La Blanche Africaine

I don't know where to start. I feel like I've been in Cameroon for ages. When really, I've only been here for a little over 2 weeks. My first week was spent with an orientation at a hostel on the grounds of a monestary on mount febe. It was gorgeous! I'm trying to post a few pics. Very mild weather due to the rain and the fog rising from the mountains in the morning was beautiful. The vegetation is tropical. There were goats, roosters, dogs and sheep wondering around. I actually woke up from a rooster every morning. He didn't really seem to know what he was doing, because he would make a bunch of noise quite randomly. He is by far the most inefficient alarm clock I've ever had, but I did wake up every morning so I can't really complain.
We arrived in Yaounde last Sunday and moved in with homestay families. I love my family! I have a mom, dad, 2 older sisters, 1 brother, 2 younger sisters, 1 niece, 1 nephew, 2 dogs, 1 bunny and a parrot. I have my own room and bathroom and a 6:30 curfew. My dad was the governor of the two english speaking provinces of Cameroon for over 10 years. He works for an anti-corruption organization now. My sisters Dora and Anne are in their 20's as is my brother Charles. My two younger sisters are Titou and Elizabeth. My niece is Mamaita- she's two and she's the cutest thing I've ever seen. She sings and dances and follows me everywhere. Willie is 8, he's Anne's son.
Classes have been so far very interesting. I walk to the SIT office every morning at 8 and stay there until 4. I'm learning a lot about culture and development and my French has improved drastically. I speak French at school and at home.
There are some things here that are so similar and some that are so different. First of all, they eat A LOT! Tons of bread with every meal, hearty carbs. The fruit is amazing. There's pineapple, papyas, mangos, and bananas everywhere. I'm learning how to cook. Dora and I are making a banana cake today when I get back from school.
I got my hair braided and my family got me a foulard (head wrap) and kaba (traditional dress). When I go to the market they call me La Blanche Africaine or the White African. It's a strange feeling to be aware of the fact that your white constantly. The only other white people are the students so where ever I go people stare. They want to talk to you, touch you, know your story. Some people think you are a spy, which is awkward. Most of all, they just want you to buy stuff.
I went out with my sister Dora last friday to a bar and heard awesome African music and drank African beer! I'm learning Cameroonian dance on Fridays.
Assimilation is slow but my experience so far has been very positive. The people here are so friendly and kind. Everyone is helpful. My family is just wonderful.
I miss everyone. I hope all is well.

La Blanche Africaine

Yaounde, Cameroon