tuned soon for a blog explaining about material/monetary donations…
Friday, January 28, 2011
Photos of the my neighborhood, the orphanage and the kids now on Snapfish
For those of you following my blog who are not on Facebook and aren't able to see my photos, please feel free to view my photos on snapfish. No need to register yourself. Enter my email address, scwade1@yahoo.com, and then enter the password africa. Here is the website: http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/welcome
I now have 5 albums; The Orphanage, The Orphanage Kids, My Neighborhood, Douala and Ethiopia. Enjoy!
I now have 5 albums; The Orphanage, The Orphanage Kids, My Neighborhood, Douala and Ethiopia. Enjoy!
Le Blanche, the new ride and Boo Boo's great adventure
On the way home in the taxi, we passed a huge confrontation in the parking lot of popular gas chain. All these men were gathered in a big circle surrounding the men who were arguing. The driver stopped soon after we passed the gas station to drop off a passenger. As the driver slowed down, we passed two men on the right side working under a car hood of which one of the two men saw me. As I sat there waiting, I heard a man yelling, “La blanche, la blanche, la blanche” (the white) over and over again to get my attention. I mean really! After hearing enough, I stuck my head out of the car and yelled back to him, “Le noir, le noir, le noir” (the black). He started cracking up at my response, as well as everybody in the taxi. As the driver pulled away, I stuck my arm out the window and waved goodbye without looking back at the guy. I told Deanne, Akobe and Jeromie my story later and they were all in stitches.
In the past 2 weeks, Jeromie has been looking at buying a used car. I had asked him if he had a death wish or just wanted to play Russian roulette, but instead with a car, with all the crazy drivers on the road. (You couldn’t pay me enough to drive on the roads because the drivers are so ridiculously out of control here.) When Jeromie got home last night, he told me that he bought a car and asked if I wanted to go see it. He bought a red RAV4 and was very proud of it. It looked to be rather well taken care of versus some of the other cars I’ve seen with “for sale” signs on them. Jeromie said, “Now we can all go on a beach trip!” I was thinking, “Oh goody, just what my white ass needs is to be hot and sunburned here! I’ll talk safari trip later this weekend with him…”
Earlier in the day, Boo Boo had worked really hard to walk from the end of the bench around the coffee table (pushed up against the bench) to the other side of the bench. Last night, I was watching Boo Boo walk around the living room table while the others ate dinner. I had just finished my water bottle and given it to Boo Boo (he loves to hold and play with water bottles). He lost his grip on the bottle, which slid to the other side of the coffee table out of his reach. Boo Boo proceeded to walk up and down the coffee table trying his darndest to reach the bottle without having to make the effort to walk to the other side of the table. At one time, he was staring at the bottle and started making sucking noises as if he was going to try to suck it over to his side of the table. After a bit, he finally decided to make the effort to go to the side of the coffee table and was so tired he decided to suck his thumb a bit to rest briefly. After his rest, he then finally rounded the corner to reach the other side. He finally was able to grab the bottle and as soon as he touched it, it rolled to the other side of the table-lol. The little guy had worked so hard to get to the other side only to lose the bottle again, so I handed it right back to him because I couldn’t stand that he had lost his reward so quickly after working so long and hard to obtain it! We all had a good laugh at Boo Boo and his efforts in about a 20 minute time span.
In the past 2 weeks, Jeromie has been looking at buying a used car. I had asked him if he had a death wish or just wanted to play Russian roulette, but instead with a car, with all the crazy drivers on the road. (You couldn’t pay me enough to drive on the roads because the drivers are so ridiculously out of control here.) When Jeromie got home last night, he told me that he bought a car and asked if I wanted to go see it. He bought a red RAV4 and was very proud of it. It looked to be rather well taken care of versus some of the other cars I’ve seen with “for sale” signs on them. Jeromie said, “Now we can all go on a beach trip!” I was thinking, “Oh goody, just what my white ass needs is to be hot and sunburned here! I’ll talk safari trip later this weekend with him…”
Earlier in the day, Boo Boo had worked really hard to walk from the end of the bench around the coffee table (pushed up against the bench) to the other side of the bench. Last night, I was watching Boo Boo walk around the living room table while the others ate dinner. I had just finished my water bottle and given it to Boo Boo (he loves to hold and play with water bottles). He lost his grip on the bottle, which slid to the other side of the coffee table out of his reach. Boo Boo proceeded to walk up and down the coffee table trying his darndest to reach the bottle without having to make the effort to walk to the other side of the table. At one time, he was staring at the bottle and started making sucking noises as if he was going to try to suck it over to his side of the table. After a bit, he finally decided to make the effort to go to the side of the coffee table and was so tired he decided to suck his thumb a bit to rest briefly. After his rest, he then finally rounded the corner to reach the other side. He finally was able to grab the bottle and as soon as he touched it, it rolled to the other side of the table-lol. The little guy had worked so hard to get to the other side only to lose the bottle again, so I handed it right back to him because I couldn’t stand that he had lost his reward so quickly after working so long and hard to obtain it! We all had a good laugh at Boo Boo and his efforts in about a 20 minute time span.
The "freakshow" and orphanage photos
When I arrived at the taxi stop Wednesday morning, I had someone come up beside me and start (or attempt) to talk to me in English while walking with me. He introduced himself as George, and all I really understood from him was that he was sick and was interested in America. He started to follow me to the orphanage, so I stopped prior to making a right turn toward it. George asked for my number, and I told him I didn’t have a telephone. He then asked me for my address, and I told him that I didn’t know it and was only aware of my taxi stop. George asked what I was doing this weekend, and I told him that I was going to the beach with my host family. George was very persistent at wanting to see me this coming weekend, and then hands over his telephone number and e-mail address for me. All the time he was talking to me, I was thinking, “Yeah, you’re sick alright, freakshow.” George finally left after my “promising” to e-mail him, and I stood where we had talked for a bit just to make sure that the “freakshow” didn’t follow me or do anything stupid.
Wednesday afternoon, when I pulled my camera out of my backpack, you would’ve thought I was giving away free candy as quickly as the children swarmed around me. They immediately began to pose for me, so they weren’t shy at all. I made sure to get an individual shot of each child so as not to be unfair or show favoritism.
On the way home from the orphanage, I ended up having to take a second taxi. He started small talk, which I’m used to by now, and then asked me for my phone number. Go figure.
Wednesday afternoon, when I pulled my camera out of my backpack, you would’ve thought I was giving away free candy as quickly as the children swarmed around me. They immediately began to pose for me, so they weren’t shy at all. I made sure to get an individual shot of each child so as not to be unfair or show favoritism.
On the way home from the orphanage, I ended up having to take a second taxi. He started small talk, which I’m used to by now, and then asked me for my phone number. Go figure.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Boo Boo, football and unexpected surprises...
Since I arrived, Jeromie has nicknamed David "Boo Boo." David seems to like his new nickname, and we all use it now. The kid cracks me up in his walker because the stupid "stoppers" (as I call them) always get caught when going to the floor onto the carpets. When he gets stuck, rather than crying and getting frustrated like most babies, Boo Boo sits and sucks his thumb. It happens often, so I guess he knows eventually someone will come to his rescue.
Boo Boo always fights going to bed every night. Sometimes when I hold him, I'll rock him to sleep. BUT, just when his eyes start rolling back and getting heavy, he'll quickly sit up as if to say, "What'd I miss? What'd I miss?" That will happen about 5 or 6 times before he finally falls asleep while sucking his thumb.
