Featured Travel Diva: Erika Awko
Destination: Cameroon, Africa
Her name: Erika. Her mission: to bring peace and encouragement to those less fortunate. Her recent trip to Cameroon, Africa with her husband, Rich, certainly aligned both personally and professionally (A Friend to the Homeless, Inc.). But even more so, it developed a greater sense for new found cultures and exploring new lifestyles.
Read our latest Travel
Diva Q&A on how Erika fulfilled yet another dream, while doing it in the name of public service.
1. Destination: Cameroon, West
Africa
2. Number of Travel Days: 21 days
3. Reason For Travel: Leisure/business
4. Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours
going; 20 hours coming home.
5. Any fears about traveling abroad?
I did not have any fears. I was excited about visiting Cameroon because it was my
husband's homeland. Plus, I was excited to visit the orphanage (Mah D's) that our non-profit
organization (A Friend to the Homeless, Inc.) partnered with.
6. Lodging: I stayed with
family. I had the opportunity to see various lifestyles. Cameroonians are very
family oriented, and they made sure my husband and I were fed in abundance and taken
care of.
7. Cultural experience: I visited
Cameroon in December. This is their festive time of the year due to the
holiday season. I enjoyed several parties filled with cultural dancing and
music. Food is a big part of the culture, and it is in abundance due to the
richness of the soil and the abundance of farmland. I had an opportunity to
interact with the natives in their way of living in both their households and nightlife. The nightlife in Cameroon is very festive and lively. In most
areas, a number of restaurants play live music and serve food.
My favorite City is Limbe and Bouya. Limbe is a city on the water and has a beautiful beach. When you visit the
beach, you have can eat fresh fish from the water and it is roasted in front of
you. The fish are huge, nicely seasoned, and delicious! The scenery is beautiful! Bouya is located in the mountains. It gives you a scenic view, and it is much cooler
than most of the cities in Cameroon because of its location. I visited five cites, and these two were my favorite mainly because of food and scenery.
8. Favorite Dining Experience: I do not have a favorite dining
experience mostly because I had so many people cooking for me. The best places to eat
are Limbe and Bouya, and many street vendors serve delicious appetizers
such as meat pies, meat on a stick, fish, beans, plantains.
9. What encouraged you to travel? I
love to learn and experience new cultures. Also, my
husband is a Cameroonian native, and he was eager to take me home to meet his
family and see where he grew up. I am also passionate about helping those who
are less fortunate. My non-profit organization partnered with an
orphanage in Kumba, Cameroon. This was my first opportunity to meet the children
and be able learn about their needs and how we can serve them.
Erika, your trip and experience in Cameroon is truly inspiring. Please continue to make the world a better place as well as pave the way for more Travel
Divas to take flight!
