Due to flight schedule to reunite with my family in Taipei, I ended up with a three-day layover in Paris. I know, life is tough. Thanks to my French connection, Gary arranged for me to stay with his friends in the center of Paris for the two nights that I was passing through. When he said the center of Paris, I thought it would simply be Paris proper. But center is quite literally the center. His friends live in a fabulous top floor flat in the 1st arrondissement next to the métro station Les Halles.
Since the flight arrives at some absurd hour of 6am, I told Gary that I'll just find my own way into Paris and I'll call him to meet up when I arrive. I took my time going through customs, picking up the luggage, and finally bought a RER métro ticket into Paris. I was really nervous and greatly overwhelmed when I was on the train. While looking out of the window, I was unknowingly digging my nail into my hand with nervous force. I didn't realize I was doing this until I looked down on my hand and saw fingernail print all over the hand from my thumb.
The buildings overwhelmed me, all the white people, and my heart would jump a bit when a train would pass from the opposite direction – I forget it does that. When I got off the train, the busy Parisians were rushing to work. Since it's a busy station, people were coming and going from all directions. I was walking at turtle speed and with a big bag on the back, I was quite like a turtle. Relieved to get out of the busy station, and then I was hit by a bigger shock – the shopping mall connected to the station; shiny marble floors, merchandises galore, etc. Since the time was still early, there were only a few people meandering about the space.
After a few unsuccessful try of finding a reloadable SIM card for my phone, I saw a Starbucks and it was quite like seeing a refuge. I decided to go in and order my Grande Skim Caramel Macchiato before thinking of the next step. Once I sat down, with latte in hand, I decided to try calling from the Cameroonian MTN phone. Miraculously, it worked and Gary said he would come find me. Just as I was trying to digest all the strangeness, I get a call from a villager. I didn't answer at first out of sheer weirdness, but then he called again. I answered, and he wanted to drop off some proposal for me to look at, and I had to explain that I am in France but that he can drop it off at the Bank and I'll look at it upon my return. That few minutes of conversation took the idea strange and weird to a whole other level. The mixture of the two worlds was too much.
After meeting up with Gary for a while, we stepped out into the streets and I was faced with another shock. WHY IS IT SO COLD IN PARIS IN MAY?! I was absolutely not prepared and was sporting my sandal and light jacket. On top of the cold, I was still freaking out by the modern world. Thankfully Gary had also spent time in Cameroon and therefore did not look at me as though I was crazy when I commented on all the clean people and such! The transition into the "real world", albeit temporarily, was certainly made easier with someone who "gets it".
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Airport Delight
A little over a week back in the "real world" and already, life in Cameroon feels like a dream, and not even a vivid one. This trip so far has helped me realize the incredible ability to compartmentalize life according to its experiences. This is not to say I did not experience all kinds of culture shock trotting the globe between three countries in less than one week.
I have a sick liking for airports and airplanes. World travelers are common in today's ever-shrinking world, but most people I know still hate the part of reaching the destination – the grueling process of getting to the airport, check-in, waiting, boarding, being squeezed in a tiny economy class seat, eating not-so-stellar food and breathing pressurized air for hours, etc. I, on the other hand, enjoy putting a different spin on the process.
When was standing in line to check in for my flight out of Cameroon, which by the way, I don't remember the last time I ever had to stand in line for check in, I almost cried from excitement. Boarding for a flight poses all sorts of interesting possibilities. I love people watching in an airport: the excited vacationer, the stressed business traveler, those excited to return to familiarity, and those nervous to embark upon new possibility.
Boarding the plane a week or so ago was my first flight in nearly one year. That's the longest consecutive period I had gone without flying since after high school. Having lived without high technology for so long, I was quite out of practice with airport procedures. Thankfully, the Yaoundé airport in Cameroon is not at all complicated. It was the only flight leaving the airport at the time of departure or thereabouts, thus posing no risk of going to the wrong place.
