Ah say!!! We don finish water project for Mbo Barombi village. Wednesday all the top officials for this division and Kumba were in the village for the Inauguration ceremony. It was a great day complete with traditional dances and gala night after wards...plenty of white stuff. ..I gave my speech in pidgin and it went vewry well...I will post it on here when I get the chance, but now I am back in Kumba for the weekend. It was a very sad thing to leave the village today and I cannot even begin to explain how much we have come together with some of the people in that village...the Area Boys in particular are like brothers to me and today was a very sad day...anyhow we have but 3 more days in Cameroon to be spent in Kumba then we leave the Motherland...sad but true...
Water continues to flow from the taps and the people are very happy. I dashed (gave) out all of the boots and clothes I collected and managed to carry to Cameroon and even the set of jerseys from Central Highschool. I took one picture with the guys so I am sure they will be happy to have it when I return home. THey gave me two sets of jersrys so the other one will go to my association here, Clicks. They have made large steps forward in the area of service by cleaning up the hostipal in Kumba twice and also working to again visit the same orphanage (a relatively new concept here in Kumba because of the community-nature of the people to take care of eachothers children)/ Im pretty happy with that..
We made one arrange ment to meet up with the Area Boys at the lakeside Monday morning...they are bringing whitestuff to send us off and we are bringing more cement for the filters so they can continue to make them after we go...Try to enjoy KUmba tonight but I am very tired after the Gala night last night and early morning to move out of the schoolhouse today...I swear it was lik moving out of college after freshman year.
We met with the Water Management Committee today to essentially hand everything over to them and it went very well. They set a date and time for meetings and seem to be very serious at this time...Good to know...Anyhow Im outta here check uyall in the states in a few days...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
No be small thing
As I come to write this Blog, I am thinking only in pidgin...its still difficult to converse totally in pidgin, but I throw things in there whenever I can and most people seem to enjoy my attempt at this second language. I am writing with great joy because the people are currently drinking water from the taps now in Barombi!!!! You could say we have achieved our goal. It was not easy though (expressed in pidgin in the title of this entry) and many difficulties continually came to pass. We still have work to finish (some small things) on Monday before the final Inauguration Celebration on Wednesday.
The week recap: Monday Mark and I left Kumba at 6am to make it to the village in good time to begin work. We did a lot of concrete pouring Monday and Tuesday and the community finished covering the trench by Wednesday. To pour concrete is no easy task. First you must transport sand and gravel to the site. We managed this by again carrying bags of the materials on head through the bush path for the structures inside the jungle. So the task of pouring 5 valve boxes and covers took 2 days. The plumbers finished the line by adding pipes we needed to purchase in town last weekend (result of sacrafice to lake) and attached the spicket heads. By Thursday water was flowing and we realized one pipe was broken (right beside the Matango bar). The plumbers were still there so he removed the bad pipe (damaged upon connection) and water flows fine now.
Thursday we did some small collecting of stones and just relaxed. The rain prohibited us from doing much work for most of the afternoon so we spent the day in the drinking spot with an invitation from some newly arrived farmers. One bush man caught an iguana and we ate it with pepper soup and boiled plantains. It was pretty good.
Friday we traveled to Ekombe Bonji, a neighboring village much larger than Barombi. Many people were expecting us there, and we enjoyed very much. The Area Boys accompanied us there so it was a wild night. We arrived to some bush whiskey, at the first house in the village. Emmanual, a good friend and caretaker of the water supply system, carried us to the village. We passed through the bush path and it took about 2 hours. Ekombe Bonji lies on a main road just 6 miles from Kumba (very nice because we were able to take a motor bike back to town this morning in about 10 minutes=cost 500 Central African Francs, or $1.25 USD). We were greeted by some friends and then moved to a "big mans" house for another reception and WHITE STUFF !!!(you cant talk about the drink without giving a good shout in the Area Boys Accord). Soon after the Area Boys arrived. We made it so they came behind. Emmanuel had a program for the evening and did not want to sleep there. The Area BOys had another program for us to sleep and see the night life. Daddy Shaker, Da Game, Kobe, Bakala (pidgin for braids which the woman on the 10.000 franc bill has) Money, and Obonoya Nokoka aka Notorious B were the Area Boys who were able to make the occasion. Sexy stayed behind to accompany one of the other white girls here (Helen) back to town as he is deeply in love with her. We were lacking sound for some time but we made up for it with standard ruckus.
