Ambition in Action: @African Bakeries and Fish Stands
CAMEROON
Travelling by road in Africa, especially for longhauls, can be quite ambitious. As he drove me between the sibling cities of Youndé, Cameroon’s capital, and Doula, Steave shared his story of how he ended up as a baker. While the details of his circuitous journey seem serendipitous, his ambition was obvious. Since he’s the mastermind behind a large chain accessible for local budgets, it was a bit of an irony that our first landing in Doula was at an upscale bakery. The proliferation of pretty places to please palates is now a practical possibility in developing nations. Where finding something that simply resembled a croissant was a big enough win back in the day, now, one can rendezvous or rely on at least a handful of elite establishments.
Where does human ambition originate within our own beings? I wondered what (sub)conscious or societal signals shape the destiny we dream of and the depth of our drive to dip in.
The baked goods and coffee were a welcome reprieve after the three-hour road trip. Believe it or not, bakery tourism is booming and tbh, I’d probably do more of it if I could. Even through the tall windows, I could see that my belly wasn’t going to be filled with just carbs, but with a texture and taste that wouldn’t be had for the rest of my time in Cameroon. I wondered what the owners were thinking as they picked out those pink floral arrangements. Perhaps it’s a sight we’re used to seeing as a backdrop in businesses, but def not the norm here - yet.
You may remember my friend Fadi from our food tour in Paris. Finally, it was time for us to meet up at her homebase in Doula! Although she chose this swanky bakery because she loved it, folks have often made recommendations that seem safe, similar and familiar. My least favourite one was when I was nudged past the armed security guard into the McDonald’s in Karachi Pakistan … silver lining: their spicy ketchup made it bearable.
The drive between the cities had taken us past daily detours and destinations, a reason why I opted to go by road. I saw Sanaga River Dam, “one of the greatest hydropower potentials in Africa”, some wall graffiti, then the proof of what the human mind can conjure up.
These umbrella canopies were a simple solution to the strong sun. Clearly, the West has its wonders, but placing it on a pedestal as the sole goalpost feels like watching only one slam dunk in the Olympics - there’s a lot more talent that’s out there.
What are we here to do? In knowing this, perhaps we could pinpoint our particular powers and gifts, then pledge them according to our purpose.
Fadi’s second fave spot took us streetside. Here, fresh fish was caught and sold under streetlamps by those that over time, become one’s go-to. I ordered and sat on furniture that was hauled in and out for these nightly markets. On most occasions here, the quintessential form of sitting is on plastic chairs. So, I let myself sink in and slurp up the serenity in this simplicity.
How do we transmute the pressures that lead to Possibilities while also safeguarding our spirit? The societies and superheroes that swing between the success of stature and soul are surely onto something.
For many, work and “do” is more understood than rest and “be”. When do we really rejuvenate … letting the mind quiet and the present seep in - all without planning the next play? I looked at the men and women who perhaps had no choice but to slog (from and) till the day’s edge. Suddenly, I felt like I was now sitting on a throne, even if it was plastic.
Just as the fish was digesting and we mapped out our next moves in Douala, live music pulled us kitty corner. Here, there was fresh fish, and dancing!
What I admire about the African way is how the sweat from the struggle and hustle continues contagiously, until the perspiration is coming from the simple pleasures of peace, partying together and prioritizing proper connection.
May our ambitions lead our lives to a place where we can leverage what fuels us,
Beautiful!