During my stay in Cameroon, I couldn't resist the allure of Yaoundé. This ancient city, adorned with lush hills and verdant landscapes, instantly reminded me of Kigali. The upper district of Bastos, a hub of vibrant nightlife, upscale hotels, and opulent residences, including those of numerous diplomats, stands out as the crown jewel of Yaoundé.
French reigns as the official language in Cameroon, but the neighbourhood of Obili is a testament to the country's linguistic diversity, hosting the largest anglophone population. English and Cameroonian pidgin (creole) are widely spoken and understood. A fascinating linguistic development in Cameroon is the emergence of a hybrid language, blending French, English, and local dialects. The culinary scene in Cameroon is a true reflection of its cultural diversity, offering a vast and varied cuisine that I believe is unparalleled in Africa.
Conversely, Abuja is a mixture of solid planning and a typical sub-Saharan African city. The people are equally diverse, with English as the official language. However, most people speak Nigerian pidgin English (creole) or a variant of English. Abuja's central area is dotted with trees, wide roads, and carefully planned boulevards and avenues. It is in the savannah and hinterlands, with a balance of rainfall and sunshine. As with the rest of West Africa, there is no winter. Instead, there are two seasons: rain (wet) and dry.
Abuja has a metro system, which the government is trying to sell to the people. Nigerians are unfamiliar with the concept of a public transportation system. Despite the vastness of the city, it lacks both public transportation and a standardised emergency system. The city is the fastest-growing in Nigeria, doubling in population within the last decade.
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