A City boy!

Howdy!

Between a few proposals and business cases that I've helped create over the past week, I had a trip to Yaounde - the capital of Cameroon. To travel there involved a 2 hour minibus trip to Douala - the commercial centre (with a slightly larger population than Yaounde), and then a 3.5 hour coach journey - slightly different experience as they actually abide by the seat/passenger ratio!

Being in Yaounde reminded me of how much I love the city - and also made me aware of the contrast with a rural area which struggles with poverty. Things we're used to seeing everyday do become ever more apparent. This aside - it was much fun walking around the city, seeing the contrasting architectures and the variety of shops, street sellers and markets. Apparently the city wasn't it's normal self, as it was getting ready for the arrival of the Pope.. but by afternoon it was still very very manic! I wonder what it's like when its normal!!

The shared taxi system here in the cities are also quite cool - You stand by the roadside and shout your destination to the taxi's. If it's on route, they honk approval, pick you up and take you there... if it's not, then they just ignore you. It's quite good, and means that the taxi is normally full whilst travelling.

Working style is also interesting here... To complete a proposal, we did a full days work (9-5), and then I was told how hard we'd worked all day, so to reward ourselves, we went for a meal and a drink! Also, in shops, you are often greeted by what seems unhappiness at them having to complete your request, and they shrug and complete the request (though this often turns positive when you greet and smile at them!).

I've reached the halfway point of my stay in Cameroon... and begun contact with FUGA, the NGO I'll be working with in Uganda. But there is still much to do and see here! I'm due to travel back to Bangem tomorrow.

Ciao for now!