Cages: It's All About Perception

The other day, a bird flew into my apartment. It was flying all over my main room (containing my kitchen/living/dining room). I really wanted to take a picture of this birdy flying around my house, but I was afraid to let it out of my sight in order to go get my camera. So instead I just sat down and watched it fly around, keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't poop anywhere, until it found its way back out the open window. 

More recently, I was gazing out my window when I spotted a bird gazing back at me. It was sitting among the baby green bananas on the bananier (banana tree) outside my "kitchen" window, just hanging out. As I was looking at it through the bars on my window, I thought sarcastically, Who's in the cage now eh birdy? That would be me!

But then I realized… Wait! I can't be in a cage! That goes against everything I believe in! And more importantly, the name of my blog!

And when I thought about it, it really wasn't true. Here I am, living in a different society, in a different language, in a different country, on a different continent. Having this grand old adventure. Plus, my house no longer feels like a box (or a cage) that I simply exist in… it's finally beginning to feel like home. Although there is still minimal furniture, I do have my bed and shelves, so that I don't live out of a suitcase. I have a fully stocked kitchen, including: cutting boards, a rolling pin, spatulas (both kinds), knives, measuring cups, a dutch oven for cooking, a pan for sautéing, several pots for boiling, a tea kettle, a whopping total of THREE mugs and FIVE forks and bowls… I even have some art, both American (courtesy of my wonderful family, a sign saying "Wake up and be awesome!") and Cameroonian (some masks and wall art), bought and homemade (check out my curtains!). In other words, I'm basically living a life of luxury. Just wait  until I buy a mirror and know what I look like, or until I buy a giant tiger rug. Then it will really be a life of luxe… 

My kitchen corner...

Handmade curtains!

Wall decor and candles in wine bottles...

Another mask... 

Mosquito net's up... No malaria for me!

Some negative people would point out all the things I don't have: fridge, washer or dryer, dishwasher, rugs, dining room table, chairs, bookshelves, a shower, running water more generally… And they would tell me that I don't have much. 

But I've got oatmeal and olives and a makeshift oven.  I've got friends new and old. I've got family and neighbors. I've got love and libations. I have adventure and youth and the whole world for exploring. Sure, I have complications and barred windows too. But I'd say it's pretty worth it, to hang out with young people here discussing women's rights and why Nelson Mandela is one of my role models.

Besides…. What else would I be doing? Sitting at home, jobless and watching tv? 

Little yellow birdies!