Boo Boo can pull himself up and sit up, but his "attempting" to crawl could use some work. He'll be on his stomach and lift all his limbs in the air, as if he is about to fly or swim in the air-lol. In the past week, he's finally figured out the crawling bit and that he's gotta work at it to actually get anywhere or to reach that toy he wants so badly that is out of his grasp.
While working at the orphanage yesterday, I was working on the computer when something caught the corner of my eye. I looked up and a big rat had entered the living room and went behind the bookshelves. Ugh! I asked Solange about it, and she said that there were "beaucoup" rats, which means that there are a lot. I hadn't encountered any in the 2 weeks I had been there prior, so I was not at all happy to see that the children are living in a rat infested house. I'm thinking I may see if I can find some rat poison here and donate it for them to use. There's no sense in the kids being exposed to filthy rats
I played football (soccer) with the kids yesterday also. It was so much fun, and I had a good time making the kids laugh by acting goofy. Mostly all the kids played barefooted and one or two played with flipflops on. Unfortunately, there is not much room to play in the yard, but we made the most of it. At one time, Melanie was goalie and I was chuckling to myself watching her dancing and making faces while everyone was preoccupied with trying to get the soccer ball.
On the way home from the orphanage in a taxi, it stopped and picked up a lady with a baby and 2 little girls. The girls were probably about 3 and 4 years old. When the girls saw me sitting in the front seat, they waved immediately and greeted me. While riding along, the 3 year old had her chin propped on my seat staring at me. After riding a few minutes, all of a sudden I felt this little index finger poking the side of my neck. It was as if she was checking to see if I was real or not-lol. It was too funny.
Boo Boo always fights going to bed every night. Sometimes when I hold him, I'll rock him to sleep. BUT, just when his eyes start rolling back and getting heavy, he'll quickly sit up as if to say, "What'd I miss? What'd I miss?" That will happen about 5 or 6 times before he finally falls asleep while sucking his thumb.
Boo Boo can pull himself up and sit up, but his "attempting" to crawl could use some work. He'll be on his stomach and lift all his limbs in the air, as if he is about to fly or swim in the air-lol. In the past week, he's finally figured out the crawling bit and that he's gotta work at it to actually get anywhere or to reach that toy he wants so badly that is out of his grasp.
While working at the orphanage yesterday, I was working on the computer when something caught the corner of my eye. I looked up and a big rat had entered the living room and went behind the bookshelves. Ugh! I asked Solange about it, and she said that there were "beaucoup" rats, which means that there are a lot. I hadn't encountered any in the 2 weeks I had been there prior, so I was not at all happy to see that the children are living in a rat infested house. I'm thinking I may see if I can find some rat poison here and donate it for them to use. There's no sense in the kids being exposed to filthy rats
I played football (soccer) with the kids yesterday also. It was so much fun, and I had a good time making the kids laugh by acting goofy. Mostly all the kids played barefooted and one or two played with flipflops on. Unfortunately, there is not much room to play in the yard, but we made the most of it. At one time, Melanie was goalie and I was chuckling to myself watching her dancing and making faces while everyone was preoccupied with trying to get the soccer ball.
On the way home from the orphanage in a taxi, it stopped and picked up a lady with a baby and 2 little girls. The girls were probably about 3 and 4 years old. When the girls saw me sitting in the front seat, they waved immediately and greeted me. While riding along, the 3 year old had her chin propped on my seat staring at me. After riding a few minutes, all of a sudden I felt this little index finger poking the side of my neck. It was as if she was checking to see if I was real or not-lol. It was too funny.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday Night, Jan. 22
Akobe, David (the baby) and I left the house and headed over to Deanne's salon to meet her. She was still working and the wedding started at 5 pm. We didn't leave the salon until 6:30, so much to my disappointment, I did not get to see a traditional African wedding.
I knew the bride because I had met her just a few days before the wedding at Deanne's salon. She greeted us on the pathway to the house we were going to, and she was dressed in a shorts jumpsuit. When we arrived to the wedding reception, I was fairly surprised at the mix of informal/formal wear. The older women were all wearing their traditional cabas (dresses) with headwraps while the younger people were all dressed casually (tank tops, t-shirts, jeans, etc.). We entered a house where the sitting area had a buffet set up (of course we missed all the food) and music was playing. This small room also served as the dance floor, which was only about 5' x 5', so needless to say it was just a little cramped. We were all offered a beer and needed a bottle opener for them (no twist caps here). A guy used a soda bottle with the plastic cap on it to open the bottles, and when it didn't work, he just used his teeth. Yikes!
After we were served a beer, I was immediately invited to the dance floor where only women were dancing. I guess people wanted to see the white gal's moves-lol. I got up and started dancing, and the women on the floor started clapping and yelling as I danced. The music was jammin', and we all had a good time dancing. It was hot as hell though in that tiny room!
I decided to take a short break from dancing and went outside. I thought I had seen a calico kitten earlier, and I saw a little boy petting it. The poor thing was skin and bones, and it was probably only about 5 weeks old. Of course, you know what a sucker I am for cats, I picked it up to pet it and love on it. Somehow I was able to hear it purring in my ear over the music. Even if it was hungry, I think it would've chosen to be loved over eating. Unfortunately, something startled it, so I put it down soon after.
I stepped up to the porch to rejoin my friends when I encountered a young baby boy. He was walking, so he was probably about a year old. As soon as he saw me, he started to cry uncontrollably. The closer I got to him, the louder he cried. I'm assuming that I'm the first white person he's ever seen and that I scared the bejeebus out of him-lol. I had to walk around him to get up to the porch, so I walked up the porch steps as far away as I could get from him. In the meantime, another little girl had walked up the porch steps to console him and was hugging him around his neck. It was soon after my scaring the poor child and David falling asleep in my lap that we decided to leave the reception.
We grabbed a taxi and headed up to Roundpoint, a roundabout section of the city. There was a diner-type restaurant there called Glacier where we decided to grab a bite to eat. It was nice and cool inside. It was rather dark though, but had a bluish glow inside. We ordered and then Akobe paid; apparently, one must pay prior to dining due to previous customers walking out. We all had a hamburger to eat, and I must say that the burger was much better than Europe's burgers. It actually tasted like it was real meat-lol. It had onion, ketchup and mayo on it. Afterward, I had a small cup of chocolate ice cream. Much to my surprise, the ice cream really didn't taste all that sweet. (The ice cream I had a Deanne's home was so much better, especially since it had the small bits of shaved chocolate in it. I'm going to have to track that ice cream down now that I think about it...)
After eating, we all decided to head back home since it was about 10. It was past the baby's bedtime, plus we were all tired and hot. Deanne works on Sundays too and had to be up early.
More random observations...
If you're a man and have to pee, just go on the side of the road. No need to worry about being arrested for public urination. I've seen 3 men urinating with no attempt to hide in order not to be seen. Yuck!
If you have a nice home or own a nice apartment building, it is fenced and has a security guard at all times.
All TV commercials have white actors. It's hard to understand this since the majority of Cameroonians are black.
The SyFi (Science Fiction) channel is here.
I rarely watch TV here, but I have seen the following American TV programs/movies on TV here when passing by the TV: X-Men, Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Curious George, Yo Gabba Gabba and the A-Team.
I saw an advertisement for the Super Bowl on TV the other night when watching a football (soccer) match. I'm curious to see if the same commercials are shown here during the SB. My guess is probably not...
