Canada Day in Cameroon
on The Road Less Travelled (Cameroon), 02/Jul/2010 07:00, 34 days ago
I have been in Yaounde for the week doing a bit of work here and hanging out with Greg and Caroline. I have been staying at Karen and Jonathan’s house. Karen works at the Canadian High Commission. Yesterday for Canada Day we were invited (as all Canadians were) to the Canadian Residence for Canada day. In addition to all Canadians in Cameroon, most of the foreign diplomats were also invited.Karen and JonathanThe Residence had been decorated with Canada flags, and tents (in case of rain). There were bars set up along with hors d’oeuvres platters. We arrived a bit early because Karen needed to be there a bit before all the dignitaries arrived. We met the High Commissioner (Jean-Carol Pelletier) again, last time in March when we had attended the BBQ we had also met him. Dario, the country director for VSO, also attended which was nice.Karen, Jonathan, Greg, Caroline and MeOverall the party was a success by my standards...open bar, live music, and lots of mini food items. However the dismal music selection put a damper on the evening. Although Canadian music was on the live choir’s repertoire, only French Canadian and Christian songs had been selected. The lack of Avril, Alanis, the Barenaked Ladies, Bryan and Stompin Tom Connors was felt by many, especially me. Next year I believe the party could be significantly improved if there was karaoke after 8pm once people have had a couple drinks. Who wouldn’t enjoy watching the Chinese and Spanish ambassadors performing a duet to “If I had a million dollars”?Caroline and Greg by Propaganda (ps.Vote for Canada)For the special day I had had a dress made. Miraculously in Bamenda my friend Heather had spotted some fabric that had maple leaves on it.  So I had a very Canadian dress!Me in my special Canada Day Dress VSO Volunteers: Me, Greg, Caroline, Rebecca, Maxime and Steffan