Preparations!

So as you might know, my dad (real US dad) is coming to visit Yaoundé in one week! I absolutely cannot wait. So i drew up this study guide for him, and I thought maybe it would make a cool blog post. Or, in simpler terms, Anna's laziness towards blogging kicks in! Just kidding. Kind of. The only things I left out were the emergency contact information, no need to post that on the internet!

Cameroon 2011 Study Guide

When you arrive…
-You are going to feel like you are the only white person in the whole world (until you see me)
-Because of the above point, everyone will be staring at you. STARING. Just ignore it
-There may not be a very organized line at the airport, Cameroonians don’t really respect “no budging” rules that we follow in the US. Just budge. If you don’t, you’ll never get anywhere
-Baggage claim especially will drive you nuts, just shove your way in there, no one will be offended. I promise.

Just in general...
-It’s really, really hot. Pack accordingly
-Cameroon is also transitioning into the rainy season, which means it is extra hot and rains at least once a day, so bring a small umbrella. It might be unnecessary, but you definitely won’t need a raincoat (too hot, I promise)
-Bring some stomach medicine. I will do my best to keep you safe, but just in case you eat something a little off, you should be prepared. That said, don’t worry. I didn’t get sick until I was here for like 3 weeks.
-Don’t forget to take your malaria pills!
-Bring some travel packs of tissues and purel; the public bathrooms can sometimes be a little iffy
-The water and electricity (more often the water) shuts off occasionally, so in the event that there is no water for you to shower with in the hotel, it might be beneficial to bring wipes, if you have any kind you like so you can clean off your face and body. It’s not really a big deal because everyone is pretty sweaty and smelly anyways but if it bothers you not to shower every day then I suggest you prepare yourself
-We will buy you tons of bottle water when you get here

During your visit…
-You are staying at the Hotel Kamthe. It is located in the neighborhood Mendong, which coincidentally is the neighborhood that I live in!
-Mr. Teku’s driver will bring me to pick you up at the airport, and he will take you back to the airport on Sunday (with me and probably my host family)
-We are having a small reception at my host family’s house on Friday night, 5 pm
-We are also having lunch with Mr. Teku on Sunday
-You are going to go out with the rest of the students on Saturday night (hopefully) to our favorite bar, so be prepared.
-We will be doing a lot of exploring and walking, so make sure you have comfy shoes
-My family loves spicy food. They know I don’t like it so they tone it down (still, yikes) and I’ve told them that you are exactly like me, so hopefully they don’t make anything spicy. Still, fair warning.

Helpful Phrases
-Hello = Bonjour
Please = s’il vous plait
Thank you = merci
-How are you? = Comment ca va?
-I am good = Ca va bien or je vais bien
-And you? = Et toi? (ay twah)
-My name is Al = Je m’appelle Al
-I would like… = Je voudrais
-200 = deux cent (standard taxi fare)
-Hotel that you are staying at = Hotel Kamthe (kamtay)
-water = l’eau (sounds like owe or low)
-Bathroom = salle de bains
-Where is the… = Ou est la… (ooh ay la)
-How do you say… = comment ca va dire…

Well, I guess I also left out the section where I ask him to bring me things (only really useful, necessary things) from the US. That's just a little embarrassing. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it! If you find any information I left out that you think should be on there let me know. Until next time!