Next week is shaping up to be a most exciting and relaxing week, at least for me and the other homeschool teacher. The Barillas are heading to Yaounde, the capitol of Cameroon, and invited me and Sam to tag along. Of course, part of the trip will be business—Sam needs to apply for a visa extension. But, I fully intend to enjoy myself. The Barillas were talking about the food they’re planning on eating during the trip: chicken, pizza, Chinese. I wouldn’t even be ashamed to say that I’m going mostly for the food!
We will be gone with the Barillas through Wednesday. On Thursday, Sam and I will teach our only day of the week, and then we’re off again on a mini-vacation with the Loescher family Friday through Sunday. I’m definitely ready for a break! And I’m quite enjoying the benefits of being a teacher here in Cameroon.
Last night Sam and I cooked our first chicken since we’ve been here in Cameroon. (Of course, Sam did most of the cooking; I simply helped.) We knew we had a whole chicken, so it would have to be cleared, but Sam was up to the task. She started working on the chicken, but before long, she came into my room: “Rachelle—the chicken has a tail! I need your help.” I headed into the kitchen to help her. Thankfully C decided to come help us too. The tail turned out to be a head … and claws. And the chicken still had some of its innards.
C bravely cut off the head and legs. She said it really wasn’t that difficult, considering she had previously had to chop of the head of a live chicken. I was really grossed out. Then C insisted on taking a picture of the process; in particular, a picture of Sam and me holding the chicken parts. They forced me to hold up with head. I had to put a plastic bag on my hand before I would dare touch it, and even then I was really creeped out. Sam enjoyed tormenting me with the claws. I was so traumatized by the chicken experience that I actually dreamed about the chicken last night. Despite the psychological damage the chicken imposed upon me, I enjoyed eating it. It was delicious!!