Once I got to my seat, many little things surprised me. The seats were so clean, and I get my very own. Then I remembered the wonder that is individual screens in front of the seats. But I was reminded being still kind of in Cameroon when the Air France magazine in the seat in front of me is old and the movies in the back did not correspond to the movies showing. :) However, minor detail and I was very okay with it. I must also note how wonderful that airplane meal tasted. I ate every block of that Camembert cheese and every bite of everything else included. I am also embarrassed to admit that I had a little trouble releasing the tray table… I forgot how it's done. Let's just say, all in all, I was way more villageoise than the Cameroonian gentleman sitting next to me.
Petit à petit, I was finding my way back into the real world.
I have a sick liking for airports and airplanes. World travelers are common in today's ever-shrinking world, but most people I know still hate the part of reaching the destination – the grueling process of getting to the airport, check-in, waiting, boarding, being squeezed in a tiny economy class seat, eating not-so-stellar food and breathing pressurized air for hours, etc. I, on the other hand, enjoy putting a different spin on the process.
When was standing in line to check in for my flight out of Cameroon, which by the way, I don't remember the last time I ever had to stand in line for check in, I almost cried from excitement. Boarding for a flight poses all sorts of interesting possibilities. I love people watching in an airport: the excited vacationer, the stressed business traveler, those excited to return to familiarity, and those nervous to embark upon new possibility.
Boarding the plane a week or so ago was my first flight in nearly one year. That's the longest consecutive period I had gone without flying since after high school. Having lived without high technology for so long, I was quite out of practice with airport procedures. Thankfully, the Yaoundé airport in Cameroon is not at all complicated. It was the only flight leaving the airport at the time of departure or thereabouts, thus posing no risk of going to the wrong place.
Once I got to my seat, many little things surprised me. The seats were so clean, and I get my very own. Then I remembered the wonder that is individual screens in front of the seats. But I was reminded being still kind of in Cameroon when the Air France magazine in the seat in front of me is old and the movies in the back did not correspond to the movies showing. :) However, minor detail and I was very okay with it. I must also note how wonderful that airplane meal tasted. I ate every block of that Camembert cheese and every bite of everything else included. I am also embarrassed to admit that I had a little trouble releasing the tray table… I forgot how it's done. Let's just say, all in all, I was way more villageoise than the Cameroonian gentleman sitting next to me.
Petit à petit, I was finding my way back into the real world.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
We Got French Books!
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a lady who work with l'AESCO, a French NGO whom I've contacted about book donation for our library project. She said would be in Yaounde for a few days around the 15th and wanted to meet with me. Just so happen that I was suppose to attend a meeting in the Capital on the 15th with the umbrella organization of my microfinance institution. I wasn't going to attend because it was the last week of my business class, and I wanted to be there for the "graduation". But everything eventually worked out because my students protested to have the graduation moved when I announced my pending absense. So, I got to go to my meetings, and still take part in handing out the certificates for my students!
Anyway, back to the meeting. Monday of the week I was traveling to the Capital, I emailed the lady with my contact information and the exact time that I would be free. Still nothing. I became rather disappointed thinking perhaps the meeting won't take place after all. Then, 6:30am on the day of the meeting, I got a call from her. Still asleep, I jumped out of bed and took the call, mustering what French I could during my half asleep mode. She wanted to meet that day. So we arranged a time to meet at the University of Yaounde. I couldn't tell before if she is Cameroonian or French, but after a 6:30am call, it was clear - definitely a Cameroonian! It still amazes me that I get calls at 6am and they think it's perfectly normal, because they've already been up for at least an hour, if not more!
Siobhan, fellow volunteer working on the project, went to this meeting with me. We were perfectly content expecting it to last forever, as most Cameroonian meetings are. But, to our surprise, this lady had spent enough time in France and has adopted to the efficiency. We were in and out of the meeting in 15 minutes. We talked more about our project, who it will benefit, where it will be, etc. She asked some questions, took notes, and said, "we'll supply the books you need if you can find a way to pay for the transportation. We've stopped the book drive operation, but we are starting it back up for you. I am in the country until May 1st, and I will go back to France and discuss the details with the President. We'll be in contact." Just like that. Clear. Simple. To the point.