If you drive a motorbike and get pulled over, you just pay off the cop for your not having a driver's license. (It's no wonder people can't drive here if they've never earned/received their licenses!)
Why there aren't more pictures...
I haven't taken many pics here because I've learned that you need to know someone personally before taking a picture or ask a stranger if it's ok to take their pic. I am going stir crazy from not photographing everyday, but I'm weary that I draw so much attention with my being white and am afraid I may be robbed of my new camera since white people are assumed to be rich. My being white and having my camera on me just screams "TOURIST!!"
I knew the bride because I had met her just a few days before the wedding at Deanne's salon. She greeted us on the pathway to the house we were going to, and she was dressed in a shorts jumpsuit. When we arrived to the wedding reception, I was fairly surprised at the mix of informal/formal wear. The older women were all wearing their traditional cabas (dresses) with headwraps while the younger people were all dressed casually (tank tops, t-shirts, jeans, etc.). We entered a house where the sitting area had a buffet set up (of course we missed all the food) and music was playing. This small room also served as the dance floor, which was only about 5' x 5', so needless to say it was just a little cramped. We were all offered a beer and needed a bottle opener for them (no twist caps here). A guy used a soda bottle with the plastic cap on it to open the bottles, and when it didn't work, he just used his teeth. Yikes!
After we were served a beer, I was immediately invited to the dance floor where only women were dancing. I guess people wanted to see the white gal's moves-lol. I got up and started dancing, and the women on the floor started clapping and yelling as I danced. The music was jammin', and we all had a good time dancing. It was hot as hell though in that tiny room!
I decided to take a short break from dancing and went outside. I thought I had seen a calico kitten earlier, and I saw a little boy petting it. The poor thing was skin and bones, and it was probably only about 5 weeks old. Of course, you know what a sucker I am for cats, I picked it up to pet it and love on it. Somehow I was able to hear it purring in my ear over the music. Even if it was hungry, I think it would've chosen to be loved over eating. Unfortunately, something startled it, so I put it down soon after.
I stepped up to the porch to rejoin my friends when I encountered a young baby boy. He was walking, so he was probably about a year old. As soon as he saw me, he started to cry uncontrollably. The closer I got to him, the louder he cried. I'm assuming that I'm the first white person he's ever seen and that I scared the bejeebus out of him-lol. I had to walk around him to get up to the porch, so I walked up the porch steps as far away as I could get from him. In the meantime, another little girl had walked up the porch steps to console him and was hugging him around his neck. It was soon after my scaring the poor child and David falling asleep in my lap that we decided to leave the reception.
We grabbed a taxi and headed up to Roundpoint, a roundabout section of the city. There was a diner-type restaurant there called Glacier where we decided to grab a bite to eat. It was nice and cool inside. It was rather dark though, but had a bluish glow inside. We ordered and then Akobe paid; apparently, one must pay prior to dining due to previous customers walking out. We all had a hamburger to eat, and I must say that the burger was much better than Europe's burgers. It actually tasted like it was real meat-lol. It had onion, ketchup and mayo on it. Afterward, I had a small cup of chocolate ice cream. Much to my surprise, the ice cream really didn't taste all that sweet. (The ice cream I had a Deanne's home was so much better, especially since it had the small bits of shaved chocolate in it. I'm going to have to track that ice cream down now that I think about it...)
After eating, we all decided to head back home since it was about 10. It was past the baby's bedtime, plus we were all tired and hot. Deanne works on Sundays too and had to be up early.
More random observations...
If you're a man and have to pee, just go on the side of the road. No need to worry about being arrested for public urination. I've seen 3 men urinating with no attempt to hide in order not to be seen. Yuck!
If you have a nice home or own a nice apartment building, it is fenced and has a security guard at all times.
All TV commercials have white actors. It's hard to understand this since the majority of Cameroonians are black.
The SyFi (Science Fiction) channel is here.
I rarely watch TV here, but I have seen the following American TV programs/movies on TV here when passing by the TV: X-Men, Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Curious George, Yo Gabba Gabba and the A-Team.
I saw an advertisement for the Super Bowl on TV the other night when watching a football (soccer) match. I'm curious to see if the same commercials are shown here during the SB. My guess is probably not...
If you drive a motorbike and get pulled over, you just pay off the cop for your not having a driver's license. (It's no wonder people can't drive here if they've never earned/received their licenses!)
Why there aren't more pictures...
I haven't taken many pics here because I've learned that you need to know someone personally before taking a picture or ask a stranger if it's ok to take their pic. I am going stir crazy from not photographing everyday, but I'm weary that I draw so much attention with my being white and am afraid I may be robbed of my new camera since white people are assumed to be rich. My being white and having my camera on me just screams "TOURIST!!"
Photos
For those of you following my blog who are not on Facebook and aren't able to see my photos, please feel free to view my photos on snapfish. No need to register yourself. Enter my email address, scwade1@yahoo.com, and then enter the password africa. Here is the website: http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/welcome
Click on the Ethiopia album and the Douala, Cameroon album.
I apologize for not uploading these sooner, but I have run into difficulties nearly daily trying to upload on snapfish. I finally had some luck today uploading!
Click on the Ethiopia album and the Douala, Cameroon album.
I apologize for not uploading these sooner, but I have run into difficulties nearly daily trying to upload on snapfish. I finally had some luck today uploading!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Requested Items Needed at the Orphanage
Many of you have asked how you can help and if you can send any items to help the children/orphanage. I greatly appreciate your offer to send items and know that the orphanage would appreciate it too! To learn more about the orphanage, check out the website here (text is in English): http://www.syfoev.com/
As a reminder, there are 16 children at the orphanage whose ages range from 1 1/2 - 18; there are 6 girls and 10 boys. The 1 1/2 year old, Champion, is a boy. The oldest is Grace.
Most important items needed:
- Monetary donations (pays rent, school fees, other bills, etc.)
- Nonperishable food items
- clothes (any sizes)
- shoes (mostly sandals since it's a tropical climate)
- school supplies: pencils, notebooks, backpacks (nongender specific if possible)
- books (most children are learning or know English)
- screen material (to cover the screens with holes in them)
- games (anything really)
- soap
- toilet paper
- toothbrushes/toothpaste
- towels
- tissues
Other suggested items:
- Basically anything fun for the kids!
- crayons
- coloring pencils
- markers
- pens
- balls: soccer, basketball, any kind of ball
- air pump for the balls
- bubbles
- coloring books
- dry erase boards
- stickers
- silly bands
- jump rope
- ceiling fans
- lightweight sleeping bags
- computer/laptop (no keyboard or mouse needed)
I have found that UPS is here in Cameroon, but I will find out of other means to ship here. The address of the orphanage is:
Madame Yaga Solange
Fondatrice de L'Orphelinat Fondation Fraternite
BP 6424 Douala-Cameroun
Please let me know if you have any questions, and if I don't know the answers, I'll be sure to ask!
Thanks everyone!
As a reminder, there are 16 children at the orphanage whose ages range from 1 1/2 - 18; there are 6 girls and 10 boys. The 1 1/2 year old, Champion, is a boy. The oldest is Grace.
Most important items needed:
- Monetary donations (pays rent, school fees, other bills, etc.)
