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