I'm visiting Cameroon for the second time this winter -- Jan to Mar 2011. You can read about the first one downstream, and find out how all this came to be.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Visa app accomplished
I mailed off my application for a Cameroonian visa today. Six weeks to go. I'm starting to pack the little things that I could forget later, and making lists. Excitement isn't the word for it!
I ran across your blog a few weeks ago and have been meaning to post since then. I've been so busy with school work though that I haven't had the chance until now.
I traveled to Cameroon in 2005 and absolutely fell in love with the people and the country. In fact, upon returning to the US I enrolled at a University and now am studying Political Science with and emphasis on African Studies.
Anyway, in light of your note about packing things you could forget I have a little advice. Be prepared to give away anything you take with you, including the clothes you plan on wearing. Also, I highly suggest you go out to a dollar store and by crayons and coloring books, simple gifts like these can make a child's day in Cameroon.
Adam thank you so much for this. It's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. I'm having 500 pencils imprinted with "Oui Nous Pouvons." I like the suggestion to be prepared to give away your clothes. It leaves more room in the suitcase for the gifts to those back home!
The group I traveled with set up base in Bamenda. I traveled with a group of students from the high school I attended. Since 1997 the organization has set up the most and the largest computer networks in Cameroon. Our connection to the country is a former peace corp volunteer turned high school teacher. While in the peace corp he worked at Longla Comprehensive College in Bamenda. While I spent most of my time in Bamenda, I also got to travel to the village of Mbem.
My girlfriend, who also traveled with the group, just reminded me that of the success of glow sticks and bouncy balls we took. Kids of all ages seemed to love both of these toys.
I ran across your blog a few weeks ago and have been meaning to post since then. I've been so busy with school work though that I haven't had the chance until now.
ReplyDeleteI traveled to Cameroon in 2005 and absolutely fell in love with the people and the country. In fact, upon returning to the US I enrolled at a University and now am studying Political Science with and emphasis on African Studies.
Anyway, in light of your note about packing things you could forget I have a little advice. Be prepared to give away anything you take with you, including the clothes you plan on wearing. Also, I highly suggest you go out to a dollar store and by crayons and coloring books, simple gifts like these can make a child's day in Cameroon.
Adam thank you so much for this. It's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. I'm having 500 pencils imprinted with "Oui Nous Pouvons." I like the suggestion to be prepared to give away your clothes. It leaves more room in the suitcase for the gifts to those back home!
ReplyDeleteWhere were you in Cameroon.
The group I traveled with set up base in Bamenda. I traveled with a group of students from the high school I attended. Since 1997 the organization has set up the most and the largest computer networks in Cameroon. Our connection to the country is a former peace corp volunteer turned high school teacher. While in the peace corp he worked at Longla Comprehensive College in Bamenda. While I spent most of my time in Bamenda, I also got to travel to the village of Mbem.
ReplyDeleteMy girlfriend, who also traveled with the group, just reminded me that of the success of glow sticks and bouncy balls we took. Kids of all ages seemed to love both of these toys.
Such good advice, Adam. I'm on my way to the Dollar Store!
ReplyDelete