I don't know what I've got but it's unpleasant. It is definitely not caused by the 500CFA ($1) beer that can be found anywhere. This time it's old fashioned food-something or other. I don't know what did it, but who cares? Hopefully I will feel much better in the morning. I will spare the gory details.
Ah, well. I did watch most of the first half of Lost Season One, and that show rocks. :-)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Swearing-in
All in our matching pagne we were sworn in by the US Ambassador to Cameroon. I am now a Peace Corps Volunteer.
I also feel like crap at this moment and instead of wandering around Yaounde to cash checks and open bank accounts, I want to curl up in bed. And I have no appetite for all the incredible food to be found here. Blah.
I also feel like crap at this moment and instead of wandering around Yaounde to cash checks and open bank accounts, I want to curl up in bed. And I have no appetite for all the incredible food to be found here. Blah.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Week 10
I'm sorry to all my adoring fans, I haven't been able to post lately. Life has been pretty busy here and I'll try to bring you up to speed on all of my various activities.
First off, the end of Model School. Last Thursday and Friday we gave final exams to the students. Proctoring was quite interesting since cheating happens a lot here, and students aren't always very clever. Haha, but that's the eternal battle between teachers and students, right? I'm learning alot about what my old teachers put up with, and I was an excellent student. ;-) Then the exams had to be graded and handed back. Report cards had to be filled out, ranks assigned, statistics figured. All by hand on the French grading system of x/20. A new experience in bureaucracy and silly paperwork. Then we held the Class Council, in which every student's progress is discussed and any honors/citations/demerits are given. Any student whose grade is borderline (passing is 10/20) can be passed or failed based on their behavior. It's the best way for teachers to get revenge on the devilish dérangeurs in their class.
Speaking of, I must digress on the French verb déranger. It is the best word ever. There is no good English equivalent. It can be used in any context, but is best when describing the behavior (comportement) of students, any person who harasses les blancs on the street, or an annoying host-sibling. Silly PC rules can also dérange. This is just one great example of what we PCTs like to call Camfranglais, a version of franglais specific to Cameroon. Ahh, I love learning other languages. Like pidgin, as Bill informs me, finger fo foot=toe, or there's manside / womanside for right / left. Anyways.
The Cultural Soirée took place yesterday. All the various clubs presented the activities they've been doing the past few weeks. We had several dances from the US and Cameroon, ie. the booty call, the bikutsi. My host sisters were in two ballets with the gymnastics club and let me tell you, they are flexible! Gymnastics here is more like cirque du soleil than tumbling passes. I have pictures.
Today we attended the Closing Ceremony where prizes are awaded to the best students. I'm proud to say that both my sisters (in the Anglophone section, Form 2 and Form 4) won the overwhelming majority of prizes. Obviously we're just smarter. ;-) I even got to award one of the prizes, and I couldn't have been prouder if they were my real sisters (well, if I had siblings).
In between all the grading and picture taking, we've been preparing to leave. Next week we'll have our official swearing-in as Peace Corps Volunteers. I leave for post the next day. I haven't talked to my principal lately so there's no telling what state my house is in. I'll spend the first few days meeting important people in the town, buying furniture, and settling in. I'm excited to have my own place although I'm also scared of the unknown! But it's all very exciting!! I won't see some friends until December, but supposedly or IST is in Kribi! woot woot!
I'll soon have lots of free time and no one to talk to, so I'll do my best to catch up on all the mail that needs to be sent. I appreciate all the mail I receieve, even if it takes me several weeks to write back. It feels very old-fashioned and fun to sit down and write long letters.
Much love to all! The next time I write I'll be a true Peace Corps Volunteer!!
First off, the end of Model School. Last Thursday and Friday we gave final exams to the students. Proctoring was quite interesting since cheating happens a lot here, and students aren't always very clever. Haha, but that's the eternal battle between teachers and students, right? I'm learning alot about what my old teachers put up with, and I was an excellent student. ;-) Then the exams had to be graded and handed back. Report cards had to be filled out, ranks assigned, statistics figured. All by hand on the French grading system of x/20. A new experience in bureaucracy and silly paperwork. Then we held the Class Council, in which every student's progress is discussed and any honors/citations/demerits are given. Any student whose grade is borderline (passing is 10/20) can be passed or failed based on their behavior. It's the best way for teachers to get revenge on the devilish dérangeurs in their class.
