24 September 2007

I spent my last days in Oregon playing Frisbee and not packing enough. After a going away party in Eugene with many family and friends I flew out of Eugene early Tuesday morning Philly treated us well. Good food and good people. After days filled of chatter we’d all go out in the city for dinner. Most of our time was spent in the hotel conference room though. I ran past the Liberty Bell, US Mint, but I’ll have to go back another time to run up the famous Rocky steps.

Our journey took us from Philly by way of JFK, luckily our trip up to NY took us thru the city, by way of Bryant Park, near Time Square and past the Chrysler building. On to Paris we went and 26 hours later we arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon. It was quite the trip, but we made it safe and sound. 10 PC employees/current volunteers met us @ the airport, we passed customs thru the diplomat aisle – yea! After settling into our hotel we had a good nights rest and a Sunday of card games and Cameroonian brews. In the evening we headed to the County Directors home, James Ham where we had a meal with the US Ambassador. Yaounde is a lush city for the most part, very green with quick bursts of rain. It hasn’t been too hot, tolerable as we begin to acclimate. I am quite sure I may begin scouting for Americans Next Top Model because Cameroonians are beautiful.

There are a total of 42 volunteers, about half are health volunteers and the other Agro-Forestry. Average age around 25 for the most part. The Pacific Northwest is represented for sure. I’m not the tallest girl in the group – sweet!! Monday was spent in class sessions which involved language interview, medical intake…along with becoming “human pincushions” yaow! Differences so far: The water isn’t always on…case and point…take a shower when its on….even if it’s 1 in the morning. Power goes on and off, though its nothing to worry about. Oranges are green unlike in the states. The list may go on and on.

We are spending our last days in Yaounde finishing up medical things and paperwork. Today was pretty low key. We went to the police station to get our ID cards, had some safety training, and more shots. Luckily, I didn’t need the ones given out today – yea! Last night in the hotel a local band played for us, it was pretty awesome…. especially with the thunderstorms in the background…and the power flickering on and off.

We took a bit of a tour today, drove by the 54 millon dollar US embassy. Apparently the US Marines stationed there play ultimate there every Thursday and PCV are welcome to join…this means I’m hoping to be posted near the capital. Marines have nothing on Diva Disc alum, right? By Thursday we’ll be with our host families and moved to the town of Bangante, a mid sized city. We’re still all really jet lagged, resulting in staying up most of the evening playing numerous card games.

This blog is dedicated to the VanLues, whom with their support I was able to write this from my hotel room on my NEW laptop. Thank you thank you to Will and Lea. I’m already missing our Thursday Dream nights.

Lesson learned: The ability to sleeping in random spots (hotel lobby, Peace Corps headquarters office, airplane, van, table) and at any free moment is key to survival and general well being.

It’s wonderful finally being here. Cameroon is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. Time for bed, we start early here in Yaounde: breakfast is served @ 6:45 AM. Much love. Aurevior!