- Nonperishable food items
- clothes (any sizes)
- shoes (mostly sandals since it's a tropical climate)
- school supplies: pencils, notebooks, backpacks (nongender specific if possible)
- books (most children are learning or know English)
- screen material (to cover the screens with holes in them)
- games (anything really)
- soap
- toilet paper
- toothbrushes/toothpaste
- towels
- tissues
Other suggested items:
- Basically anything fun for the kids!
- crayons
- coloring pencils
- markers
- pens
- balls: soccer, basketball, any kind of ball
- air pump for the balls
- bubbles
- coloring books
- dry erase boards
- stickers
- silly bands
- jump rope
- ceiling fans
- lightweight sleeping bags
- computer/laptop (no keyboard or mouse needed)
I have found that UPS is here in Cameroon, but I will find out of other means to ship here. The address of the orphanage is:
Madame Yaga Solange
Fondatrice de L'Orphelinat Fondation Fraternite
BP 6424 Douala-Cameroun
Please let me know if you have any questions, and if I don't know the answers, I'll be sure to ask!
Thanks everyone!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
January 22
Money here is called CFAs. The largest note is the 10,000 note = $20.50; 5000 = $10.25; 2000 = $4.10; 1000 = $2.05; and 500 = $1. The coins here are 25, 50, 100 and 500. There are 2 different designs of the 100 coin; both of which are accepted anywhere. You would think that the government would retire the oldest coin, but I guess it doesn't matter here.
Taxis here are incredibly cheap and anywhere a person goes, they only pay 200 CFAs. Vanessa warned me to watch out for taxi drivers who charge more because of our being white. I was a victim of that yesterday and corrected my taxi driver real quick when he asked for 300 CFAs more. I told him that I was aware that all taxi fares are 200 CFAs for everyone. Most taxi drivers also have tissues on their dashboard. The other day I got into a taxi with the brand "Sandra" tissues (Sandra is my mother's name). Later that same day, I shared a taxi with an older lady who had aqua, hot pink and brown hair-what a combo!
On Tuesday, the first taxi I got into on the way to the orphanage had a guy wearing leather pants in it. It's too hot to be wearing leather pants in a tropical climate! But to each his own! I also had a taxi driver ask to be my friend and then ask to be my boyfriend. I told him, "Friend only or nothing at all." He became awfully quiet after my comment-lol. The next day I had a taxi driver ask me to breakfast. I was already running late after trying to find a taxi heading to the orphanage, which I had already told him I was running late before he asked. Geez!
Yesterday, my taxi driver spoke English well and we were able to converse fine. His name was Charles (my Dad's name), and I told him that it was my middle name. He was surprised to hear that Charles is my middle name. Anyway, I told him where to look for me (taxi stops) and approximate times since he asked to be my friend also.
I met another Charles yesterday who works at a motorbike stop. He approached me and started talking to me right away, then introduced himself. (Just so you know, I am quite cautious with meeting new people and don't trust anyone here.) He helped me get a cab so I didn't have to walk the extra few blocks outta the way to where the taxis park.
At the orphanage yesterday, I introduced 12 year old Larissa to my iPod. I started out with Michael Jackson and then let her shuffle through my songs. She liked that I had Lady Gaga on it, and I later heard her singing to Michael Crawford's "O Holy Night." Grace (18 years old) also listened to my iPod also, but it died shortly after she started listening to it. I hated that I didn't have the charger with me to charge it back up for them.
Larissa and Grace had exams earlier this week, which is why they happened to be at the orphanage during the morning and early afternoon. Champion, the youngest orphan at 1 1/2, is always at the orphanage since he's not old enough to be in a preschool. The kids usually do not get home until about 2 or later, and when they reached the orphanage yesterday, most of the younger kids and I all drew pictures and colored. The kids did their best with what little crayons and markers that they have, as most were broken or the markers were dried up. The first kid to draw me a picture was Junior. What were the odds that he would draw a cat? FYI-the kids have no idea I have cats. :)
Yesterday, Akobe invited me attend a traditional wedding today at 2. When I got up this morning, I asked her what time we were leaving. She said the wedding time had been changed to 5, which is typical in African culture. Wouldn't be nice to change the time of your wedding just to have more time to prepare if you're behind? lol
Everywhere I go, I am stared at by many. I feel as if I'm the late person for an important banquet and have to make my way to the front table everywhere I go because of the stares. Most people refer to me as "Madam," which actually would mean that I am married. I was told that people say this because they either aren't sure if I am married and/or because they just don't want to say "Mademoiselle." Some looks I receive are of curiousity or delight, while others are looks of hate or jealousy. School children are especially the most curious and usually speak first if they see me or may wave.
Other Interesting Observations
- For being the 2nd largest city in Cameroon, I have yet to see a fire truck or fire station.
- Dried fish is oftentimes displayed at the market for eating; it looks and smells disgusting.
- It is papaya season here, but there are plenty of other fruits available to eat here such as plaintains, pineapple and oranges.
- We eat fresh bread every night for dinner.
- We do not use napkins when we eat (drives me crazy). After you eat, you then wipe your hands on hand towels on a towel rack. I usually just head straight to the bathroom to wash my hands, especially if I had fish to eat-lol.
Taxis here are incredibly cheap and anywhere a person goes, they only pay 200 CFAs. Vanessa warned me to watch out for taxi drivers who charge more because of our being white. I was a victim of that yesterday and corrected my taxi driver real quick when he asked for 300 CFAs more. I told him that I was aware that all taxi fares are 200 CFAs for everyone. Most taxi drivers also have tissues on their dashboard. The other day I got into a taxi with the brand "Sandra" tissues (Sandra is my mother's name). Later that same day, I shared a taxi with an older lady who had aqua, hot pink and brown hair-what a combo!
On Tuesday, the first taxi I got into on the way to the orphanage had a guy wearing leather pants in it. It's too hot to be wearing leather pants in a tropical climate! But to each his own! I also had a taxi driver ask to be my friend and then ask to be my boyfriend. I told him, "Friend only or nothing at all." He became awfully quiet after my comment-lol. The next day I had a taxi driver ask me to breakfast. I was already running late after trying to find a taxi heading to the orphanage, which I had already told him I was running late before he asked. Geez!
Yesterday, my taxi driver spoke English well and we were able to converse fine. His name was Charles (my Dad's name), and I told him that it was my middle name. He was surprised to hear that Charles is my middle name. Anyway, I told him where to look for me (taxi stops) and approximate times since he asked to be my friend also.
I met another Charles yesterday who works at a motorbike stop. He approached me and started talking to me right away, then introduced himself. (Just so you know, I am quite cautious with meeting new people and don't trust anyone here.) He helped me get a cab so I didn't have to walk the extra few blocks outta the way to where the taxis park.
At the orphanage yesterday, I introduced 12 year old Larissa to my iPod. I started out with Michael Jackson and then let her shuffle through my songs. She liked that I had Lady Gaga on it, and I later heard her singing to Michael Crawford's "O Holy Night." Grace (18 years old) also listened to my iPod also, but it died shortly after she started listening to it. I hated that I didn't have the charger with me to charge it back up for them.
