First impressions

Well, we've finally arrived in the city of Yaounde, and what a beautiful city it is! Coming from America, where all of our big cities are dominated by towering sky scrapers and bustling traffic, Yaounde is quite a bit different. While there was lots of traffic, there are hardly any street lights, and the way that people drive has a sort of rhythmic feel to it that I am yet to fully understand. We arrived last night, and since we drove home at night, we couldn't see much of the city, but we could certainly hear the life, smell the lush foliage (you were right, Kaitlin; lush really is the best word), and see the people going on about their lives along the street.

We arrived at the apartments, and started to settle in. The place is HUGE! There are many different bedrooms, a dining room, common room, computer/book room, and 3 bathrooms with 2 showers. The showers, however, were especially interesting considering that there is no barrier between the toilet, sink, and shower. It's just one small room with all three inside. Personally, I think it's cool. Different, but pretty cool. They made us a great first dinner of fish, rice, dried plantains, and some other things of which I don't know their names, but I would definitely try again! The group stayed up pretty late, talking and getting to know one another. Though it's only been one day, I am fairly confident that we are going to have a good group here. =)

This morning, I was the first to wake up. I partially attribute this to, a) I was on the top bunk of a very unstable and creaky bed, and b) I forgot my pillow, so i had to use rolled up sweat pants and a sweatshirt to support my head. I'm sure I slept 'cuz I had some really odd dreams, but nevertheless, I wasn't too disappointed that I was up. I simply took my malaria meds, put on bug/sun screen, and walked outside. And that was when it fully hit me that yes, indeed, I'm in freakin' Africa! Off the balcony, I could see the many hills that surround Yaounde, as well as an expanse of housing and buildings integrated into the tropical, rolling landscape. Being the person that I am, I attempted to greet many the people walking by who were on their way to church and other places. Even though my spoken French is still shotty, I was able to compliment a mother on her little boy's matching jean suit, to which the humbly replied, "Merci, and you are white!" I guess...that's true too! haha. I'm sure that won't be the last time I hear that in one capacity or the other.

Most of the house is still asleep, but later on today, we are going to take a bus trip around the city so we can get to know it a bit better. After that, we will have an orientation meeting tonight, and I believe that's about it. I need to try and find myself a pillow, but other than that, I'm absolutely thrilled to be here.

I'm going to get myself something to eat, so until next time, au revoir!!!
Andrew

Anticipation galore

So here I am, on my last full day of being home before we leave. I must say, it is a strange feeling. My friend Rob and I drove down to Washington DC yesterday. We walked up and down Embassy Row, the highlight of which was going into the Islamic Central Embassy, which resembles the Great Mosque in Mecca. What a beautiful building, both inside and out. I was pleased to find taht Pulcini's class this past semester gave me a lot of extra background on what I was looking at once inside. Though I'm not Muslim, it was still an enlightening experience nonetheless. After paging through the Qur'an, and taking in the architecture, we left, and picked up my Lancaster friend Tara at American University where she attends, and from there went out to dinner with my school friend Ian, who is doing his semester 'abroad' (no offense, buddy haha) in DC. And, on top of that, I got to see my old next door neighbor Lauren, who now lives and works in DC after graduating from Dickinson. I must admit, it was so nice to have friends from all different parts of my life, Lancaster, Dickinson, and Baltimore, all come together and get along. It was unlike any experiences I've had thus far, and I hope it won't be the last.

So enough of that. I am still leaving tomorrow, and I am STILL not packed. I've got all my materials though. I even went out today and got myself an super haircut (more for the "MVP experience" than the near buzz-cut itself). On top of that, I finally found bug spray with 20% DEET, which I was told I got the last of on account of all the aid workers going to Haiti (totally understandable). Now I'm just lounging around my house for another fifteen minutes before I have to get outta here and go pick up my mom at work, then Liz at the airport. I can't believe the day is finally almost here. I guess I should start packing a little at least. ugh.

Well, until Cameroon, au revoir!!
Andrew

First Post--3 days and counting

First blog post...alright, here we go. This could be fun...hopefully some people will actually read it haha

I can say with complete honesty that this has been both one of the best and, naturually, quickest winter breaks I've yet to experience. On the one hand, I had a chance to hang out with most of the people I felt I needed to see before I left, all of which was fantastic (But we all know that all-too-true parental proverb about time and fun). For the first time in my life, however, I'm left with no precedent for what lies ahead. While Western European is certainly distinct in all their own cultures and history, yet during my albeit short family vacation, being there was exciting, but more familiar culturally, economically, and historically than different to me. Don't get me wrong, Europe is awesome, and I want to explore all over it one day! However, I think it's pretty safe to say that Cameroon will be much different than Western Europe. Even though I've read a few books about Africa, and Cameroon in particular, I still feel like I am jumping blind into what I'm sure will be one of the greatest adventures of my life. It's a completely new feeling for me; I like it!

But seriously, I can't believe we're leaving so soon! It really has crept up on me. Tomorrow, a friend from nearby and I are going down to Washington DC tomorrow for the day, which seems quite fitting for experiencing as much "America" as possible before departure. Other than that, I just have to finish packing. I've bought most of what I need, but I just need to go through my list one more time, and then all that's left to do is actually pack everything in bags! ugh.

Well, here's to Cameroon. See you all in a few days!!

Salut,
Andrew