Reflections

You know, today was one of those “I’m gonna do absolutely nothing” days. For only the second time (if I remember correctly) since I’ve been in Cameroon, I just decided to chill. I did wake up at an early hour as usual, but today was a “Chill Day.”

Since I knew Akilah wouldn’t be home until late, I took advantage of the eight hours I would have to myself. What did I do? First I scoured through the Chop Fayner for recipes that might be interesting to try later. Though I’m still getting used to the whole cooking from scratch thing, it’s not that bad. Definitely a domestic skill all males need to acquire before my age.

Nowadays things are just too convenient for us. If it’s not something that can be popped in a microwave, or placed in the oven for a quick heating; it’s being prepared by our mother’s, significant other’s or some other female in our life. Or if you’re like my roommate and I, you just head to the nearest take-out or sit down restaurant. Why not? That’s why they’re there, right?

One thing’s for sure, Cameroon, or any country like it, will open a westerner’s eyes to what is more important in life. That is, if you’re not already too sure about it. Some folks look at the African continent and think it’s a saving grace, that they’ll be glad to get there and live a simpler lifestyle. But most of those here don’t necessarily live a simpler lifestyle by choice. It’s done because there is a lack of options.

Not only do they need to have a “development” mindset, but also a support system needs to exist in order for anyone to move ahead. From my vantage point, one would be hard pressed to understand why the government hasn’t initiated a public transportation system; or why the citizens allow the rampant corruption that exists.

There are a number of solutions or options that could be put in place and implemented, but does that mean someone else will have less of a financial cushion? As kind and protocol oriented as the people here are, things could be done a little differently to assist with moving towards some type of development. They don’t have to go the way of the western world, for we have a ton of things wrong, but instead meld some of the traditional standards and values with the contemporary mindset. That’ll work right?

What else did I do besides ponder the status of the world today? Sleep. Yep, sleep.