Update and Some Pictures

Hello, everyone! I hope that you are all having great days or nights, depending on your time zone and when you actually read this. Today is my last day in Dschang. After this we go to Bamenda, which is in the Anglophone part of Cameroon. We will be learning about the issues that Anglophones face in a predominantly Francophone country.

Here is the update on what we have done in Dschang! We have been learning about a particular ethnic group called the Bamiléké. To learn about traditional culture, we went to a chefferie (the place where the chief’s palace is along with other parts of the compound). That was so interesting! The structure of the Bamilékés’ government is so fascinating. It was also amazing to meet the head of a traditional village that pre-dates colonialism. It is hard to explain just how unique and amazing of an opportunity it was. We also went to Foumban to visit the Bamoun sultanate (a sultanate is similar to a chefferie in case you were wondering). We also went to a monastery. After living in busy cities for a month, it was a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) to go to the monastery. We have also been learning about women and their role in traditional and modern life here in the West Region.

Now, onto the next topic: Food! I have been occasionally documenting my meals as we go throughout the program. Now, I will grace your eyes with a compilation of my meals in Cameroon. Enjoy!

 This is beans and plantains.

This is sweet potatoes (they are white here!) and beans. Also, my water bottle :) 

 This is a dish called ndolé (which is a vegetable similar to spinach mixed with sauce) with a side of plantains.

 This was the delicious lunch/dinner that we ate at the chefferie. There are beans, potatoes, beignets, rice, carrots, bread, and pineapple for sure. Beyond that, I am not really sure what I ate.

 This was my special weekend breakfast of carrots and bread!

This lovely dish is called couscous maïs (corn couscous) and gombo. In case you were wondering, that is a whole fish just chilling in my gombo.

This is me eating the meal.