Arrival

30-12-2009 Buea, Cameroon

On this very moment, I enjoy the wine that I just couldn’t leave half empty in Belgium. It tastes even better than a few days ago, although I was afraid it wouldn’t survive the flight. Temparatures of -50°C in the air could have been enough to destroy either the bottle or the quality of the wine, but I’m happy. (Wout, you can say this to your colleagues)

I’m finally finding some rest in this small, but almost restless town. Yesterday evening, after a crazy drive from Douala to Buea, I entered Hanne’s room, who is spending some days in the rainforest with two friends. She’ll probably be back the 31^st to celebrate New Year with me. But until now, this kingdom is mine. Some African music is playing outside, good vibes, owh yes. I wonder if I'm missing a life concert, but it could also be the music from one of the numerous bars. People are always always on the streets, except from 2 to 5 in the morning, that’s when I slept last night… No, actually the house where I’m staying is peaceful, not as noisy as on the main streets (where I wóuld have difficulties to sleep).

I was scared to walk alone on the streets this morning, I must admit. Being white is really white here (how could I know?), until now I only discovered one other “Whitemaahn”. “White = Money” they believe, but when I see how money is spent here, I’m definitely not the richest guy in town, far from… Still they like to make friends with me, I better grab the opportunity! I’ll just make sure that I never carry more money than necessary. Julius, a friend of Hanne took care of me today, he showed me around and assured me that Cameroonians are nice. If they’re all like him, I’m willing to believe him. Wait and see :)

Details:

- We have got electricity

- Today, the water stopped flowing from the tap. Maybe more luck tomorrow?

- The air smells different, even smoke doesn’t smell like it does in Europe

- Everybody burns his own garbage, maybe that’s why the smoke smells weird :s

- I didn’t even try to identify the birds, it’s too confusing. I have to study my book first.

- I thought I discovered an undamaged car today. I was wrong.

- Thousands of small shops are covering the streets. Buea is one big undeveloped and unorganised shopping centre; it seems that people are really working their way up. Starting as a taxi driver, saving money to start a small shop, buying a bigger shop. Being robbed and starting all over… unfortunately.

- I love to write. English is beautiful! prut

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xx