Capitalism wherever you want it (pt. 2)

We headed over to another supermarket to pick up a few items Akilah’s not able to find at a reasonable cost in Foumban (ketchup being one of them) and headed to “The Slum.” Ah, the slum. When we arrived, Danielle and Mike were in the kitchen talking. I noticed a goolab of shoes at the front door, which wasn’t a good sign.

Jeanine & Liz came shortly after we arrived. We were going to stay there, but it turned out the place was jam packed with folks. A PCV was married this weekend and most of the folks were staying here at the Bamenda case. Guess the shoes at the door was the clue, eh?

We spoke briefly with Liz and Jeanine. Liz is one of Akilah’s stage-mates, and was also her neighbor on the flight to Cameroon; so they have a little bond. It’s good to meet so many different folks, but remembering the names is crazy. Good thing I’ve got this journal to remind me of them.

Since the place was full, we asked Mike about area hotels. He suggested the Mondial and I’m glad we went there. Hot showers! Nice rooms! Cable television! I watched as much CNN as I could, I wanted to find out how things were at home; too bad it was mostly about the presidential inauguration. It was at least good to see some news from the states. I noticed the weather also. It was like thirty-two degrees in New York, and I’m here in Cameroon perspiring. Is that fair?

The Mondial is the equivalent of a three star hotel in the states and very nice. The rates were 10500 CFAs for a single, 11000 CFAs for a double and 18000 CFAs for a suite. I wanted a suite, but decided to be more sensible; maybe one day I’ll come back and try it out. Just think, before I arrived, I was considering paying about 90000 CFAs a night for a hotel in Douala. What was I thinking about? I can’t imagine too many of the rooms being much different from this one and it’s only an eighth of the cost!

We decided to have dinner at Handicraft. Of course the true intent was to get there so I could finally see the view during the day, but we didn’t make it. Our stop past Titus’ took a little longer than expected and the night fell. It was worth every minute of it though. Two pairs of my slacks were ready.

I tried them on and just marveled at how well he had made them. The first pair of cargos ordered weren’t ready because he needed more material for the pants pockets. I need to get at least one and three-quarter meters when buying for cargo pants. Next time I know.

Akilah ordered some pajamas and other outfits. Must’ve been quite a bit because it took a minute for Titus to do her measurements and write down the instructions. I think we’re getting really spoiled doing this stuff. You know, ordering custom made clothes at a fraction of the price in the states.

Saw Todd, Brooke and a guy named Judd at Titus’. Judd’s heading to Europe next week to see his sister. He mentioned to me that the Baltimore Ravens were playing in the superbowl against the New York Giants. Wow, this is the second year in a row I’ve been out of the country with Akilah during superbowl time. Last year we were on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Being a native New Yorker, I have to side with the Giants, however, seeing as how I really like the Ravens, I have to side with them. I think this is one superbowl where I truly wish for the best team to win. Need to call my roommate or someone and have them tape the game for me, commercials and all, just in case I’m not able to see it.

By the time we finished dinner, we almost had to wait fifteen minutes before we could get someone’s attention to bring us the bill. Apparently, they were waiting for another table to pay so they could bring our’s. What I’d figured out was that the waiter was waiting for the silver platter to be returned. See they have this whole thing about bringing you your bill in either a small change basket or on a platter.

Akilah was getting frustrated at having to wait for something so trivial. She decided to let them know it was okay to bring the bill without the platter. No use though. As the guy explained to her, he understands Americans don’t care about such things, but it is there custom, and he has to show us respect by doing it that way. She could’ve explained until she was blue in the face, but I don’t think he would’ve understood. Talk about cultural barriers; do we have protocol in the states?

Here people are late to things, not because they’re slow, but because if you’re making your way to your appointment and you pass someone you know, it is improper to just wave and keep moving. You must stop, greet them, and have a few words before moving on. It’s protocol!

After an exhausting day of travel, I just wanted to get back to the hotel and watch CNN!