I was in shock leaving this meeting. This lady even drove me and Siobhan to where we were headed next, saving us a trip in the taxi. I could not believe how easy it was. And just like that, we have a promise of French book supplies for 25 village schools! Before I left the village for vacation, I had gone around to delivering project applications to most of the schools in my village and a few nearby. I've also selected the schools who will participate in the project, keep those who weren't selected on the backburner, in case we have more books than we can manage, then they'll benefit as well.
The project is growing with a snowball effect. For the first 8 months of my time in Cameroon, everything I did felt like pulling teeth. Everything took forever and never works. Suddenly, things are falling into places and working, and I can't be more satisfied!
Anyway, back to the meeting. Monday of the week I was traveling to the Capital, I emailed the lady with my contact information and the exact time that I would be free. Still nothing. I became rather disappointed thinking perhaps the meeting won't take place after all. Then, 6:30am on the day of the meeting, I got a call from her. Still asleep, I jumped out of bed and took the call, mustering what French I could during my half asleep mode. She wanted to meet that day. So we arranged a time to meet at the University of Yaounde. I couldn't tell before if she is Cameroonian or French, but after a 6:30am call, it was clear - definitely a Cameroonian! It still amazes me that I get calls at 6am and they think it's perfectly normal, because they've already been up for at least an hour, if not more!
Siobhan, fellow volunteer working on the project, went to this meeting with me. We were perfectly content expecting it to last forever, as most Cameroonian meetings are. But, to our surprise, this lady had spent enough time in France and has adopted to the efficiency. We were in and out of the meeting in 15 minutes. We talked more about our project, who it will benefit, where it will be, etc. She asked some questions, took notes, and said, "we'll supply the books you need if you can find a way to pay for the transportation. We've stopped the book drive operation, but we are starting it back up for you. I am in the country until May 1st, and I will go back to France and discuss the details with the President. We'll be in contact." Just like that. Clear. Simple. To the point.
I was in shock leaving this meeting. This lady even drove me and Siobhan to where we were headed next, saving us a trip in the taxi. I could not believe how easy it was. And just like that, we have a promise of French book supplies for 25 village schools! Before I left the village for vacation, I had gone around to delivering project applications to most of the schools in my village and a few nearby. I've also selected the schools who will participate in the project, keep those who weren't selected on the backburner, in case we have more books than we can manage, then they'll benefit as well.
The project is growing with a snowball effect. For the first 8 months of my time in Cameroon, everything I did felt like pulling teeth. Everything took forever and never works. Suddenly, things are falling into places and working, and I can't be more satisfied!
Business Class Success!
My first series of business classes came and gone. Thus far, this marks the most concrete and rewarding project I have completed during my service. Since it was the first time for me, it was immensely helpful having Nura, who have taught the class many times, teaching it with me. She guided me through logistics and tips about managing the class.
I am very pleased with both the turnout of the students and the motivation demonstrated. We taught at the makeshift community center in town and students came from not only Batie, but also neighboring villages. Teaching the class has helped gaining confidence both in my French, and my ability to manage projects and working closely with villagers. Students are very patient with my French and would help me explain concepts or find the words I am searching for. After all, I am (supposedly) the expert in business knowledge, not French.
Through this class, I've also put on my business advising hat and giving some ideas about better improving business/projects, or even at the most basic level, determining whether an idea can work. I studied finance and economics in university, and when I left last May, I didn't think I would ever create financial models again on Excel for a very long time. But surprisingly, I found myself downloading the final exam from my financial modeling course and creating models for village entrepreneurs to determine their break-even points. Now, this may sound pretty simple, but quite the contrary. In school, no one taught me how to determine the expected growth rate or such other factors; they were always given! Also, MACRS depreciation schedule doesn't quite apply au village. Changes are thus adapted to these models. If nothing else, I am glad I am finding a way to apply knowledge from that very expensive and overpriced university education to help some villages in the middle of nowhere Africa.
Overall, quite the success with first series of business class and I look forward to hosting many more and seeking many more motivated individuals to work with!
PS-I shall post pictures in the near future on our "graduation". The students organize a little party with food and everything. Naturally, I had to get my picture taken with every single student and their certificates. They love those certificates!!
