My new home

Not much internet time left, so this will be short.

I live in a beautiful apartment surrounded by crazyness. The apartment is large, well furnished, basically above and beyond your "typical" peace corps home. then there's bafoussam. I don't think this town is for everyone. It's big, dirty, agressive, and somehow I really like it. I could write a book about the things I see from the balcony of my apartment.

Bafoussam is the third largest city in Cameroon and home to the Bamilike people who are known for their entrpreneurial ways. EVERYTHING is for sale here. You could sit on my balcony, or in a bar, and eventually someone will come up to you with the item you are looking for, balanced on their head. I'm talking EVERYTHING. Its pretty fascinating to see. They have really cool clothes here too. The kind of clothes that would sell really well in the states at one of those vintage clothing stores. It would be a great business really. Buy the stuff dirt cheap here, sell it in the states for a fortune where it is considered "classic" and "retro". I didnt think I woul leave Cameroon looking "hip", but I just may.

There are some "fous" or "crazies" in this town. There's one guy who strolls around buck naked with a big grin on his face. I see him everywhere, unfortunately.

I had lunch with the "sheriff", that's what he calls himself. he's head of the police in town. He's got a big bushy mustache, and he loves Westerns.

The countryside outside of Bafoussam is absolutely gorgeous. Its very mountainous, lush, green, and peaceful. I have some friends posted in villages in the area, they will defnately be my escape from the madness of the city. Its really two different worlds.

The food is plentiful. This region is the bread basket for all of Cameroon. So many fruits, vegetables, fish, everything. I'm learning how to cook, which is good. I made great fish the other night.

Despite the excitement here, I still get homesick from time to time. I miss a lot of people, family and friends.

I start volunteering on monday at the NGO I'm working with. I'm very excited to learn more about the work I will be doing. I will keep you posted

OK, gotta go. Until next time...