L'Afrique en miniature - 'Little Africa'

That is the nickname of Cameroon, my new home in the heart of Africa.

miniature because in many aspects, this country can serve as a portrayal of the African continent. From the Pygmy hunter-gatherers of the rain forests in the south, to the nomadic tribesmen of the dry savannas in the north; from the city dwellers in coastal regions with normal and volcanic (black) sand beaches, to the herders in the mountainous regions where, given the mild climate, you may just forget you're still in Africa. More than 280 ethnic and linguistic groups.. There is so much cultural and natural diversity. I look forward to the days the more adventurous of you come here, so we can explore this un-touristy land together. Just recently, I have started to drink palm wine. It takes a lot of getting used to, but you really don't know a place until you have eaten local food and tried their beverages, do you?

Onto more serious subjects after this introductory post. Because this being Africa, there will also be a lot of sad/shocking/dramatic things to write about and discuss. I will try my best not to be a hypocrite or overly cynical. That should be doable because in a place so underdeveloped and poor, I am greeted with warmth and treated with kindness everywhere I go, while rarely spotting any jealousy or bitterness. People do enjoy life a lot and people do find happiness since it does not require a Starbucks around every corner and it does not only derive from the GDP. It seemed remarkable at first. On second thought, I'm just glad that is the case. Making this observation will prompt you to look at many things differently.



P.S. This blog is in response to one person demanding it, and another person accusing me of being secretive and other awful things.

Please leave comments, anonymous or not. They will motivate me to continue. (Else it would seem this is only a place devoted to self-absorption, and that's not the plan:)