Brent's biggest surprises (last post till N'gaoundere)

I have been pleasantly surprised by a couple things already on the trip. First and foremost, I have realized the food is wonderful here; different but very good. The coffee at the hotel was very strong (sorry weak coffee people) but had a rich aroma and flavor that really was incredible. While at Anne and Willie’s we have experienced the local fruit. I may take some flak for this but it was better than anything I have tasted and that includes you Southern California :). Also, don’t tell anyone but Courtney agrees with me at least about the mango. From the mangos to the pineapples to the tangerines everything was superb. For dinner today, we had spiced beef with peanut sauce, plantains, cassava, and pineapples for dessert. What is cassava you might ask? The cassava root is long and tapered, with a firm homogeneous flesh encased in a detachable rind, about 1 mm thick, rough and brown on the outside. Cassava can be used in flour preparations, tapioca, dumplings, or as an accompaniment to meat dishes. Cassava is the third largest source of carbohydrates for human food in the world. But I digress……….


*Note: Courtney and I are stilling following all the proper travel precautions when eating the local cuisine so no need to worry.

The second biggest surprise is the touches of Americana that have reached Cameroon. From your obvious Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola light,for you calorie counters, to a place called “Mac Donalds” with no trace of the American version except they ironically serve greasy french fries and hamburgers. Possibly less obvious was the completely up to date versions of hip hop songs from the US in English on the radio. The most touching piece of American culture we expereinced was Yaoundè’s best known street: Kennedy Avenue.  The street is complete with a bronze bust of JFK himself.

I feel truly honored to be welcomed so graciously by the Cameroonian people and the contacts made by Pastor Luther and LCI.

This is the last post before we head on a train tomorrow night for our final destination: N'gaoundere. We will arrive on Easter weekend. We are looking forward to a great celebration.

-Brent Brown