- 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.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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!
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