Cameroon is indeed a country filled with love, hospitality, and some of the most sincere people I have ever met in my whole life. My first step in Cameroon was embraced with heat and a sense of relief. After a long trip filled with stress and nervousness, I made it there successfully all by myself.
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We would make our way out of the main city Yaounde and go to other towns and villages. After a four-hour bus ride to the town Limbe, we arrived at my mom’s friend’s house and stayed there. The simple one-story house was equipped with a simple living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.
And the lack of hot water and electricity in the bathroom couldn’t shake the love within the walls of the house.
The next day, we quickly left to see more of the country and meet some of my mom’s friend’s family. I couldn’t help but admire the genuine caring his family all had: they would welcome you with the type of warmth friends for generations have.
Friday, we woke up early so my mom and I could talk to the girls in a town called “Tiko.” When we got there, I was surprised to see the school conditions. The school was made out of brick and was all on one floor.
They welcomed us with flowers and a beautiful song from the school chorus:
My mom went on telling her story and sharing that they have to empower themselves and their sisters. Even though this school was anything but fancy, the students’ pride and joy overshadowed all of that.
When I asked them questions, I saw how thoughtful and intelligent they all were. Every answer came from within them, and they were eager to hear more insight. It touched me when I saw they didn’t have one computer in the whole school.
Watch me asking the students questions here:
We made our way out of the rocky roads to Buea, which is up in the mountains. There, we saw the orphanage that held more than 30 children in a two bedroom. Even though they didn’t have much, happiness was felt everywhere.
Connecting with the orphanage kids was one of my favorite experiences in Cameroon!
I loved the way they would all laugh at my American accent and the way their eyes would light up when we compared schools.
Connecting with the girls my age made my heart flutter, and the simple gesture of requesting my Facebook information was enough. Speaking with people that really want to know you was something different from my normal experience.
The next several days were filled with meeting more family members and visiting other towns. One day I will always remember is going to the village of Tombel. The rocky roads and the reckless driving all made this journey more exciting. We passed through a long row of shrubbery and jumped in our seats over the boulders in the dirt road.
The miniature village looked no more than 50 people. The rocky street was surrounded with one-story houses. Children played on the rocks with ease. The village had a great sense of unity and that’s what made it so different from the cities of Cameroon.
After meeting more family members, going to a Cameroonian church, and getting caught in a rainstorm, we made our way back to Yaounde. The next day was spent cracking jokes, eating more good food, and exploring the zoo. The simple but eye-opening zoo contained lions, snakes, and monkeys.
The lions were majestic but fierce. Their gleaming eyes left me feeling at home. Valuable relationships and friendships is something we all need.
Until next time, Cameroon….
Mirembe Fisher is 14 years old. Her mother’s people are from Uganda and Ghana and her father’s people are from Guyana. She loves to play volleyball competitively, read, and watch YouTube videos on the latest fashions and makeup products.
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Mirembe, I am glad you had a nice experience in Cameroon and I hope you will go back. I am sure now you appreciate everything you get from your Dad and Mom. I like your article and I know you love to read. Keep up the good work. Love you.
Yeah Mirembe, if there is one asset we Cameroonians have is "LOVE " for one another. Am glad you were showered with our Cameroon love and peace. Please come again. Before i forget did you eat some fufu and eru? ha! ha! ha! ha!
Yes ! I love Cameroon. I ate eru and loved it
Great article....I just returned from Cameroon last January...it was the <3 greatest experience of a LIFETIME!! I am currently putting my wonderful experience, photos, videos, etc. into some type of book and/or media form. I will be making plans on going back again later this year. While in Limbe, where you able to visit the enslavement department site Bimbia?
I appreciate your mind towards "Cameroon my Nation as i call it". however, as a witness of this trip you made to Cameroon with your mom, i wish to give a score mark to this article of yours. And really like the way you did enjoyed your stay in Cameroon. Also, i promise that, whatever you eventually missed out because of the very limited time you had due to your school program, i will make sure that, Eagle Travel Agency & Tourism"Cameroon Tour Operator" makes you visit All Africa in One Country; CAMEROON, and actually eat more Cameroon food. "WELCOME TO CAMEROON".
I also use this opportunity after Mirembe Fisher's Article, to invite you reading this to Join her in this train of enjoyment and discover your life time joy with us. Just with a like and share of this article, makes you a candidate to visit All Africa in One Country; Cameroon, under our very special Invitation Letter to you!
Nicely written Mirembe! We are so proud of you our young writer. Keep it up dear.
Mirembe_Fisher,what a lovely article?I feel honoured to hear you talk about the hospitality of our people,it's really an inbone character.Love and respect is all we have got and this has made us so unique as a people and as a nation.I hope you'll come again and remember,everytime you visit Cameroon,you will always learn something new.Your mom can testify this to you.Keep going girl!Africa is proud of you!!!
Loved hearing about your experience and the beautiful people of camroom
Yes ! Cameroon is wonderful ! And my mom visited the department site , I will go see it next time !