Speaking of, I must digress on the French verb déranger. It is the best word ever. There is no good English equivalent. It can be used in any context, but is best when describing the behavior (comportement) of students, any person who harasses les blancs on the street, or an annoying host-sibling. Silly PC rules can also dérange. This is just one great example of what we PCTs like to call Camfranglais, a version of franglais specific to Cameroon. Ahh, I love learning other languages. Like pidgin, as Bill informs me, finger fo foot=toe, or there's manside / womanside for right / left. Anyways.
The Cultural Soirée took place yesterday. All the various clubs presented the activities they've been doing the past few weeks. We had several dances from the US and Cameroon, ie. the booty call, the bikutsi. My host sisters were in two ballets with the gymnastics club and let me tell you, they are flexible! Gymnastics here is more like cirque du soleil than tumbling passes. I have pictures.
Today we attended the Closing Ceremony where prizes are awaded to the best students. I'm proud to say that both my sisters (in the Anglophone section, Form 2 and Form 4) won the overwhelming majority of prizes. Obviously we're just smarter. ;-) I even got to award one of the prizes, and I couldn't have been prouder if they were my real sisters (well, if I had siblings).
In between all the grading and picture taking, we've been preparing to leave. Next week we'll have our official swearing-in as Peace Corps Volunteers. I leave for post the next day. I haven't talked to my principal lately so there's no telling what state my house is in. I'll spend the first few days meeting important people in the town, buying furniture, and settling in. I'm excited to have my own place although I'm also scared of the unknown! But it's all very exciting!! I won't see some friends until December, but supposedly or IST is in Kribi! woot woot!
I'll soon have lots of free time and no one to talk to, so I'll do my best to catch up on all the mail that needs to be sent. I appreciate all the mail I receieve, even if it takes me several weeks to write back. It feels very old-fashioned and fun to sit down and write long letters.
Much love to all! The next time I write I'll be a true Peace Corps Volunteer!!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Quick Update
I'm at the cyber cafe even though I didn't really intend to come again this week. Oh well! Not much has happened since Friday, except that last night I had PC Cameroon-style mac and cheese and it was awesome.
A lot of people have asked what to send in care packages, so I've put together a list of some things: kraft mac and cheese, spices (such as all spice or italian seasoning), grated parmesan cheese, soup or pasta mixes, any kind of mix really, crayons, pens, pencils, nice paper & stationary, bath stuff--exfoliating cream, nice soap, etc...just about anything that's light and would not be available in Africa. If your package is less than 1 lbs it doesn't get checked by customs and thus is more likely to reach me. Plus, it's cheaper to mail.
So that's all. We got matching pagne for our swearing in ceremony, so we'll be kinda dorky. It's actually not a bad fabric, so it'll be nice. I dropped off some fabric I bought yesterday at the tailor, so i have a new dress in the works. We have Tuesday off for Assumption Day and we're going on a picnic! Fun stuff.
A lot of people have asked what to send in care packages, so I've put together a list of some things: kraft mac and cheese, spices (such as all spice or italian seasoning), grated parmesan cheese, soup or pasta mixes, any kind of mix really, crayons, pens, pencils, nice paper & stationary, bath stuff--exfoliating cream, nice soap, etc...just about anything that's light and would not be available in Africa. If your package is less than 1 lbs it doesn't get checked by customs and thus is more likely to reach me. Plus, it's cheaper to mail.
So that's all. We got matching pagne for our swearing in ceremony, so we'll be kinda dorky. It's actually not a bad fabric, so it'll be nice. I dropped off some fabric I bought yesterday at the tailor, so i have a new dress in the works. We have Tuesday off for Assumption Day and we're going on a picnic! Fun stuff.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Week 8
Wow, it's pretty insane that I've been here for 2 months now! Training is alternately very busy and exciting or slow and boring. We're having language interviews tomorrow but I already reached my level so I haven't been going to language class. I took the free afternoon to come to the internet cafe. No reason to waste time sitting around!
Model School is almost over! Yay! We're writing the final exams this weekend and have only 2 days of class next week. The PC is apparently worried about our mental health so we've been given Assumption Day off. After exams we give out grades, have a few parties, and then get sworn in. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I spend as much time as possible with the people I won't see again for months. I'm stoked to get to post and start settling in. School starts officially on September 4 but students and teachers take about 2 weeks to show up. That gives me plenty of time to buy a bed, stove, and fridge (I think those are the essentials).
I had an awesome day in Yaoundé last Sunday. The zoo was depressing but I didn't expect much. I am enjoying the snickers bars I bought at the white man store. For lunch I had a pizza, strawberry milkshake and a nutella crepe. It was tasty. The other day I finished off the chevre I had bought and it was wonderful. I like Cameroonian food for the most part, but I really miss my dairy and chocolate.
