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.