Larissa and Grace had exams earlier this week, which is why they happened to be at the orphanage during the morning and early afternoon. Champion, the youngest orphan at 1 1/2, is always at the orphanage since he's not old enough to be in a preschool. The kids usually do not get home until about 2 or later, and when they reached the orphanage yesterday, most of the younger kids and I all drew pictures and colored. The kids did their best with what little crayons and markers that they have, as most were broken or the markers were dried up. The first kid to draw me a picture was Junior. What were the odds that he would draw a cat? FYI-the kids have no idea I have cats. :)
Yesterday, Akobe invited me attend a traditional wedding today at 2. When I got up this morning, I asked her what time we were leaving. She said the wedding time had been changed to 5, which is typical in African culture. Wouldn't be nice to change the time of your wedding just to have more time to prepare if you're behind? lol
Everywhere I go, I am stared at by many. I feel as if I'm the late person for an important banquet and have to make my way to the front table everywhere I go because of the stares. Most people refer to me as "Madam," which actually would mean that I am married. I was told that people say this because they either aren't sure if I am married and/or because they just don't want to say "Mademoiselle." Some looks I receive are of curiousity or delight, while others are looks of hate or jealousy. School children are especially the most curious and usually speak first if they see me or may wave.
Other Interesting Observations
- For being the 2nd largest city in Cameroon, I have yet to see a fire truck or fire station.
- Dried fish is oftentimes displayed at the market for eating; it looks and smells disgusting.
- It is papaya season here, but there are plenty of other fruits available to eat here such as plaintains, pineapple and oranges.
- We eat fresh bread every night for dinner.
- We do not use napkins when we eat (drives me crazy). After you eat, you then wipe your hands on hand towels on a towel rack. I usually just head straight to the bathroom to wash my hands, especially if I had fish to eat-lol.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Random observations and experiences
- Women do not shave here.
- It seems that nearly every cab I get into, the door is nearly ready to fall off or the door handle.
- Motorbike drivers NEVER look back at traffic before driving onto the road.
- There are several gas station attendants at every gas station.
- I can't help but wonder if the taxi drivers have carpel tunnel syndrome from honking so much...
- Women drivers suck here.
- All kids wear a particular colored shirt/smock for whatever school they attend.
- Traditional African clothing is wore by the older folks and never the young people.
- It seems like there are what I call "dollar store carts" every 5 feet. Makes you wonder how the vendors make a living with so much competition.
- Only the elite own washers and dryers here. There are many businesses that do laundry by hand, and I've seen men outside covered in suds scrubbing clothes in front of them. I came home to newly washed and pressed clothes yesterday, so after seeing how hard people work to clean clothes, I am truly appreciative.
- I rode in the front of a taxi yesterday where 3 adults and 3 kids were in the backseat. If I'm in the front seat, no one dares to sit beside of me because of my being white.
- I saw an ice cream cart yesterday and wondered how in the world ice cream stays cold in a wooden box. Unfortunately, I was in a taxi so I wasn't able to see inside of it.
- Yesterday's taxi driver asked to be my friend and then asked to be my Cameroonian boyfriend. I said, "No, friend only or nothing at all." He became awfully quiet after I said that-lol.
- You can get pedicures and manicures here; but honestly, with the way some of the places look on the outside, you wouldn't dare go inside for fear of your toes or fingers falling off later...
- Making kissing noises at me is soooo not going to make me turn my head.
- You know you're in Africa when occasionally ants crawl on the computer keyboard.
- You know you're in Africa when you reach in a store's fridge to grab a beer and there are live bugs in the bottom of the fridge because it's barely cold.
- Roadside vendors often take used plastic bottles and refill them with tap water/other drink, and then sell them. (I only buy drinks from the gas station where they all have seals on them.)
- There is a lottery here and there are little, round (hot pink) booths all over where you can purchase tickets.
- It seems that nearly every cab I get into, the door is nearly ready to fall off or the door handle.
- Motorbike drivers NEVER look back at traffic before driving onto the road.
- There are several gas station attendants at every gas station.
- I can't help but wonder if the taxi drivers have carpel tunnel syndrome from honking so much...
- Women drivers suck here.
- All kids wear a particular colored shirt/smock for whatever school they attend.
- Traditional African clothing is wore by the older folks and never the young people.
- It seems like there are what I call "dollar store carts" every 5 feet. Makes you wonder how the vendors make a living with so much competition.
- Only the elite own washers and dryers here. There are many businesses that do laundry by hand, and I've seen men outside covered in suds scrubbing clothes in front of them. I came home to newly washed and pressed clothes yesterday, so after seeing how hard people work to clean clothes, I am truly appreciative.
- I rode in the front of a taxi yesterday where 3 adults and 3 kids were in the backseat. If I'm in the front seat, no one dares to sit beside of me because of my being white.
- I saw an ice cream cart yesterday and wondered how in the world ice cream stays cold in a wooden box. Unfortunately, I was in a taxi so I wasn't able to see inside of it.
- Yesterday's taxi driver asked to be my friend and then asked to be my Cameroonian boyfriend. I said, "No, friend only or nothing at all." He became awfully quiet after I said that-lol.
- You can get pedicures and manicures here; but honestly, with the way some of the places look on the outside, you wouldn't dare go inside for fear of your toes or fingers falling off later...
- Making kissing noises at me is soooo not going to make me turn my head.
- You know you're in Africa when occasionally ants crawl on the computer keyboard.
- You know you're in Africa when you reach in a store's fridge to grab a beer and there are live bugs in the bottom of the fridge because it's barely cold.
- Roadside vendors often take used plastic bottles and refill them with tap water/other drink, and then sell them. (I only buy drinks from the gas station where they all have seals on them.)
- There is a lottery here and there are little, round (hot pink) booths all over where you can purchase tickets.
Monday's day cont'd...
The kids trickled into the orphanage a few at a time and immediately interrupted my French lesson to say hi. They were very quiet as I finished up the last of my French lesson and went outside to eat. After eating, all the little ones gathered together to sing various songs together. It wasn't too long until they had an audience outside the orphanage walls. After they finished singing, I observed them take turns in a pretend dance competetition where a small piece of carpet served as the stage. It was fun to watch the kids carry on and "get down" with absolutely zero music. The bystanders (kids not in the competition) stood behind the wall, clapping and cheering the dancers on and then were asked to vote by raising their hand for the best dancer. Let me tell you though, little Melanie (5 years) loves to get down and dance like there's no tomorrow-lol. She is adorable when she gets caught up dancing. I hope that one day I can catch the kids on my camera and video them.
Everyday, I usually have to take 2 taxis to the orphanage and 2 back to the apartment. Sometimes it's only one because the taxi driver wants to chat with me. There is an option of riding on the back of a motorbike, but I won't dare get on one of those here-period. The drivers don't wear or have helmets for passengers, they're quite careless from what I have oberved-they never look when pulling onto a road, and I've been told that they have been known to take people to a desolate area and rob them. No thanks, I'll pass on being robbed. I think that people are crazy riding the motorbikes with one or even 2 kids on them; I'm talking toddlers too.
In the taxi I took back to the apartment Monday, we were stopped by a cop. Apparently, the driver was driving too fast and the cop asked him to slow down. Of course the cop didn't have a radar or anything; he just happened to be standing at the bottom of the hill and waved the driver down. After we parted from the cop, the driver said he wasn't ticketed because of me being in the car. Go figure.
Later on Monday night, Akobe and I went to where Deanne lived. Her living quarters are just above a downstairs bar. She lives in a tiny, one room apartment with a bathroom to the side. She is very proud of where she lives, and I was sure to be complimentary of her living quarters: Her bed was in the middle of the room, up against the wall. She and Enzo share it, of course. She had a little mini fridge to the right of her bed, and on the connecting wall there was what looked like a dresser, but without a mirror. On it was a small gas range with 2 burners. No overhead fan-nothing. Deanne struck a match to light the gas, and all I could do was pray that the place didn't blow up in flames. Trust me, with the sloppy wiring I've seen here, you just never know with gas...
