Know thy geography

When we tell people about our upcoming trip to Cameroon, the usual reaction is “Wow!” followed by “Where is that?”

While many people know it is in Africa, the geographically-challenged have added, “South Africa?”

Um, no. Different country, same continent. Cameroon is the pink blob near the middle-left (yes, that’s the technical term) and South Africa is, well, at the south. Pretty far away from each other.

I’m always impressed when someone knows exactly where Cameroon is. Two people, to be exact, have waved a hand in the air, approximating the western curve of Africa, then finished their air drawing with a dramatic, “And Cameroon is here,” jabbing a finger in the armpit of their invisible art. Very impressive.

I’ll confess, when my friend told me of her plans to move to Cameroon, my reaction was “Wow!” followed by “Now, where exactly in Africa is that?”