Not much else is going on these days. The PC Cameroon director gave us the America Spirit game (someone sent it to him) so we had a crazy time at the bar with this patriotic board game. Hehehe.
Lots of people have been sick lately, so let's hope I don't catch whatever they've got.
Model School is almost over! Yay! We're writing the final exams this weekend and have only 2 days of class next week. The PC is apparently worried about our mental health so we've been given Assumption Day off. After exams we give out grades, have a few parties, and then get sworn in. It's exciting and scary at the same time. I spend as much time as possible with the people I won't see again for months. I'm stoked to get to post and start settling in. School starts officially on September 4 but students and teachers take about 2 weeks to show up. That gives me plenty of time to buy a bed, stove, and fridge (I think those are the essentials).
I had an awesome day in Yaoundé last Sunday. The zoo was depressing but I didn't expect much. I am enjoying the snickers bars I bought at the white man store. For lunch I had a pizza, strawberry milkshake and a nutella crepe. It was tasty. The other day I finished off the chevre I had bought and it was wonderful. I like Cameroonian food for the most part, but I really miss my dairy and chocolate.
Not much else is going on these days. The PC Cameroon director gave us the America Spirit game (someone sent it to him) so we had a crazy time at the bar with this patriotic board game. Hehehe.
Lots of people have been sick lately, so let's hope I don't catch whatever they've got.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
PS
A Chalk Chuck is a fabulous device that holds your chalk so your hands don't get dirty or dry out. My Grandma Rogers gave me hers. Everyone is jealous.
Week 7
I will attempt to fill in the last few weeks and share a few cultural insights.
Birthdays are not traditionally celebrated in Cameroon. (It just doesn't jive with a community structure. I can't believe I just said jive.) My host family is pretty modern so I got a birthday cake and a special dinner. My sisters gave me a handmade bracelet that says "Jessica Joyeux Anniversaire." My PC friends sang "Happy Birthday" and bought me beers. They even made a card--it's pretty ghettotastic and is safely stowed in my diary. I also got several phone calls and cards from the States. I still feel like a baby but at least I'm not the youngest person in my stage (training group)!
The Cameroonian spice rack begins and ends with one ingredient "le cube". It's some kind of beef boullion. Maggi is the most popular brand although some people buy Konig. Everyone cooks with them and I doubt I've had a meal without one. They are sold everywhere, usually next to the Kitoko sachets--a shot of whiskey in a plastic bag for the equivalent of 20 cents. Maggi Roue is even a game show on TV!
Speaking of TV, if you get the chance, watch a Nigerian-produced movie. They are Africa's answer to Lifetime specials. They are almost as spectacular as the Argentinian soap opera dubbed into French, Monica. Watching Canal 2 is almost surreal because my family knows the jingles for dozens of products that will never be available here. They also watch a lot of TV about white Westerners. For example: Friends, Smallville, Family Guy, Alias, The 4400, Will and Grace (unusual since homosexuality is illegal).
African pagne. It's a printed fabric you buy in a full or demi. You take it to a tailor and can pick from her models or attempt to tell her what you want (lots of hand gestures involved). Just this week I bought a new fabric and picked up my dress today. Jennifer & I are trading our leftovers so we'll each have a different print. We're getting matching shirts made. :-) The traditional kaba is actually an African miumiu. Ensembles are more expensive and moder. The cost for a midrange pagne and ensemble will run you 10-25,000 CFA (20-50 dollars) or a simple kaba and pagne is as low as 6,000 CFA (12 dollars). It takes about a week and you have a tailor-fitted, handsewn traditional African outfit that you would never wear in the States! I'm hoping the boys will have bubus made from a fabulous shrimp fabric we found.
Back to more practical commentary...
Model School finished its second week yesterday with a test. We've been told to expect cheating in a variety of forms, so I watched from the back as Laura administered a test in Seconde. I had just taught the class about clean water, personal hygiene and good health. The prefix un- fit neatly into the CCBI lesson (community content based instruction) that the PC loves so much.
Speaking of PC, we heard yesterday that our Director in DC was appointed to a UN Food program in Rome and Bush nominated his replacement. I think the confirmation is this month--hope it makes the news! I'm not sure it will have an effect on me!
