Sardines

(originally sent 4/10/07)
Using public transport in Cameroon is usually a squishy experience.  If one were to take a bush taxi out of Bertoua a few years ago, one might find a vehicle about the size of a mini-van with wooden benches.  Usually such a vehicle would say on the back '19 places,' which means that they expect to have 19 passengers on such a taxi.  This, of course, was very cramped, and one would find that it was necessary to bring one's knees close to the chest and cram them into the back of the person in front.  Of course, one would expect also to have the knees of the person behind also crammed in the same way.  In addition, one would find that in order to fit sideways, one must arrange one's shoulders to be either in front or behind the shoulders of one's neighbor.  The only direction one would find space would be up, but of course the loud clamor of African music from worn speakers would soon fill that space also.  In addition to these minor discomforts, there is also the possibility of livestock (usually chickens or goats) either in the passenger space or on the top rack and a pile of cargo that occasionally doubles the height of the vehicle.  And because of the bumpy dirt roads, wear and tear on vehicles, and logging truck traffic, one can also expect weather or dust to intrude through the windows, doors, and floorboards.  Add to all of this the heat and humidity and you can also expect a smelly ride.  
This was not quite the case today.  We were a bit crowded, but certainly not packed in like sardines.  However, we did have sardine sandwiches for lunch (my first time, and they were quite good).  Mike and I traveled first from Yaoundé to Douala in a very nice bus with meal service (pan au chocolate, on of my favorite choices at the bakery), then we took a taxi across town to catch another bus to Kumba.  When we reached Kumba we took a taxi to the CBC compound where we were treated with a bathroom break, some cold water, and a little visit with some missionaries there.  After some shopping in the Kumba market, we headed to Big Bekondo.  And to my delight (perhaps mixed with a little disappointment at the loss of adventure), the Bekondo road was in good repair and we only went 4-wheeling a few times.
Now after a warm greeting by the Scott family, a warm meal, and some time of singing with the Scotts, I am ready for a nice refreshing shower.  I still smell a little bit of sardine that dripped onto my skirt:0)