The queue held people of every age and background: elderly, middle-aged, pregnant women, young adults and children, all standing under the hot sun. Everyone waited for a chance to enter the American Embassy; the heat did not deter us.
A security guard kept the line orderly, much like a teacher arranging pupils for morning assembly. Nearby, on a quiet street in Yaoundé, stood an imposing building that housed a foreign embassy. The embassy grounds were empty—no people, only the country’s flag fluttering in the wind.
Still, the American embassy was crowded with applicants, many of whom arrived earlier than their scheduled appointments. The casual “African time” stereotype didn’t apply here: when it came to immigration appointments, people were punctual—often early.
Eventually, the guards started admitting us for check-in. It was there I obtained visas for my family and me. We arrived in the United States in October two years ago. Since then, I’ve noticed many things about this country that continue to fascinate me.
1. When something is sweet, it is truly SWEET. The first snacks we bought at the airport branded America as the “land of sugar.” The sweetness felt intense, almost overwhelming. High-fructose corn syrup is added to many products, so I quickly learned to read labels to avoid hidden sugar. It appears in unexpected places—baked beans, lunch meats and many processed foods. The overall impression: sweet flavors are elevated everywhere.
2. There are many visibly overweight people. While I knew of only one very large person back home—my aunt—here such figures are common and they often wear everyday clothes comfortably: jeans, T-shirts, fashionable tops and sometimes shorts. In summer you see people of all sizes wearing what they like. Initially I found myself staring in surprise, but over time I realized it reflects different cultural norms, lifestyles and food habits.
3. People here are remarkably polite. Even airport immigration officers can be courteous while enforcing rules. I once heard an officer politely tell a traveler, “You may want to go back and put that in your luggage,” referring to an unapproved item. It sounded like a suggestion, yet it was clear the instruction had to be followed. Holding doors open and small acts of courtesy are common in public places.
4. The ubiquitous American smile is noticeable everywhere. People often greet you with a bright smile—sometimes fleeting, sometimes genuine. Smiles are part of the social fabric, appearing in shops, offices and casual encounters.
5. Many Africans find employment in caregiving roles, such as in group homes or nursing homes that serve elderly or mentally and physically challenged people. A number of migrants took these positions after leaving professional careers in their home countries. The work can be demanding—assisting residents with basic needs, providing daily care and supporting those with complex medical or behavioral needs. These facilities can sometimes feel like hospitals without in-house doctors, and caregivers often manage a wide range of responsibilities.
6. People here tend to be open and forthcoming. Casual conversations can quickly move into personal territory. For example, when I opened a bank account, the banker shared details about her pregnancy—her due date, that she already has a son and that her mother would babysit when she returned to work. Many Americans seem comfortable sharing personal details with acquaintances or even strangers.
7. Babies receive a lot of attention and compliments from strangers. My children have been showered with praise wherever we go. After the birth of my third child, nurses at my postpartum visit fussed over her, repeating how cute she was. The frequent compliments are heartfelt and relentless; if I were paid for each one, I would be well rewarded.
8. Emergency services respond quickly. Calling 911 often brings a rapid and coordinated response from police, paramedics and firefighters. When a young nephew missed his stop and could not be found, a 911 call prompted an immediate search. On another occasion, a fast home labor led to a 911 call that brought paramedics and police, and the baby arrived safely at home with professional help present within minutes.
There are many more observations and small surprises about life here, and I plan to share more in the days ahead. If you left Africa for the United States, please share what has fascinated you about America in the comments below.
I love you all—yes, you too. Have an excellent weekend!