Yesterday I arrived in Casey’s concession around 11 for a Cameroonian Thanksgiving. We took some quick pictures (because we looked nice for once) and then the chicken cooking process began. It took all day.
We started by watching the slaughter of the 4 chickens (we couldn’t do it or the concession couldn’t eat the meat since we aren’t Muslim and it wouldn’t be halal). I have a video of it, if anyone is curious about the process. We then put the carcasses into tubs of hot water for defeathering. Casey and I did 2. It was weird at first but after awhile it was oddly satisfying to rip the feathers off. The mommas then rubbed the chickens down, removed the icky bits, roasted them a bit, and dismemembered them. After that the cooking started, which Casey and I didn’t see much of because we went to buy soda, watch Ocean’s Eight, and have a dance party.
We had a pre and post dinner dance party , so I was pretty tired by the time I went home.
I have to say the chicken was some of the best food I’ve had here. It was even more delicious because I knew I’d helped with it. Casey explained the meaning of the holiday to the concession, and we dug in. All in all, it was a great Thanksgiving! I had mashed potatoes and chicken, got to video call my family and introduce them to all of Casey’s concession kids, and learned something new about Cameroon. Any day I learn something new is a good day here, and there’s a lot I am thankful for while living here. This year I am thankful for newvillage friends, my fellow volunteers, my adorable cat, my new furniture, and my vacation in 29 DAYS!!! Most of all, of course, I am thankful for my family. I really cannot wait until I see my parents, my brother, and my cousin Emily in the UK. These next few weeks better go by quickly!!!
All Abroad! 