Once the boys arrived we ate some fufu and vegetable soup and then some chopped some bush meat (monkey this time). Some beers and then a quick stroll to see the new secondary school being built and the hospital built a few years back before a bath in the stream and second charge on the white stuff. We moved to the road to the one drinking spot open and arranged for some more charging and dancing. We ate some of the best snails I have ever eaten. with pepper and onions. One guy wants me to carry some back to the states and see how he can start a business exporting dried snails. I think I may actually try to carry some becauase they are fantastic. We made it back to Da Games Aunts house around 3am where Me Mark and Wise Dog shared one bed for a very quick sleep. Kobe slept in two plastic chairs next to the bed. The other guys piled in another bed in teh room beside. The house was a plank house, very common in villages of that size and very simple. No furniture besieds beds and benches. We were safe because we were with the Area Boys and nobody can mess with characters of their nature. As for mnorning time we waited aroud for a long time before eating some rice and fish and plums (not anything like those in the states, but bitter soft sort of vegetables). While waiting we ate beans and puff puff (fried bread) we bought on the street. Washed the meal down with some white stuff before heading to the road to catch a bike back to Kumba. Marko's brain was charged (result of taking alcohol) so we enjoyed some funny conversations in the morning time.
Tonight we have the farewell reception for the Immersion Students (weird to think its been a month since they arrived, but we have been busy non-stop). Dr. Amin is asking that we talk about the project some so its all good. The party is a big deal and high people are invited. IT is expected to last all night so I plan to get home soon for a nap. We have been working so hard the past two months, there is not any person here who could say any thing otherwise. The thing to understand is that its manual labor. Every day I carry something on my head through some tedious bush path or dig some ground with a pick axe and a terrible spade. Nothing here is easy, and as a result it is necessary that after hard work you must play hard. The fact of the matter is that the project could not have been done had we taken any other approach to achieving this goal. Completely integrating ourselves in the Barombi community has allowed us to work together to achieve our goal. We are all equals here and displaying that attitude in everyday life has allowed me especially to become one with the people. Anywhere I go I "feel free" and people here love that. They continue to say "You will not go back to America."
I laugh and agree saying that I will buy some land and build my own farm. Its nice to know that I can come back here at any time and have many places to sleep.
The week recap: Monday Mark and I left Kumba at 6am to make it to the village in good time to begin work. We did a lot of concrete pouring Monday and Tuesday and the community finished covering the trench by Wednesday. To pour concrete is no easy task. First you must transport sand and gravel to the site. We managed this by again carrying bags of the materials on head through the bush path for the structures inside the jungle. So the task of pouring 5 valve boxes and covers took 2 days. The plumbers finished the line by adding pipes we needed to purchase in town last weekend (result of sacrafice to lake) and attached the spicket heads. By Thursday water was flowing and we realized one pipe was broken (right beside the Matango bar). The plumbers were still there so he removed the bad pipe (damaged upon connection) and water flows fine now.
Thursday we did some small collecting of stones and just relaxed. The rain prohibited us from doing much work for most of the afternoon so we spent the day in the drinking spot with an invitation from some newly arrived farmers. One bush man caught an iguana and we ate it with pepper soup and boiled plantains. It was pretty good.
Friday we traveled to Ekombe Bonji, a neighboring village much larger than Barombi. Many people were expecting us there, and we enjoyed very much. The Area Boys accompanied us there so it was a wild night. We arrived to some bush whiskey, at the first house in the village. Emmanual, a good friend and caretaker of the water supply system, carried us to the village. We passed through the bush path and it took about 2 hours. Ekombe Bonji lies on a main road just 6 miles from Kumba (very nice because we were able to take a motor bike back to town this morning in about 10 minutes=cost 500 Central African Francs, or $1.25 USD). We were greeted by some friends and then moved to a "big mans" house for another reception and WHITE STUFF !!!(you cant talk about the drink without giving a good shout in the Area Boys Accord). Soon after the Area Boys arrived. We made it so they came behind. Emmanuel had a program for the evening and did not want to sleep there. The Area BOys had another program for us to sleep and see the night life. Daddy Shaker, Da Game, Kobe, Bakala (pidgin for braids which the woman on the 10.000 franc bill has) Money, and Obonoya Nokoka aka Notorious B were the Area Boys who were able to make the occasion. Sexy stayed behind to accompany one of the other white girls here (Helen) back to town as he is deeply in love with her. We were lacking sound for some time but we made up for it with standard ruckus.
