Day 79 - January 31st

So today we (the Conrods and I) went to the nearest city, Bertoua. First, Laurel, Nandry, and I went and bought cloth for a quilt for Nandry. I love the colors of it!
Then, we continued to the market, where we got new flip flops for Nandry and I, which look like they should last a long time. And they are the cloth and foam ones, not plastic. I'm excited about them.
I also found some shirts that aren't so casual in the "thrift store" section. We bargained hard, even though they were already cheap clothes, and got some of the shirts for as little as 50 cents! Laurel is good like that.
The funniest moment was when a man asked Laurel if her sister (me, because we are obviously related if we are both white) wanted a nice, tall man to go to America with her, because he really wanted to go to America.
Here is her story:
Cameroonian guy that spoke decent English: Are you from the United States?
L: Yes!
Guy: ME TOO!
L: Really? Which state?
Guy: The UNITED States.
L: Oooooh! What part?
Guy: You know Barak Obama?
L: Yes!
Guy: I'm from where he's from.
L: I think he's from Chicago.
Guy: YES! Chicago, Ontario!
L: Nice, you kind of look like him, is he your brother?
Guy: YES! I'm a good tall man, would you ask your sister if she wants me to go back to the United States with her? (Geri the tutor was with me today)
L: I think she will refuse, she's not looking for a man right now.
Guy: Yes, but I want to go back to the United States with her.
L: Ok, I'll ask her, but I don't think she's interested.
Guy: Ok, we are together.
L: Yes, next time.

You caught that, right? Chicago, ONTARIO?
LOL

Anddddd...
The most awkward moment of our shopping experience was when I went bra shopping. With a guy running the stall. And helping me find the right size. AWKWARD. But, hey, it could have been worse... I've heard stories of other women shopping for those here, and having the stall person feel them up to size them! (A woman doing that, though... there are lines SOMEwhere!

After our shopping excursion, we went to a hotel where there was a pool. The kids and Nathan swam, and I sat in the breeze under an umbrella, and read my book I've been working on. We had a fantastic, tasty chicken, rice, plantain, and fries lunch. Soooooooo good. Some local Cameroonians came later for a swim, too, and they played with the kids. The kids brought pool toys with them, and water fights abounded. It was great fun to watch from a safe distance.
The kids were pooped after their long playtime, and I was pretty tired out, too, from the sun. But it is a good tired, and I accomplished so much today! I'm already mostly packed for our upcoming trip!

I'm so glad I got the opportunity to go to Bertoua today with the Conrods. :-)