Accidental Tourists
When we left the US last August, my primary goal for the year was to get us home alive. Not because it is much more dangerous here than in Cleveland, let's face it. I have a much lower chance of getting raped here and petty crime (in terms of pickpocketing, etc.) is not a problem. Okay, there are road bandits. But my main concern was disease, in particular the feared mamba snake (not to be confused with the delicious mambo chocolate bar), of which we have seen none although there was a sighting from our car but I was too busy fretting about something else to see it. Anyway. . . . since we are coming the end of our stay, I'm ready to wrap up the list of illnesses which hurt but did not kill us.
Linden: bizarro skin rash all over. Had a shot of cortisone and some pills and it disappeared; three very high fevers over a few days, none of which were malaria (called "fever"), and one of which sent her to the hospital in Dschang for a night; another rash, not to be discussed; vomiting during the second night of our stay; skin completely peeled off her hands and feet, like a snake, that girl.
Marie: Vomiting during our second night here; big, fat black and purple bruise on her butt from falling on Mount Cameroon; two djigger infestations in toes; two "catepiller" insects peeing in her eyes (first right, then left); big infection in left foot; sprained ankle from falling down stairs after a rain; hurt arm and shoulder from being hit by a motorcycle in Dschang (not serious enough to warrant the trouble--and I mean trouble--of going to the hospital).
I have just asked LInden if she remembers more illnesses I've had and she said "shoe fever." Okay, I did buy a lot of shoes here--cast-offs from Europe and really cheap!!
I believe that we will get home alive. After all, Linden's were illnesses that she could just as well have had at home (well, hopefully not the vomiting) and mine were often self-induced from my favorite past-times, falling and not watching where I am going.
We are heading out now to Te-Claire, our favorite restaurant, where Gertrude is the server and Linden is nicknamed "Gertrude II" because she likes to help out. It is pouring rain. Hopefully, we will arrive in one piece.
By the way, Barcelona won the soccer match against Manchester. Yippee!! Barcelona has a Cameroonian player (Eto) and is the favored team here. He made the first goal! The Party House was rockin'! Also, SDF (the social democrats and major opposition to Paul Biya and the RDPC Party) had a big rally here a few days ago. Cool. The Party House was NOT rockin' for that!
Comments
Posted by: Prof W Wilson
Posted on: May 29, 2009 01:33 PM
Hello Dr. Lathers,
A member of our faculty is seeking promotion and you have been noted as an expert in the discipline who may assist us by reviewing research materials.
I realize you have been out of the country for almost a year - but I am seeking a reply if you could assist us by September, please. I will be happy to send details.
Many thanks,
W Wilson
Director
School of Art and Art History
University of South Florida, Tampa
Posted by: Prof W Wilson
Posted on: May 29, 2009 01:33 PM
Hello Dr. Lathers,
A member of our faculty is seeking promotion and you have been noted as an expert in the discipline who may assist us by reviewing research materials.
I realize you have been out of the country for almost a year - but I am seeking a reply if you could assist us by September, please. I will be happy to send details.
Many thanks,
W Wilson
Director
School of Art and Art History
University of South Florida, Tampa