Once the boys arrived we ate some fufu and vegetable soup and then some chopped some bush meat (monkey this time). Some beers and then a quick stroll to see the new secondary school being built and the hospital built a few years back before a bath in the stream and second charge on the white stuff. We moved to the road to the one drinking spot open and arranged for some more charging and dancing. We ate some of the best snails I have ever eaten. with pepper and onions. One guy wants me to carry some back to the states and see how he can start a business exporting dried snails. I think I may actually try to carry some becauase they are fantastic. We made it back to Da Games Aunts house around 3am where Me Mark and Wise Dog shared one bed for a very quick sleep. Kobe slept in two plastic chairs next to the bed. The other guys piled in another bed in teh room beside. The house was a plank house, very common in villages of that size and very simple. No furniture besieds beds and benches. We were safe because we were with the Area Boys and nobody can mess with characters of their nature. As for mnorning time we waited aroud for a long time before eating some rice and fish and plums (not anything like those in the states, but bitter soft sort of vegetables). While waiting we ate beans and puff puff (fried bread) we bought on the street. Washed the meal down with some white stuff before heading to the road to catch a bike back to Kumba. Marko's brain was charged (result of taking alcohol) so we enjoyed some funny conversations in the morning time.
Tonight we have the farewell reception for the Immersion Students (weird to think its been a month since they arrived, but we have been busy non-stop). Dr. Amin is asking that we talk about the project some so its all good. The party is a big deal and high people are invited. IT is expected to last all night so I plan to get home soon for a nap. We have been working so hard the past two months, there is not any person here who could say any thing otherwise. The thing to understand is that its manual labor. Every day I carry something on my head through some tedious bush path or dig some ground with a pick axe and a terrible spade. Nothing here is easy, and as a result it is necessary that after hard work you must play hard. The fact of the matter is that the project could not have been done had we taken any other approach to achieving this goal. Completely integrating ourselves in the Barombi community has allowed us to work together to achieve our goal. We are all equals here and displaying that attitude in everyday life has allowed me especially to become one with the people. Anywhere I go I "feel free" and people here love that. They continue to say "You will not go back to America."
I laugh and agree saying that I will buy some land and build my own farm. Its nice to know that I can come back here at any time and have many places to sleep.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Interesting facts about my Second Home
As you my know, the village of Barombi Mbo lies opposite a natural lake with the same name. Friday after trekking around the lake, tired, hot, and exhausted, we went for a dip and it was very refreshing before the return to Kumba. Anyway, the lake is a crater caused by a volcanic eruption. Some facts about the lake:
Some scientists record the oldest species of fish to be found in the Barombi Mbo Lake.
The lake has no bottom, only some caverns that reach all the way to the sea.
When Mt. Cameroon erupts (as it did less than 10 years ago) the temperature of the lake rises so high all of the fish die. People say you can retrieve fish from the surface of the lake with pans.
The lake claims a few lives every year. Many people think that spirits and witchcraft are the cause.
The fish from the lake are very small. When you fry them, you can eat the entire fish, bones, spine, head, and eyes. We have made it customary to kiss the fish before we consume the head.
The Barombi people migrated from the Douala area when the Germans arrived to colonize. There were wars with the Bafaw people, the natives of the South West Province, Kumba area in particular. It is said that WHen Barombi man confronted the Bafaw at the lake, he was able to slap the water without moving it and removed burning fish (roasted fish) directly from the lake. After seeing this, the Bafaw people left the Barombi man to live on the lake.
Some scientists record the oldest species of fish to be found in the Barombi Mbo Lake.
The lake has no bottom, only some caverns that reach all the way to the sea.
When Mt. Cameroon erupts (as it did less than 10 years ago) the temperature of the lake rises so high all of the fish die. People say you can retrieve fish from the surface of the lake with pans.
The lake claims a few lives every year. Many people think that spirits and witchcraft are the cause.
The fish from the lake are very small. When you fry them, you can eat the entire fish, bones, spine, head, and eyes. We have made it customary to kiss the fish before we consume the head.