Tomorrow we're taking a field trip to Yaoundé! On the schedule: zoo, bakery, Expresso House & Snack Time for American food (pizza and milkshakes) and a supermarché for more of the same. I love white man stores (that's really what they're called). The zoo's entrance fee is 1000 CFA (2 dollars) but 3000CFA (6 dollars) if you have a digital camera and a whopping 5000 CFA (10 dollars) if you actually plan to use it. Our training director explains that they expect you to use it and want to make another buck. He's such an interesting guy--a Cambridge educated Cameroonian university professor, a real post-colonial intellectual who listens to the BBC and speaks precise English.
I learned this week that we have 2 weeks of vacation at Christmas beginning Dec 22 and 2 weeks for Easter in March or April. That's the end of the dry, hot season but it's the only time I'll get off besides summers. School ends in June after exams and starts in September. I have IST in early December. Just an FYI for folks who might want to visit. Bill's post is 30 minutes from the black sand beaches of Limbe and some of my close friends are up North.
That's all for now. I hope all is well in the States! Someone is getting married outside and there's a party in the street. Cameroonians love to celebrate!
Birthdays are not traditionally celebrated in Cameroon. (It just doesn't jive with a community structure. I can't believe I just said jive.) My host family is pretty modern so I got a birthday cake and a special dinner. My sisters gave me a handmade bracelet that says "Jessica Joyeux Anniversaire." My PC friends sang "Happy Birthday" and bought me beers. They even made a card--it's pretty ghettotastic and is safely stowed in my diary. I also got several phone calls and cards from the States. I still feel like a baby but at least I'm not the youngest person in my stage (training group)!
The Cameroonian spice rack begins and ends with one ingredient "le cube". It's some kind of beef boullion. Maggi is the most popular brand although some people buy Konig. Everyone cooks with them and I doubt I've had a meal without one. They are sold everywhere, usually next to the Kitoko sachets--a shot of whiskey in a plastic bag for the equivalent of 20 cents. Maggi Roue is even a game show on TV!
Speaking of TV, if you get the chance, watch a Nigerian-produced movie. They are Africa's answer to Lifetime specials. They are almost as spectacular as the Argentinian soap opera dubbed into French, Monica. Watching Canal 2 is almost surreal because my family knows the jingles for dozens of products that will never be available here. They also watch a lot of TV about white Westerners. For example: Friends, Smallville, Family Guy, Alias, The 4400, Will and Grace (unusual since homosexuality is illegal).
African pagne. It's a printed fabric you buy in a full or demi. You take it to a tailor and can pick from her models or attempt to tell her what you want (lots of hand gestures involved). Just this week I bought a new fabric and picked up my dress today. Jennifer & I are trading our leftovers so we'll each have a different print. We're getting matching shirts made. :-) The traditional kaba is actually an African miumiu. Ensembles are more expensive and moder. The cost for a midrange pagne and ensemble will run you 10-25,000 CFA (20-50 dollars) or a simple kaba and pagne is as low as 6,000 CFA (12 dollars). It takes about a week and you have a tailor-fitted, handsewn traditional African outfit that you would never wear in the States! I'm hoping the boys will have bubus made from a fabulous shrimp fabric we found.
Back to more practical commentary...
Model School finished its second week yesterday with a test. We've been told to expect cheating in a variety of forms, so I watched from the back as Laura administered a test in Seconde. I had just taught the class about clean water, personal hygiene and good health. The prefix un- fit neatly into the CCBI lesson (community content based instruction) that the PC loves so much.
Speaking of PC, we heard yesterday that our Director in DC was appointed to a UN Food program in Rome and Bush nominated his replacement. I think the confirmation is this month--hope it makes the news! I'm not sure it will have an effect on me!
Tomorrow we're taking a field trip to Yaoundé! On the schedule: zoo, bakery, Expresso House & Snack Time for American food (pizza and milkshakes) and a supermarché for more of the same. I love white man stores (that's really what they're called). The zoo's entrance fee is 1000 CFA (2 dollars) but 3000CFA (6 dollars) if you have a digital camera and a whopping 5000 CFA (10 dollars) if you actually plan to use it. Our training director explains that they expect you to use it and want to make another buck. He's such an interesting guy--a Cambridge educated Cameroonian university professor, a real post-colonial intellectual who listens to the BBC and speaks precise English.
I learned this week that we have 2 weeks of vacation at Christmas beginning Dec 22 and 2 weeks for Easter in March or April. That's the end of the dry, hot season but it's the only time I'll get off besides summers. School ends in June after exams and starts in September. I have IST in early December. Just an FYI for folks who might want to visit. Bill's post is 30 minutes from the black sand beaches of Limbe and some of my close friends are up North.
That's all for now. I hope all is well in the States! Someone is getting married outside and there's a party in the street. Cameroonians love to celebrate!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)