September 22, 2012 – Saturday
Peace Corps Staging
Location: Yaounde, Felydac Hotel
Our first full day in Cameroon, Yaya, Kristen and Laura gave us a crash course in Cameroonian culture, the general do’s and don’ts and gender roles. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
1. Most gatherings begin with prayer
2. Elders in the community are extremely respected and are seen as being very wise
3. Greetings are very important, especially to neighbours. Handshakes are accepted only within people of the same “class”. You can never reach out to shake the hand of someone with a higher status than you, you have to wait for him/her to extend their hand first.
4. People dress up super fancy to go out, the Cameroonian motto is better late than dirty!
5. Being late is accepted, infact, expect it!
6. Privacy and anonymity are scarce in this culture, so we have to be prepared to give up our personal space.
7. To call someone over, Cameroonians make hissing or kissing sounds…
8. We shouldn’t be surprised if during meal times we are served fish heads, chicken heads and feet.
9. Always say Bon Appetite before beginning a meal
10. Visits from the opposite sex after dark imply a sexual relationship, so keep the door open. Cameroonians believe there is no such thing as a platonic relationship between a man and a woman.
11. Men here are assertive, most female volunteers say they’re married (that’s what I’m going to do).
12. Child abuse and Spousal abuse is common. It is illegal, but common.
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