The Barombi people migrated from the Douala area when the Germans arrived to colonize. There were wars with the Bafaw people, the natives of the South West Province, Kumba area in particular. It is said that WHen Barombi man confronted the Bafaw at the lake, he was able to slap the water without moving it and removed burning fish (roasted fish) directly from the lake. After seeing this, the Bafaw people left the Barombi man to live on the lake.
Weekly Update
Back in K-Town for another weekend. First the weekly rundown and then to the fun stuff. Standard Procedure.
As for the project, work was slow last week. The plumbers were busy connecting pipes to the standtaps and finishing the concrete to make it look nice. The girls were busy working on their filters, training men to build them and having meetings with the women for usage and maintenance.
Monday we began to cover the pipeline enough to test by tuesday. After testing, the task of covering the remaining parts of the pipeline still remains but we have made some progress. Rain inhibited work for two of the days, leaving only small time in the morning to get work done. We made some formwork for the valve boxes and poured concrete for one valve box and cover for the two high points. After the heavy rains, much of the initial covering we had done on monday had washed away.My first reaction to seeing the empty pipeline after covering the day before was witchcraft was the cause. People here still believe very much in witchcraft and it seems to be a popular topic of discussion lately. Its interesting to see how much you begin to think like a villager when you live in the village.
Work remaining for this week is to pour concrete structures (forms are ready and waiting) and attach the lid of the collection chamber. We are standing firm on the notion that we cannot turn on the water until the trench is completely filled. That should get the community mobilized and ready to go. If all goes well, we can be finished by Wednesday (thats Friday in African time).
Gunshot and The Game traveled to a neighboring village and havent returned for over a week. We joke that they are in jail for not having their ID cards. I hope that is not the case though. Some people are angry as they feel they abandoned the community work that is not finished. But they are Area Boys, so what else can you expect. The journalist from UD arrived in the village thursday, delayed by heavy rains on wednesday, and he got to talk to some people and get a feel of the village life. He is writing a piece for the UD quarterly, basically trying to get money for the univ. but if it gets the word out there and brings in money for the ETHOS Program, I am all about it. Thursday night we had a crucial match and I think it ended in a draw, 3-3. Some of the guys take these football matches so seriously, but I cannot even do that.
We worked Friday morning, and then rushed back into town only to find that the appointment with the Senior Divisional Officer was cancelled. It was nice to have the afternoon open though, so we strolled through the market and ate some soya (small pieces of cow meat served with pepper and raw onions). Its one of my favorite things to get here on the roadside and I get it from one of the two best vendors in town. The meat has no fat and is better than many of the stuff these other guys sell. Compare filet mignon to Mc Donalds big mac.
saturday we had a match with the other university students from the Immersion group. Some other Cameroonians helped to make the squads even and everyone enjoyed themselves. The final score: 7-7. Dr. Amin was the referee. Its funny, I was taking a motor bike (also called Okatta) up to Fiango to visit the family I lived with the last two years and another okatta man behind called for me to say he saw me playing in the match theh previous day. Its interesting because he didnt call for my attention with the standard "white man" like he could anyone else, but called me "Barombi Man". I have no idea how he managed to find out that I was living in Barombi, buts its pretty cool to have natives referring to you as a man of the land, as opposed to white man.
As for the project, work was slow last week. The plumbers were busy connecting pipes to the standtaps and finishing the concrete to make it look nice. The girls were busy working on their filters, training men to build them and having meetings with the women for usage and maintenance.
Monday we began to cover the pipeline enough to test by tuesday. After testing, the task of covering the remaining parts of the pipeline still remains but we have made some progress. Rain inhibited work for two of the days, leaving only small time in the morning to get work done. We made some formwork for the valve boxes and poured concrete for one valve box and cover for the two high points. After the heavy rains, much of the initial covering we had done on monday had washed away.My first reaction to seeing the empty pipeline after covering the day before was witchcraft was the cause. People here still believe very much in witchcraft and it seems to be a popular topic of discussion lately. Its interesting to see how much you begin to think like a villager when you live in the village.
Work remaining for this week is to pour concrete structures (forms are ready and waiting) and attach the lid of the collection chamber. We are standing firm on the notion that we cannot turn on the water until the trench is completely filled. That should get the community mobilized and ready to go. If all goes well, we can be finished by Wednesday (thats Friday in African time).
