Social Life in Yaounde

Moving to Yaounde from Los Angeles required an adjustment in social activities. In Los Angeles, I went out a few times each week after work. My friends and I would listen to poets speak about their anger, take a cappuccino at the local coffee house, or shake our hips to salsa music. In Los Angeles, I always ran around from one place to the next.

In Yaounde, the social scene is opposite. I don't find myself running around and doing as many things as I did in Los Angeles. The other day I had dinner with a German woman who complained about many things in Cameroon, including the lack of social activities. I agree with her, in the lack of offerings. Unlike her, it has never been a huge problem that I find the need to complain about. A place is what you make of it.

I have gotten to know many people here who have either invited me into their homes or taken me out to an event. Last weekend my friend, Vivian from Tanzania, invited me to a fashion show of a local seamstress. I would have never known about this event otherwise. It started late, but ended with a great showing of wonderful designs. I actually can't wait to have an outfit made by her (maybe in the fall).

This week is the l'ecran noir African film festival, where a host of films from South Africa, Niger, Cameroon, and other nations are shown. Last night, a friend and I watched Max and Mona, a South African comedy about a professional funeral mourner.

So, my point? Well, Yaounde has become what I have made of it. I have gone out and met people. I have found things to do such as the events above, drum lessons, and french lessons. And, I don't sit around bored waiting for something fun to drop on my lap.