Deanne had the windows open and a fan running, and we could hear the live music coming from downstairs. It made me think of how it must feel to live in an apartment on Bourbon St. I helped her cut up onions and tomatoes, and she asked me to cook the potato fries. She made rice and a really delicious mushroom topping to go over the rice, and also fried 2 fish. She asked me what I drink other than water, so she had her brother Brian run downstairs to buy some Sprite. After dinner, she served orange slices and then chocolate and vanilla ice cream for dessert, and then she pulled out her photo album and shared her family photos with me. We went through the entire album; she has 4 sisters and 4 brothers. Needless to say, I had no choice but to eat a huge meal so I wouldn't hurt her feelings. I thought I was going to have to be carried out of her apartment and back to my place...
Monday, January 17, 2011
What a day...
Man, where do I even start? Today was my first day at the orphanage, and it was a great day. It started out with my sitting with Solange, the orphanage mum, and asking her how I can help at the orphanage. The first item mentioned was the need for me to finish a proposal that Vanessa had started, but not quite finished prior to her leaving Saturday. No prob.
The most important thing Solange asked me for was my help in tracking down the architect who had promised a floor plan last summer for the new orphanage. The architect had visited the orphanage from a local NGO and had offered to design the new orphanage. The architect returned to the states, but has failed to follow through on a design and has not responded to e-mails from Solange. It was then that I find out that the supposed "architect" was a college student-ack!
The orphanage has managed to acquire land for the new orphanage (donation), but they can't do anything without a floor plan. Until I can get a floor plan, I cannot get bids. I'm thinking that maybe I shouldn't even bother trying to contact the student since they are inexperienced and still in school. My bet is that I won't be able to locate her anyway with the strange e-mail address I was given for her. If any one of you happens to know of a friend or family member who is an architect who would be willing to donate time to this project, please have them e-mail me at superswade@gmail.com. The orphanage does not have the money to pay an architect here to do a plan, so I hope that one of my friends or family members will be able to help. I have the building dimentions and specifics that Solange wants for the new building to get a move on this project.
The orphanage is currently renting the building/property that they are on, and unlike the U.S., the landlord does not fix the problems on their own rental property. I mean, seriously, why should a tenant have to pay to fix or upgrade property that isn't even theirs!? Solange wants to halve the outdoor shed, currently used for cooking, and turn one side into eating quarters and the other side a study area for the kids. I recommended that she not do a single thing, unless absolutely necessary, to save money and time. I'd rather her energy be focused on the new orphanage rather than upgrading what isn't hers, especially with the current living conditions as bad as they are:
- There are 16 kids, 6 girls and 10 boys, to one bathroom that is about 3' x 5'.
- There is no shower or bathtub, and the water fixture is constantly leaking to where a huge barrel has been placed under it to catch the water.
- The water from the barrel is what the kids use to wash/rinse themselves daily; remember, no shower or tub.
- The water is a brownish/yellowish color; and yes, this is the same tap water that the kids drink.
- The kids get sick often and have stomach issues because of the unsafe drinking water.
- The toilet has no seat and has a hole in it the size of a tennis ball. The water level is purposely kept low in it, so as water does not leak out of it.
- There are 10 beds for 16 kids. 3 little girls sleep width-wise in one bed. What happens when they grow?
- The air from the floor fans does not circulate to the top bunks, so if it's too hot, then the kids will sleep on the bare floor instead.
- The mattresses here are not like American mattresses. They are made of cheap foam and are so old that they are all flat, crumbling and are disgustingly dirty.
- When the TV is on, it constantly flips the screen, so the kids can't watch anything at all.
- The front windows need new screening, so as to keep the mosquitoes and bugs out.
- The computer is old as dirt and needs to be upgraded badly.
- The oldest child, Grace, will graduate high school this year and has no options to apply her art talent to a graphic design degree because it cannot be afforded. There are no trade schools or community colleges here, and private schools and public universities are very expensive.
- And most importantly, there is no guarantee from day to day that the children will have food to eat.
It is most unfortunate that the businesses here will not donate items or money because basically it is not in their best interest or of any benefit to them. It is not in my nature not to try and get donations, so I will be working on donation letters and hope to set up some meetings with the company "big whigs" here from American companies to see if I can get donations. I am also going to try and see if I can get the orphanage on a donation program from a supermarket for expired items (that are still good, of course).
The children do not have or hardly have any toys, games, puzzles or books to occupy their free time. As you all know, these items can be cheaply purchased at Goodwill stores, yard sales, dollar stores, etc. I think it would be awesome to get several churches and maybe their youth groups involved with collecting items for the orphanage. I will be soon asking for monetary donations from friends and family members, along with a request for items that are needed at the orphanage.
The most important thing Solange asked me for was my help in tracking down the architect who had promised a floor plan last summer for the new orphanage. The architect had visited the orphanage from a local NGO and had offered to design the new orphanage. The architect returned to the states, but has failed to follow through on a design and has not responded to e-mails from Solange. It was then that I find out that the supposed "architect" was a college student-ack!
The orphanage has managed to acquire land for the new orphanage (donation), but they can't do anything without a floor plan. Until I can get a floor plan, I cannot get bids. I'm thinking that maybe I shouldn't even bother trying to contact the student since they are inexperienced and still in school. My bet is that I won't be able to locate her anyway with the strange e-mail address I was given for her. If any one of you happens to know of a friend or family member who is an architect who would be willing to donate time to this project, please have them e-mail me at superswade@gmail.com. The orphanage does not have the money to pay an architect here to do a plan, so I hope that one of my friends or family members will be able to help. I have the building dimentions and specifics that Solange wants for the new building to get a move on this project.
The orphanage is currently renting the building/property that they are on, and unlike the U.S., the landlord does not fix the problems on their own rental property. I mean, seriously, why should a tenant have to pay to fix or upgrade property that isn't even theirs!? Solange wants to halve the outdoor shed, currently used for cooking, and turn one side into eating quarters and the other side a study area for the kids. I recommended that she not do a single thing, unless absolutely necessary, to save money and time. I'd rather her energy be focused on the new orphanage rather than upgrading what isn't hers, especially with the current living conditions as bad as they are:
- There are 16 kids, 6 girls and 10 boys, to one bathroom that is about 3' x 5'.
- There is no shower or bathtub, and the water fixture is constantly leaking to where a huge barrel has been placed under it to catch the water.
- The water from the barrel is what the kids use to wash/rinse themselves daily; remember, no shower or tub.
- The water is a brownish/yellowish color; and yes, this is the same tap water that the kids drink.
- The kids get sick often and have stomach issues because of the unsafe drinking water.
- The toilet has no seat and has a hole in it the size of a tennis ball. The water level is purposely kept low in it, so as water does not leak out of it.
- There are 10 beds for 16 kids. 3 little girls sleep width-wise in one bed. What happens when they grow?
- The air from the floor fans does not circulate to the top bunks, so if it's too hot, then the kids will sleep on the bare floor instead.
- The mattresses here are not like American mattresses. They are made of cheap foam and are so old that they are all flat, crumbling and are disgustingly dirty.
- When the TV is on, it constantly flips the screen, so the kids can't watch anything at all.
- The front windows need new screening, so as to keep the mosquitoes and bugs out.
- The computer is old as dirt and needs to be upgraded badly.
