Bit more about Ngaoundere
Upon my arrival, the university faculty have treated me like a star. I have eaten out frequently and have eaten lunch and dinner at the Dean’s and Dr. Wirba’s home.

After being introduced to faculty and staff all day, the Dean took me to the Lamidou’s Palace. The Lamidou is the chief or head hancho in a village. Each Friday, tours are conducted for tourists at the palace. Today was a special day because members of the community were inducted to selected position for the council in Adamawa. One of the faculty members (proud to say she’s a woman) was inducted. A lot of chiefs, officials, and powerful people attended. Too bad I could not take pictures to show you.

Saturday was very eventful. The Dean picked me up with his wife around noon and we went to their home. The Dean is an extraordinary man. He built and preaches at his church. He also built a bilingual private school which contains pre-k up to high school. His wife is the director of the school. I was impressed at what one person can do in order to give back to his/her community. My mind is in a million places, trying to figure out if I too can make such a significant impact in my community; on vera, we will see. We then went to the Coffee Shop which is by far my favorite restaurant here. I normally get fillet du capitaine avec du plantain frites (fish and plantains). It is really cheap too so I think I know where my grant money will go!! I also visited Restaurant La Concord I definitely was not a fan. It was like a hang out spot for men. I felt a bit uncomfortable and the food was not good. Coffee Shop is where it is at!!

After lunch, they dropped me off back home where I waited for Dr. Wirba to pick me up. He picked me up in his motor-bike. I was a bit nervous, but I knew he was not going to drive recklessly. Upon arrival, I had to prepare myself physically because I knew that I was going to eat again. I ate rice, fish, plantains, and salad. It was very hard to eat everything because of the large portions. I kept on hearing “do you not like the food? You must keep on eating! This is how we eat in Cameroon” So I must get used to the Cameroonian way of eating, which is A LOT!!! Dr. Wirba’s 3 kids entertained me while we watched the Cameroonian Lions stomp the Hawks of Togo during a qualification match for the world cup. I thoroughly enjoyed myself today and am looking forward to my stay in Ngaoundere.

On Sunday, I went to the Cathedral for mass. I have yet attended such a colorful mass in my life. A majority of the congregation wore their traditional outfits, filled with bright and colorful patterns. The hymns were jubilant and resonated in one’s ear even when the drummers stopped playing. The homily definitely could have been cut short but besides that, I enjoyed it. The fact that there are guards that walk around to make sure everyone is fully alert and not sleeping is pretty funny. After mass, I stayed home reading, while listening to the downpour.