It's my first full day of not being on a plane. We got in last night and by the time we got through luggage, it was dark, so I am just taking in Yaounde while I sit on the veranda at the guest house I'm staying at, the Shiloh. 3 of us, including Paul, our guide and navigator and guardian angel, will be taking the train to Ngaoundere this evening, and I'll arrive at my final destination about 10 am tomorrow.
Paul hired a driver, Felix, to take me and Jarred, a med student from N Carolina, around Yaounde today, to give a quick tour and to exchange money. This is one reason why Paul is an angel. Besides knowing his way around and speaking French, he knows how to not get ripped off and how to stay safe. Part of staying safe is having a good driver and Felix is exceptional. There are no stop lights, no street signs, just a general knowledge of the rules of the road and the ability to pass other cars with about a centimeter's distance between metal. Felix's car even has seat belts!
Paul is from Cameroon but got his degree in business at Augustana in Sioux Falls, so he knows the Midwest. He works for the Lutheran church Ngaoundere and has a wife and 5 children.
It's hard to really describe what I see and I don't want to judge. It's just so different, unlike anything I could imagine. I'll post pictures soon.
But just wanted to say I got here safely. Love you all!
Yay! You're there! I checked your blog again last night before bed and then first thing again this morning and now--voila!--you're in Cameroon. Most likely overwhelmed, slightly disoriented and a bit disheveled, but all in one piece, which Mom & Dad will be happy to know.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wild to be picked up in one world and dropped down in a completely different one? This is what I couldn't explain to you when I returned from Ethiopia. One thing I learned is that when I began to be overwhelmed by the differences, it helped to seek out the similarities--in the the routines of life, the structure of the day, what made people smile. This seemed to close the distance a bit.
Okay, Benny is up and just crawled into bed with me. Here is a message from him:
"I hope you take lots of pictures. I miss you and I love you. Do you see any monkeys swinging from the trees by their tails? Take a picture of a baby monkey and a gorilla for my remembering box."
(I'll explain later to him that you're not actually in gorilla country. Not sure about the monkey status there in Cameroon, but I'm guessing not?)
Critically important question: have you found good coffee there yet? Keep us posted. We're looking forward to seeing those pictures...take good care and enjoy the ride.
Love,
Shan (and Benny)
Thanks for the update! I've been thinking about you lots, picturing (or trying to) where you are...over the Atlantic! in Paris! Back on the plane! Glad you're there safely and in good hands. You're missing 6 inches of snow and slippery roads this morning. Love you! Marcia
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you too. So glad you are safe and in good hands. I sent you an email on your yahoo account right before you left that if you had to spend days on that train, you should think of the African Queen. Some of my own travel experiences remind me of where you are: Lae, New Guinea; Matamoros, Mexico, and Calcutta, India (at Mother Teresa's house) - they help me to understand what you are feeling. Know that you will be guided by the love of all your friends around the globe. Thanks for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lars
PS 18" of snow predicted here in Michigan tonight. Enjoy the warm weather of Cameroon!
Hello Kris! A world away... I hope you slept well on the plane. Have you nailed your cold yet? I'm so excited for you! I can just hear the soundtrack to Out of Africa in the background. Be sure to write as much as possible so when you're an old lady all of the tiniest details will be crystal clear. Can't wait for the photos! Love you like crazy!
ReplyDelete