January 14, 2010

--Last night we’d agreed that we’d all be ready by 9 am for a day trip to Kribi. 9 am came and went, we sat down to breakfast at 10, and finally at 11 all was ready and we piled in the Land Rover with a picnic lunch. Going through the east side of Douala was as interesting and congested as we’d remembered – the streets were packed with a sea of humanity, goods, big trucks, little motorcycles, all going every which way. We emerged to miles of sparsely settled countryside, then we crossed a big river, admired the rusty old bridge built 80-90 years ago by the Germans, and we were in Edea where the Titis lived and Raphael worked his way up the AluCam corporate ladder. We turned south, again in rural countryside, and drove another hour. We turned off on a rough and winding side road that took us to a beautiful clearing with a few small houses on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean! Years ago, before any development had started, the Titis bought this property and built a seaside home.


--We walked a short distance, took off our shoes and waded along the shoreline. There were several weathered dug-out canoes on the beach, men repairing nets, two canoes with fishermen were visible out on the horizon, it was still and beautiful. All of a sudden we looked up and a table was being carried down the hill to the beach on a man’s head! He was followed by someone carrying chairs and the cooler - this was the picnic spot!!!
--The table was placed under a large tree, covered with a tablecloth, then drinks and sandwiches – but first, in turn, Raphael poured water on our hands, we soaped and rinsed them, and helped him. Then we took our places, joined hands, and gave thanks for all our many blessings, and tried to absorb the majesty around us.

--After lunch we waded, picked up shells, and then, reluctant to leave, we went back to the car. A drive through Kribi brought us to another clearing where we were immediately mobbed by several boys clamoring that we hire them as our guides to see the Lobe River Falls and take a tour up the river in dugout canoes to see some pygmies. We declined, and walked the beach till we had a good view of the falls – a dramatic sight. A group of boys were playing soccer on the beach and they intermittently took a dip, then back to their game. Curio stands were abundant, and it was fun looking at necklaces, calabash bowls, clothing, paintings, etc – we were tempted until while bartering the original prices suddenly were higher. We kept all our money and the merchants kept their goods.


-- We were all quiet on the way home – we’d had a full day, seen a lot, and were absorbed with our thoughts and feelings – our hearts were very full and glad.