Gunshot and The Game traveled to a neighboring village and havent returned for over a week. We joke that they are in jail for not having their ID cards. I hope that is not the case though. Some people are angry as they feel they abandoned the community work that is not finished. But they are Area Boys, so what else can you expect. The journalist from UD arrived in the village thursday, delayed by heavy rains on wednesday, and he got to talk to some people and get a feel of the village life. He is writing a piece for the UD quarterly, basically trying to get money for the univ. but if it gets the word out there and brings in money for the ETHOS Program, I am all about it. Thursday night we had a crucial match and I think it ended in a draw, 3-3. Some of the guys take these football matches so seriously, but I cannot even do that.
We worked Friday morning, and then rushed back into town only to find that the appointment with the Senior Divisional Officer was cancelled. It was nice to have the afternoon open though, so we strolled through the market and ate some soya (small pieces of cow meat served with pepper and raw onions). Its one of my favorite things to get here on the roadside and I get it from one of the two best vendors in town. The meat has no fat and is better than many of the stuff these other guys sell. Compare filet mignon to Mc Donalds big mac.
saturday we had a match with the other university students from the Immersion group. Some other Cameroonians helped to make the squads even and everyone enjoyed themselves. The final score: 7-7. Dr. Amin was the referee. Its funny, I was taking a motor bike (also called Okatta) up to Fiango to visit the family I lived with the last two years and another okatta man behind called for me to say he saw me playing in the match theh previous day. Its interesting because he didnt call for my attention with the standard "white man" like he could anyone else, but called me "Barombi Man". I have no idea how he managed to find out that I was living in Barombi, buts its pretty cool to have natives referring to you as a man of the land, as opposed to white man.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Now for Enjoyment
Let me try to smash two weeks of immense enjoyment into words on this machine...
We told all those in the village that we would stay for the weekend and we did. We could not have known how much fun we would have had. The first few days were standard work days. Work, Football, Chop, SLeep. Then by Thursday we experienced the Barombi NIght Life. One family was having a family meeting and there were visitors from the Barombi Kang, a small suburb of Kumba, and another part of the Barombi clan. There are 11-13 villages of the Barombi people in all, I cant remember the actual number, but they vary across the South West Province. The people came, discussed, ate, and we somehow stubled on the party in time for the drinks and dancing. It was very fun and we ended the night a bit late. Over the weeks I am learning a lot about the history of the Barombi Mbo people and I will throw that down later.
The next day the girls came to the village and we celebrated one girl in our group Hayley (called Helen by all here, myself included) birthday. We made her a card and got some popcorn, whiskey, and wine from town earlier in the week. Then we moved "down" to Pa Phillips (chairman of the traditional council) house for a party. SOme visitors came becuase his son, Emmanual, had recently had a baby(christain name, Smith) and they were celebrating. Palm wine was flowing that night and there was much dancing.
Saturday was by far some of the most fun we had in the village. We took out the old motor boat(now without an engine) and went swimming in the lake. It was the first time I had gone (because of warnings from the professor) and I thought it was past time. Many of the Area Boys joined us and it was a great time. The weather couldnt have been better, not a cloud in the sky. Next time we are taking 10 litres of white stuff and the small radio I bought and [plan to make an afternoon out of it.
The next week we just worked hard. All day, everyday. The work becomes enjoyable when you can easily see the progress being made and when you work outside of the drinking spot. We started work far past the farms and inside the jungle, and now most of the work is right inside the village. Its not uncommon to be invited for whitestuff at any time of the day, and its a reason to have a break from the tedious task of digging. I find myself writing so much about white stuff, but I think its imperative to understand how much of the village culture comes from sitting around a 5 litre vat of palm wine and discussing. There are two types of white stuff: matango and matutu. Matango comes from the palm tree and is sweet. In order to tap the wine, they must cut down the tree and one tree can "leak" whitestuff for up to two weeks. Matutu comes from the raffia palm and is not as sweet, but twice as strong. They can tap the tree while it still stands. Matango usually comes in the morning and can be finished as early as noon. Matutu usually comes to "Idle Park", the town drinking spot, by 4pm and people are usually waiting to give their command for the evening Shacking. Wilfred promised to take me to the place where they harvest the refreshment when work is finished.
When there were two of us whites in the village for the weekend, we accepted many invitations to chop something. We ate fish from the lake, snails (called nyamanguro in pidgin, and a personal favorite), cocky corn and cocky beans. Cocky referns to the way its prepared: grated and spiced, then wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled for hours until it has a consistency similar to bread. Its fantastic. The snails are found in the farms when it rains heavily. We also ate shrimp from the lake that were massive and tasted far better than any Red Lobster.
