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June 03, 2009
3 June 2009 - Bamenda
Last full day of office work – not much to report. We finished our final presentations and wrapped up loose ends of projects.
After work, we took our (probably) last trip to Vatican Supermarket to get bread and crackers for our final week. We proceeded to Dreamland, where we saw Steve! We eagerly joined his table (we weren’t really invited; we just kind of went and sat down…). Steve had just taught the staff at Dreamland how to make a steak sandwich (which will forever be called “Steve’s Steak Sandwich” there) so Jane and I ordered one as well. After an hour or so of waiting, we were able to try it. Job well done, Steve (and Dreamland) – it was one of our more satisfying meals here. Two other volunteers, Michael (from Uganda) and Ashley (from the US!) also joined us. The conversation was great and it was outstanding to spend one of our last nights in Bamenda with such a friendly, talkative group of individuals.
With T-minus one week until I am back in the States, I have a few things to which I’m looking forward. I feel like I can now “realistically” think about them as they are very close. I cannot wait for a real shower and sleeping in a bed without a mosquito net. We “wash up” here, but it’s never a "shower" and, although we’ll have a shower in Limbe, it won’t quite be the same until the shower is distinctly separated from the rest of the bathroom. Additionally, I am really looking forward to a balanced diet. I’m no fruits-and-veggies enthusiast, but as most fruits, vegetables, and meats here aren’t too safe to eat, we stick to mainly carbs, with some eggs or chicken occasionally (with the exception of the above-mentioned delicious steak sandwich). Lastly, I am excited to just feel comfortable and connected again. I don’t know if being somewhat closed off from the rest of the world makes me uncomfortable, but it definitely doesn’t help make me feel more at home.
I should also point out that I will miss a few things about Bamenda as well. I have really enjoyed working with COPAAP at Mezam Polyclinic. The work was interesting and I felt like I have been contributing to a worthwhile cause. Also, the people within COPAAP and Mezam are some of the most genuinely nice humans I’ve met (cliché, but true). Beyond that, I can’t imagine what stress feels like anymore and I know I will long for some lazy Cameroonian Sundays once next semester kicks in.
Power outages: 47
Posted by ajvandeu at June 3, 2009 01:23 AM