Enjoying a final weekend in Foumban

This is my last weekend here in Foumban, and I needed to rest today. After all the running around this week to coordinate the Batié English club visit, and rushing to Bafoussam to convert traveler’s cheques, I needed to take a break. Last night I fell asleep around 9:00pm or so; earlier than what I normally would’ve.

We sat around the house writing and planning the final week before we head to Douala. My biggest concern is how to get my things out of the house without making it so obvious that I’m leaving. I thought about taking them to the Bafferie a day early, but I don’t know if there’s anything there for me to lock them in. I figure since everyone is aware that I’m here visiting Akilah, we don’t want anyone to become so cognizant that I’ve departed. Keep a little mystery for as long as possible.

By the time we realized we hadn’t eaten all day, and were ready to dress and head to a restaurant, it was about to get dark outside. But to our dismay, and that of everyone else in the town, the electricity was off. We went to the Restaurant du Midi, and ordered our meals. By the time it came, we were eating by candlelight. The restaurant was still open, but as soon as we finished, I believe they closed.

We walked back in the dark, by choice. I had Akilah’s maglite, but I’m a fan of not drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Besides, there were taxis riding by providing enough light to see the roadway and whoever was heading in our direction, or walking behind us.

I’ve still not been able to comprehend why the electricity company turns off the lights without notice. Are they conserving energy? Is this their way of doing a rolling blackout? What is to gain from placing half or all the town in the dark for hours at a time? Even when we were in the Extreme North we found out that whenever water or electricity goes out, it’s usually announced ahead of time. What’s wrong with doing that here? Or is it done, but no one ever tells Akilah?

We spent a good part of our day talking about Cameroon, and the pros and cons of being here. The past two months have been a learning experience for me, and I know that since June, Akilah’s definitely acquired a bit of knowledge about being here. I don’t think I’ll get nostalgic about this place, maybe a few of the students.

The young people of this country are going to be the saving grace. There’s so much hope in their eyes, and so many dreams that are untapped. Once someone gives them the knowledge that certain things are possible, you can see that their interest just peaks. I hope that they’re able to overcome the current state of their country, and put an end (or at least significant decrease) to the acceptance of bribery as a means of getting things done. One can only hope.