"Give them beauty"

We didn't have water for the past two days, and while I can skip on the shower (probably too easily, hygiene has definitely taken a hit here) and ignore the rat's nest that is becoming my hair, I definitely miss just washing my hands or flushing the toilet. The list of things that I'm becoming grateful for is endless: clean tap water, good roads, constant electricity, fast Internet, no cockroaches(!), dishwasher, washer & dryer, public restrooms etc. etc. Basically, after this, I'll have no right to complain again. No fun.

Yesterday was fantastic, I had my environmental class at 9 am and then afterwards, Grace, Anna, and I went to the artisan market. So great, I can't even describe how many neat things they had: Masks, bronze figurines, beautiful beaded necklaces, wooden cravings, leather bags, swords, bow & arrows, really everything. Plus you know that it's not cliche tourist-y stuff (being that tourism isn't really a concept here). I bought a red beaded necklace for five dollars and a bronze bracelet for a little less than four dollars. The bracelet was especially rewarding since I bargained down for 6,000 francs to 1,800 francs. IN FRENCH. Then we relaxed around the house until our meeting w Mr. Teku and got another stipend (more on the stipend because the amount of money we are given is absurd). Then, home around 5 pm where I took a moto for the first time! ;aklsdjfadkjfasdjk. Insane experience and totally addicting. I was terrified, of course, holding onto to my friend, Peter, for dear life, but it wasn't too bad once I got use to it.  Then at home, I showed my host mom my necklace, she was so proud -- saying "Aww, you are a true African woman. That is wonderful."

I can't even explain how truly amazing my host family is. My host mom has completely taken me under her wing and will bring me to the market, narrating Cameroon for me and answering all my questions. She understands that my stomach can't handle Cameroonian food just yet and when teaching me how to cook, will says phrases such as "Give them beauty" (saying telling me to cut the green beans at an angle). Love host Mom, LOVE. Then my sisters Melanie and Helen hang out with me all the time -- Helen even brought me home a valentine on Monday. Best yet, the family doesn't even judge me for my completely psychotic fear of cockroaches. Instead of writing me off as "ridiculous, spoiled American" they see my fear more as this endearing trait, laughing that the white girl is terrified of cockroaches (I get a lot of credit though for not being bothered by the lizards, so at least I appear slightly brave in one way).

Also, last Saturday I went to a club soccer game at the stadium where the Cameroonian national team plays! We even got to go onto the field after the game and go down to the locker rooms. I could go on about soccer in Cameroon, but to sum it up, it is nothing short of religion here. I watched the Arsenal v. Barcelona game the other night with my host Dad and brother which was an awesome experience not only was the game great, but they went absolutely nuts for Song, the Cameroonian who plays for Arsenal.