Its hard to get people to work now because its time they enter their farms for clearing and spraying of the cocoa trees. They must clear all weeds and then spray the trees with insectside before the rains become too heavy. Cocoa is like gold and provides many people with their livelihood. Most of the "big men" in town have 4-5 farms and one guy said he produces up to 70 tons of cocoa in one season. He also has a house in Kumba could be considered a baller. He simply remains in the village because he is a farmer and thats where his farms are. So its interesting to see how not all things are as they seem, with respect to the fact that you cant judge a book by its cover.
Im at a lack of other thoughts and I need to get back to the house and eat something Im famished. My goal count is up to 7, far past the other white Mark who led me for a few football matches. As far as the Area Boys, not much new except that were still making noise and enjoying life. It will be a sad day when I have to leave this place.
We told all those in the village that we would stay for the weekend and we did. We could not have known how much fun we would have had. The first few days were standard work days. Work, Football, Chop, SLeep. Then by Thursday we experienced the Barombi NIght Life. One family was having a family meeting and there were visitors from the Barombi Kang, a small suburb of Kumba, and another part of the Barombi clan. There are 11-13 villages of the Barombi people in all, I cant remember the actual number, but they vary across the South West Province. The people came, discussed, ate, and we somehow stubled on the party in time for the drinks and dancing. It was very fun and we ended the night a bit late. Over the weeks I am learning a lot about the history of the Barombi Mbo people and I will throw that down later.
The next day the girls came to the village and we celebrated one girl in our group Hayley (called Helen by all here, myself included) birthday. We made her a card and got some popcorn, whiskey, and wine from town earlier in the week. Then we moved "down" to Pa Phillips (chairman of the traditional council) house for a party. SOme visitors came becuase his son, Emmanual, had recently had a baby(christain name, Smith) and they were celebrating. Palm wine was flowing that night and there was much dancing.
Saturday was by far some of the most fun we had in the village. We took out the old motor boat(now without an engine) and went swimming in the lake. It was the first time I had gone (because of warnings from the professor) and I thought it was past time. Many of the Area Boys joined us and it was a great time. The weather couldnt have been better, not a cloud in the sky. Next time we are taking 10 litres of white stuff and the small radio I bought and [plan to make an afternoon out of it.
The next week we just worked hard. All day, everyday. The work becomes enjoyable when you can easily see the progress being made and when you work outside of the drinking spot. We started work far past the farms and inside the jungle, and now most of the work is right inside the village. Its not uncommon to be invited for whitestuff at any time of the day, and its a reason to have a break from the tedious task of digging. I find myself writing so much about white stuff, but I think its imperative to understand how much of the village culture comes from sitting around a 5 litre vat of palm wine and discussing. There are two types of white stuff: matango and matutu. Matango comes from the palm tree and is sweet. In order to tap the wine, they must cut down the tree and one tree can "leak" whitestuff for up to two weeks. Matutu comes from the raffia palm and is not as sweet, but twice as strong. They can tap the tree while it still stands. Matango usually comes in the morning and can be finished as early as noon. Matutu usually comes to "Idle Park", the town drinking spot, by 4pm and people are usually waiting to give their command for the evening Shacking. Wilfred promised to take me to the place where they harvest the refreshment when work is finished.
When there were two of us whites in the village for the weekend, we accepted many invitations to chop something. We ate fish from the lake, snails (called nyamanguro in pidgin, and a personal favorite), cocky corn and cocky beans. Cocky referns to the way its prepared: grated and spiced, then wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled for hours until it has a consistency similar to bread. Its fantastic. The snails are found in the farms when it rains heavily. We also ate shrimp from the lake that were massive and tasted far better than any Red Lobster.
Its hard to get people to work now because its time they enter their farms for clearing and spraying of the cocoa trees. They must clear all weeds and then spray the trees with insectside before the rains become too heavy. Cocoa is like gold and provides many people with their livelihood. Most of the "big men" in town have 4-5 farms and one guy said he produces up to 70 tons of cocoa in one season. He also has a house in Kumba could be considered a baller. He simply remains in the village because he is a farmer and thats where his farms are. So its interesting to see how not all things are as they seem, with respect to the fact that you cant judge a book by its cover.
