Hilton

Perhaps I should have posted this picture first in my travels in Camaroon---this is the Camaroon Hilton in Yaounde. It's the very first thing I found when I did an initial search in Camaroon and it gives me an excuse for a little rant that has been building up for the past 20 years or so. Here we go----WHAT ON EARTH IS THE POINT????!!!! Why would anyone (other than a Camaroonian looking for a luxury time) stay here? Why would a vacationer stay here? Presumably if you want to visit Camaroon, you want to see Camaroon? Why would you travel so far and then stay in a place that's as much like home? I suppose a business person might stay here to impress his client--but what a disservice! If a person is going to do business in a foreign country then it's crucial that they should experience that country. I suppose to be fair, I guess I can think of a very few situations where staying here would be a wise choice--but only a few.

I think I've been bothered ever since I went to Hermasillo, Mexico and saw the Club Med at the beach. Our group--which was staying with local people, was having so much fun! The beach was just as pristine--and we got to prowl around the street vendors and even had a few come to us--Pig Snout on a Stick anyone? I wouldn't trade that for anything. I could see through the gates at the Club Med and saw the --yawn--tennis courts. Wow. Tennis courts, nice rooms and American food just like home. I simply don't get it. Don't get me wrong, I like my luxury too but why go abroad and risk things not being the way I like them? If I want things MY way then I want to go where I know they are MY way--my favorite restaraunts, hotels, mineral pools, shows etc.

In Camaroon? I don't want 600 count linen sheets (unless that is what the country really goes for). I want hippos and rainforest and taxi drivers and different food and different languages and to see the homes, workplaces and shops of those who really live here.