- The oldest child, Grace, will graduate high school this year and has no options to apply her art talent to a graphic design degree because it cannot be afforded. There are no trade schools or community colleges here, and private schools and public universities are very expensive.
- And most importantly, there is no guarantee from day to day that the children will have food to eat.
It is most unfortunate that the businesses here will not donate items or money because basically it is not in their best interest or of any benefit to them. It is not in my nature not to try and get donations, so I will be working on donation letters and hope to set up some meetings with the company "big whigs" here from American companies to see if I can get donations. I am also going to try and see if I can get the orphanage on a donation program from a supermarket for expired items (that are still good, of course).
The children do not have or hardly have any toys, games, puzzles or books to occupy their free time. As you all know, these items can be cheaply purchased at Goodwill stores, yard sales, dollar stores, etc. I think it would be awesome to get several churches and maybe their youth groups involved with collecting items for the orphanage. I will be soon asking for monetary donations from friends and family members, along with a request for items that are needed at the orphanage.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Feeling Like a Kid Today cont'd
Enzo came up to the apartment with me to hang out for a while. He's quite fascinated with all my toys (camera, cell phone, ipod) and loves my cell phone the most. He has learned how to record his voice on it, play the game Brickbreakers, and take pictures with it. The little rascal took one of my cough drops (Hall's Citrus-the best!), thinking it was candy, and is now faking coughing in order to get another cough drop-lol. Enzo left for a bit, but it wasn't long until he was right back at the door. He nearly drove me insane playing with my cell and ipod; back and forth, back and forth.
Tomorrow is my first full day at the orphanage, and I am looking forward to it. It's going to be quiet there in the morning and early afternoon because the kids don't get out of school until 2. During that quiet time, I am going to be working on fundraising and creating a plan to better organize the kids. After what I observed the other day, the kids have no structure. I was told that their grades are not good either, which is not surprising since they have no parents, no structure, etc.
On another note, in my previous post I had noted that Jeromie said that "I never eat." When it is hot out, even in NC, I don't have much of an appetite. If I do, it's usually for water and cold foods (fruit, yogurt, etc.). The family is in disbelief over how much fruit I eat. I told them that I am quite happy with it and that there's no need to fuss over me. The other morning they offered me tea, coffee and something else to drink, but I told them I don't drink any of those items and preferred to drink water if anything. I was offered hot porridge-whatever that is, but I politely declined. I've never liked oatmeal, so I figured it was probably similar. The eating hours are rather odd here too, and I often find that we finish eating around 9:30 or 10-sometimes later!
Ok, so I am off to take a nice cold shower. Cold showers are actually welcomed by me as hot as it is here and since I'm without air conditioning. Bonuit!
Tomorrow is my first full day at the orphanage, and I am looking forward to it. It's going to be quiet there in the morning and early afternoon because the kids don't get out of school until 2. During that quiet time, I am going to be working on fundraising and creating a plan to better organize the kids. After what I observed the other day, the kids have no structure. I was told that their grades are not good either, which is not surprising since they have no parents, no structure, etc.
On another note, in my previous post I had noted that Jeromie said that "I never eat." When it is hot out, even in NC, I don't have much of an appetite. If I do, it's usually for water and cold foods (fruit, yogurt, etc.). The family is in disbelief over how much fruit I eat. I told them that I am quite happy with it and that there's no need to fuss over me. The other morning they offered me tea, coffee and something else to drink, but I told them I don't drink any of those items and preferred to drink water if anything. I was offered hot porridge-whatever that is, but I politely declined. I've never liked oatmeal, so I figured it was probably similar. The eating hours are rather odd here too, and I often find that we finish eating around 9:30 or 10-sometimes later!
Ok, so I am off to take a nice cold shower. Cold showers are actually welcomed by me as hot as it is here and since I'm without air conditioning. Bonuit!
Feeling like a kid today...
Today, Jeromie and I took a walk through the neighborhood. After looking at Coke sign, I commented that I disliked Coke and wished that I could find Pepsi here. It was then that Jeromie made it a mission to track down Pepsi since I "don't like to eat." He grabbed a taxi and off we went to search for Pepsi. We stopped at 3 places and the last place was the Supermarket. I didn't want to leave because it was so nice and cool inside. Unfortunately, our mission came to an end since the supermarket didn't have what we were looking for, so I settled for Sprite and Orange Juice.
After the mission ended, we stopped at the salon on the way back to the apartment. I gave Enzo some stickers, which he absolutely loved. He was giggling, he was so excited to have the stickers He placed one on each pant leg, 2 on his shirt, and one on each shoe. Then he placed 2 on each of my shoulders, one on my leg and one on each of my sandals. Enzo was blowing bubbles and was having problems blowing them, so I showed him that he needed to blow softer and not as if the North wind was blowing the bubble stick-lol. When we took a break from blowing bubbles, he wanted to put together a puzzle. It was an Alvin and the Chipmunks 50 piece puzzle. (Bet you can't guess who mostly put it together-hmmm...)
Enzo's mother's salon became really busy, so she asked if I would help her (she's looking for an apprentice now). In exchange, she said she would make me dinner tomorrow night. I didn't mind, so I dried several heads while she was braiding heads. It was hot as HELL in the salon, even with a fan blowing. It was so hot that I had sweat dripping in my eyes and down my nose. When I walked outside, I realized that the end of my ponytail was dripping wet from the sweat on my back. Yuck!
After sweating several gallons, I had worked up an appettite and decided to head back to the apartment. Enzo decided he wanted to walk with me, so he grabbed my hand and off we went. It was then that I had this urge to skip-what came over me, I have no idea. I asked Enzo if he could skip and he said yes, so off we went skipping about 50 yards to the apartment building.
After the mission ended, we stopped at the salon on the way back to the apartment. I gave Enzo some stickers, which he absolutely loved. He was giggling, he was so excited to have the stickers He placed one on each pant leg, 2 on his shirt, and one on each shoe. Then he placed 2 on each of my shoulders, one on my leg and one on each of my sandals. Enzo was blowing bubbles and was having problems blowing them, so I showed him that he needed to blow softer and not as if the North wind was blowing the bubble stick-lol. When we took a break from blowing bubbles, he wanted to put together a puzzle. It was an Alvin and the Chipmunks 50 piece puzzle. (Bet you can't guess who mostly put it together-hmmm...)
Enzo's mother's salon became really busy, so she asked if I would help her (she's looking for an apprentice now). In exchange, she said she would make me dinner tomorrow night. I didn't mind, so I dried several heads while she was braiding heads. It was hot as HELL in the salon, even with a fan blowing. It was so hot that I had sweat dripping in my eyes and down my nose. When I walked outside, I realized that the end of my ponytail was dripping wet from the sweat on my back. Yuck!
After sweating several gallons, I had worked up an appettite and decided to head back to the apartment. Enzo decided he wanted to walk with me, so he grabbed my hand and off we went. It was then that I had this urge to skip-what came over me, I have no idea. I asked Enzo if he could skip and he said yes, so off we went skipping about 50 yards to the apartment building.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Other observations
Today, I've been hangin' out here at the apartment. Most people do not work on Friday; instead they work on Sundays. I was talking to Jeromie this morning at breakfast and learned that he also teaches sociology/psychology part-time at the college. He said that he would take me to the college one day so that I could observe him teach class.