Im at a lack of other thoughts and I need to get back to the house and eat something Im famished. My goal count is up to 7, far past the other white Mark who led me for a few football matches. As far as the Area Boys, not much new except that were still making noise and enjoying life. It will be a sad day when I have to leave this place.
Project Update after Long Time in the Jungle
Back from two weeks in the bush….I de enjoy myself plenty. I no wan go for weekend for Kumba. (some pidgin for you, and plenty more to come,,,). Things are moving great with the project and it was really nice to spend the weekend in the village. Mark and I stayed there with Julius aka “Wise Dog” and Karen aka “Mommy”. It allowed us to become even more a part of the Barombi community. Its interesting because when you live and work and play and do all things with people, you come to know them more than you would imagine, and I find myself feeling like a Barombi man.
So lets get down to business…Things are moving very well with the project past anything I could have imagined when planning for the project in the States. Dr. Amin, the history chair from UD and Cameroonian, came with the other Immersion students to see the work on Saturday. He was very impressed and the other students, 9 undergrads here in country for one month for a cultural immersion, were very interested in seeing what UD students are capable of.
The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter than ever. The past two weeks have been a mad dash for the finish line. 95% of the pipes are connected and we were forced to return to town this weekend to purchase 10 more PVC pipes to complete the line. While our original estimates were pretty darn good, we made a sacrifice to the lake of some pipes (fell from a canoe when one guy tried to carry too many pipes after taking too much white stuff). We spent much of the last two weeks digging. Mark and I were up every morning at 6am to begin the digging. Once people saw us they too joined in. It was imperative that the digging be complete to lay the pipes ASAP. Two plumbers work with us to lay the pipes, as the galvanized iron pipes need bending (between two trees) and diced. Its better because they move much faster then we could as amateurs.
Three concrete tap stands are complete. We poured the concrete last Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The PVC pipes were connected to the iron pipe (to nearly complete the network) and high points and low points were installed (air release and cleaning valves). The work remaining includes: backfilling the trench (avoiding joints to test the line first, the completing), connecting the taps to the main line, finishing of the concrete structures (to make them look pretty), and constructing valve boxes and pillars to support the iron pipeline with concrete. We must also concentrate to sensitize to water management committee and train caretakers. The girls have been working on the filters and I really cant say much about them now because I have been concentrating all of my time on the pipeline. We work from early in the morning until mid afternoon, with a few small breaks for some palm wine or to get out of the hot sun. I will not travel with the Immersion students to spend most of my remaining time in the village. I want to be sure that every thing is correct when we leave this place.
So lets get down to business…Things are moving very well with the project past anything I could have imagined when planning for the project in the States. Dr. Amin, the history chair from UD and Cameroonian, came with the other Immersion students to see the work on Saturday. He was very impressed and the other students, 9 undergrads here in country for one month for a cultural immersion, were very interested in seeing what UD students are capable of.
The light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter than ever. The past two weeks have been a mad dash for the finish line. 95% of the pipes are connected and we were forced to return to town this weekend to purchase 10 more PVC pipes to complete the line. While our original estimates were pretty darn good, we made a sacrifice to the lake of some pipes (fell from a canoe when one guy tried to carry too many pipes after taking too much white stuff). We spent much of the last two weeks digging. Mark and I were up every morning at 6am to begin the digging. Once people saw us they too joined in. It was imperative that the digging be complete to lay the pipes ASAP. Two plumbers work with us to lay the pipes, as the galvanized iron pipes need bending (between two trees) and diced. Its better because they move much faster then we could as amateurs.
Three concrete tap stands are complete. We poured the concrete last Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The PVC pipes were connected to the iron pipe (to nearly complete the network) and high points and low points were installed (air release and cleaning valves). The work remaining includes: backfilling the trench (avoiding joints to test the line first, the completing), connecting the taps to the main line, finishing of the concrete structures (to make them look pretty), and constructing valve boxes and pillars to support the iron pipeline with concrete. We must also concentrate to sensitize to water management committee and train caretakers. The girls have been working on the filters and I really cant say much about them now because I have been concentrating all of my time on the pipeline. We work from early in the morning until mid afternoon, with a few small breaks for some palm wine or to get out of the hot sun. I will not travel with the Immersion students to spend most of my remaining time in the village. I want to be sure that every thing is correct when we leave this place.
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