Past weekend we’ve visited the capital, Yaoundé. We stayed at a young couple living and working for 7 months in Cameroon. They are currently working as expats for a local investment bank situated in both Douala and Yaoundé.
Fortunately, we knew they were Dutch so communication might be less cumbersome. And, just as we had expected, communicating in Dutch was in fact paradise. Suddenly we became aware of the fact that communication doesn’t have to take more than five words to get the message across. Free from misinterpretations and wrongful disputes, what a breeze!
Together we discussed some of the cultural differences and other strange happenings we encountered during our stay. It was really fun to share some of the amazement for things that apparently seem to be really normal for Cameroonians.
To give some examples:
- During our stay in Fotouni we already discovered that a lot of small local media exists to cover daily life in the village. Since there is such a rich variety of different media channels it is hard to stand out among the rest and have a true headline story. Result: Most front page stories are just roughly based on a true story. It often occurs that one topic appears with three completely different scenarios. Anyway, who cares!? As long as it is fun to read! -
- Business/Work ethics – During our stay at our host families we noticed that the actual number of proper sleeping time never exceed 4 to 5 hours a night. We began to wonder how people here are able to work day after day without getting exhausted. But now we know. On a typical working day an average lunch break easily lasts for 2.5 hours. Moreover, it isn’t considered weird to take a short nap with your face flat on the table, still sitting behind your desk.
- In true African fashion it is expected that all the wealth you earn will be shared with your close relatives. Consequently people are unable to collect savings. However, there are ways to save money for yourself. One common solution is the following: Just buy bricks and start building a house! You shouldn’t expect to finish it within a decade, since it stays an easy excuse not having to share your wealth with your family. People just take their time, resulting in thousands of large villas still being “under construction” for several years in a row.
To celebrate our weekend off we went out for dinner were we had our first taste of Cameroonian crocodile. Strangely enough, it reminded me of turkey or chicken.
The weather during the trip to Yaoundé was actually great. Phil finally had the chance to work on his trucker-arm.
The local market provided a beautiful view on the city.
Heavy thunderclouds covered the city in a matter of minutes.
The rain poored down like waterfalls.
We finished the night with a few beers at a local teenage bar. This was the only nice place where beers weren’t priced 5.000 CFA (= 7,5 euros) and the music was at a normal volume. We spent the night on a simple mattress on the ground. Still, it felt as if I was lying on a Hästens bed.
The morning after, we ate delicious hamburgers while we discussed our system concepts. Unfortunately there was no time left to enjoy the beautiful streets of Yaoundé so we left early by VIP bus (with AC) back to Douala.
We had a great time in Yaoundé, and having tasted some of the chillness of a weekend off we are exited to spend our last few days on the beaches of Limbé.
Expect to find some new pictures on our Flickr Photostream at the beginning of next week, when we are safe and sound back in Holland.
For now, de groetjes!
Casper van Huisstede
waoo, you guys are really having fun in Cameroon.
I know the daily customs and traditions can be weird for a foreigner as discribed in your blog.
Interesting you did not make mention of the dishes or share any pictures.
I am just being curious.
Enjoy Cameroon and be safe please.