I am very pleased with both the turnout of the students and the motivation demonstrated. We taught at the makeshift community center in town and students came from not only Batie, but also neighboring villages. Teaching the class has helped gaining confidence both in my French, and my ability to manage projects and working closely with villagers. Students are very patient with my French and would help me explain concepts or find the words I am searching for. After all, I am (supposedly) the expert in business knowledge, not French.
Through this class, I've also put on my business advising hat and giving some ideas about better improving business/projects, or even at the most basic level, determining whether an idea can work. I studied finance and economics in university, and when I left last May, I didn't think I would ever create financial models again on Excel for a very long time. But surprisingly, I found myself downloading the final exam from my financial modeling course and creating models for village entrepreneurs to determine their break-even points. Now, this may sound pretty simple, but quite the contrary. In school, no one taught me how to determine the expected growth rate or such other factors; they were always given! Also, MACRS depreciation schedule doesn't quite apply au village. Changes are thus adapted to these models. If nothing else, I am glad I am finding a way to apply knowledge from that very expensive and overpriced university education to help some villages in the middle of nowhere Africa.
Overall, quite the success with first series of business class and I look forward to hosting many more and seeking many more motivated individuals to work with!
PS-I shall post pictures in the near future on our "graduation". The students organize a little party with food and everything. Naturally, I had to get my picture taken with every single student and their certificates. They love those certificates!!
Les nouvelles du village
Hello world! Yes, I am still alive and sincere apologies for the lack of updates this past month. The first part of April was occupied with business classes and other projects; the past two weeks, I was in solitude because I had to give the ghetto charger back to Nura (see previous post) and therefore no working computer, thus disconnected from the world.
Life au village continues to treat me quite nicely, although two weeks of solitude made me rather stir crazy and I am glad to finally be in the capital, making my way slowly onto the long-awaited vacation. Last week, my mother reminded me to not go to the wrong airport when I'm in Paris boarding for my flight to Taipei. It occurred to me that it has been exactly four years since I began my travel frenzy; it all began the summer after freshman year in college when I spent the summer in Taiwan/France/Belgium.
If you don't know the infamous wrong-airport story, it goes something like this in summary: I let my dear friend Jess planned our extra stay in Europe after France. She took care of everything, including taking us to the wrong airport (Orly instead of Beauvais where Ryanair flies). Then told me the train to London is overnight and we wouldn't need to find a hostel for that night - we got to London at 10pm and right after the '05 bombing so the transport was chaos. Needless to say, it was quite an adventure, and made a great story to tell. Jess remains a dear friend of mine to this day, and we retell the story every chance we get.
I titled this blog Round II for I felt somehow this experience in the Peace Corps will connect me back to my past. This trip back to the motherland is unexpected, but I think will attribute to me making the linkage between my past, present, and future. Stay tuned to see how the connection unravels!
Life au village continues to treat me quite nicely, although two weeks of solitude made me rather stir crazy and I am glad to finally be in the capital, making my way slowly onto the long-awaited vacation. Last week, my mother reminded me to not go to the wrong airport when I'm in Paris boarding for my flight to Taipei. It occurred to me that it has been exactly four years since I began my travel frenzy; it all began the summer after freshman year in college when I spent the summer in Taiwan/France/Belgium.
If you don't know the infamous wrong-airport story, it goes something like this in summary: I let my dear friend Jess planned our extra stay in Europe after France. She took care of everything, including taking us to the wrong airport (Orly instead of Beauvais where Ryanair flies). Then told me the train to London is overnight and we wouldn't need to find a hostel for that night - we got to London at 10pm and right after the '05 bombing so the transport was chaos. Needless to say, it was quite an adventure, and made a great story to tell. Jess remains a dear friend of mine to this day, and we retell the story every chance we get.
I titled this blog Round II for I felt somehow this experience in the Peace Corps will connect me back to my past. This trip back to the motherland is unexpected, but I think will attribute to me making the linkage between my past, present, and future. Stay tuned to see how the connection unravels!
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