I tell ya, the peer pressure is on here when it comes to eating time. I eat breakfast, and then 2-3 hours later, it's time for lunch. I hate eating in that little of a time period. Akobe served homemade spaghetti for lunch today, which the sauce consisted of beef, tomatoes, zucchini, etc. It was pretty good, but I couldn't enjoy it much due to the stink of fish coming from the kitchen or the fact that was hot when it's hot outside. I'm assuming we're eating fresh fish tonight...
So I forgot to mention yesterday a few other random things that I've observed around here. For the most part, most people display their items for sale outside of their space/store or on a rolling cart. You can find anything from car parts to toilets, mattresses (not covered at all-yikes!) to coffins, etc., displayed everywhere. Also, I've seen where I guess a stand was a butcher stand because meat was hanging in the open air-yes, rather gross and unsanitary. I was standing outside of Enzo's salon yesterday, and a hen with her chicks randomly walked by. Later, another hen walked by. No idea where they came from or who they belonged to...
Because I'm one of maybe 5 white people here in Doula (ha!), I'm constantly whistled/shouted at by passers' by to get my attention just so that they can speak to me and me respond back. Yesterday, I heard a "God Bless America" from a guy in the downstairs store.
Deanna, who owns Enzo's salon, has invited me over to her house Monday night and asked me to cook for her. I was thinking, "Shouldn't you be cooking for me?" I don't think I'll do very well because I don't have my recipes with me nor does Africa have the same ingredients that we have in the U.S. Not sure what I'm going to make, but I may see if I can find a grocery store and see what exactly Africa does stock. It may be a rather interesting meal...
I have been told that the country is rather beautiful when you leave Doula. I hope they are right, and I look forward to seeing it when I escape for a weekend or two or three... The people here are very nice and hospitable, but I have to admit that the envoronmentalist in me is screaming at what I have seen environmentally here so far: trash everywhere, air pollution from vehicles/mopeds is quite obvious unlike at home (maybe a mix of unclean gas/no emissions standards on vehicles, etc.), all water sources are polluted, etc. I recycle EVERYTHING at home, and do you know how much it kills me that I have to drink water out of plastic bottles because the tap water is not safe to drink? I do understand that the people here do not know any better, and I have to accept this fact.
A man I met last night asked me what I thought of Douala, and I told him that I like it here, but wish it was cleaner. I asked him what it is exactly that the government does for Cameroon. Know what he said? "That's a really good question. I don't know what it does." Cameroon has a democratic government, but it is one of the most corrupt governments in Africa. It doesn't care about the people, and it's quite obvious with the poor living conditions, ruined environment, unemployed/poor citizens, etc. I then asked the man what the point of the government was if it didn't do anything? I told him that the people should rise up and fight/overthrow the government; afterall, there are more citizens than there are government officials! I know I make it sound as if it wouldn't be a big deal to overthrow the government, but it just burns me up that a government is useless to its own citizens!
I do have many ideas in regard to sustainable development here, so maybe one day I might be able to somehow help start the cleaning up of Cameroon and improving living conditions here...
I tell ya, the peer pressure is on here when it comes to eating time. I eat breakfast, and then 2-3 hours later, it's time for lunch. I hate eating in that little of a time period. Akobe served homemade spaghetti for lunch today, which the sauce consisted of beef, tomatoes, zucchini, etc. It was pretty good, but I couldn't enjoy it much due to the stink of fish coming from the kitchen or the fact that was hot when it's hot outside. I'm assuming we're eating fresh fish tonight...
So I forgot to mention yesterday a few other random things that I've observed around here. For the most part, most people display their items for sale outside of their space/store or on a rolling cart. You can find anything from car parts to toilets, mattresses (not covered at all-yikes!) to coffins, etc., displayed everywhere. Also, I've seen where I guess a stand was a butcher stand because meat was hanging in the open air-yes, rather gross and unsanitary. I was standing outside of Enzo's salon yesterday, and a hen with her chicks randomly walked by. Later, another hen walked by. No idea where they came from or who they belonged to...
Because I'm one of maybe 5 white people here in Doula (ha!), I'm constantly whistled/shouted at by passers' by to get my attention just so that they can speak to me and me respond back. Yesterday, I heard a "God Bless America" from a guy in the downstairs store.
Deanna, who owns Enzo's salon, has invited me over to her house Monday night and asked me to cook for her. I was thinking, "Shouldn't you be cooking for me?" I don't think I'll do very well because I don't have my recipes with me nor does Africa have the same ingredients that we have in the U.S. Not sure what I'm going to make, but I may see if I can find a grocery store and see what exactly Africa does stock. It may be a rather interesting meal...
I have been told that the country is rather beautiful when you leave Doula. I hope they are right, and I look forward to seeing it when I escape for a weekend or two or three... The people here are very nice and hospitable, but I have to admit that the envoronmentalist in me is screaming at what I have seen environmentally here so far: trash everywhere, air pollution from vehicles/mopeds is quite obvious unlike at home (maybe a mix of unclean gas/no emissions standards on vehicles, etc.), all water sources are polluted, etc. I recycle EVERYTHING at home, and do you know how much it kills me that I have to drink water out of plastic bottles because the tap water is not safe to drink? I do understand that the people here do not know any better, and I have to accept this fact.
A man I met last night asked me what I thought of Douala, and I told him that I like it here, but wish it was cleaner. I asked him what it is exactly that the government does for Cameroon. Know what he said? "That's a really good question. I don't know what it does." Cameroon has a democratic government, but it is one of the most corrupt governments in Africa. It doesn't care about the people, and it's quite obvious with the poor living conditions, ruined environment, unemployed/poor citizens, etc. I then asked the man what the point of the government was if it didn't do anything? I told him that the people should rise up and fight/overthrow the government; afterall, there are more citizens than there are government officials! I know I make it sound as if it wouldn't be a big deal to overthrow the government, but it just burns me up that a government is useless to its own citizens!
I do have many ideas in regard to sustainable development here, so maybe one day I might be able to somehow help start the cleaning up of Cameroon and improving living conditions here...
Friday, January 14, 2011
Market and the police...
I went to the market today with Vanessa-an absolute nightmare. We were constantly followed by vendors and asked to come into their areas. You have to bargain with the locals, as they price everything ridiculously high. I figured out that as soon as I said my final price and the vendor said no, then I would hand the item back to the vendor and walk off. That’s when I got the “Ok. Ok. For you Mademoiselle.” I think I’m a good bargainer. J
After the market, I went to Enzo’s salon to say hi to Deanna and her brother, Brian. Enzo was not out of school yet, but I figured I would wait until he got there for a bit. Deanna and I were able to converse some in both English and French, so there’s been some progress in my French communications. Anyway, while there at the salon, a police woman approached me and proceeded to tell me that I was not “authorized” to take pictures. I just played dumb and told her that I was American in French. My friends in the salon and Georgette spoke to the police woman; although I have no idea what they said, the police lady didn’t give me any further problems thankfully. For those of you who know me well, I wanted to ask her, "Seriously?! Do you not have anything else better to do? Give me a break!" After she left, I told my friends that the police was stupid and useless there-they agreed.
When I got back to the apartment tonight, Georgette turned the TV on (I swear the woman has to have it on 24-7-ridic!) and Scrubs happened to be on. Following it, Dawson's Creek came on. I'm telling you, they have nothing good to watch African here. All I've seen are a bunch of people sitting around chatting on TV-no shows or movies. It is all due to government control I have been told.
Ok, I am off to have some wine with house company. Bonsoi!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)